How do I get a job in design?

Finding a job in design is not particularly easy with the design job market being one of the most competitive industries out there. Most design companies when they advertise jobs seem to always ask for users to have at least 3 years experience so the chicken and egg scenario starts - how can I gain the experience when no-one seems to take a punt?

This is a question we get through from users all the time. So here are a couple of suggestions.

General suggestions on finding a design job:

• Keep trying - it's tough thing to break into anything to do with design! The problem you face has faced us all when we first start.
• Work on your portfolio - and I mean really work on your portfolio. As you'll have no experience the only way that you are likely to impress an employer is by having a fantastic portfolio. And believe me it needs to be amazing as you will be up against a lot of others. If you can and you know the type of work the organisation you are going to does then try and make your portfolio match what they are looking for - no point in going to a packaging design job with corporate id work.
• Do things that suit the job you are looking for. If you are a web designer oddly enough it may help to get some urls up. If you are a fashion designer - make some clothes. You get the drift. Again this may sound lame - but you have no idea how many people we get ringing up saying things like I'd like to be a designer and have not worked towards getting there!
• Courses - have a look for some. Courses can be a pain and expensive but you will pick up bits and pieces of useful information from them. Having at least 1 qualification is almost mandatory on a CV these days! Not only this but often you'll meet like minded individuals and can swap ideas, your tutor may even have connections.
• Register with us - sometimes we get training jobs and junior roles online. In fact we advertise them for free. If you fill out our quick CV we'll use this to match up as well as we can jobs that we think are useful and email them to you. Ain't we nice!
• Try and get some local work - a small company that needs a site - ask around - or find someone who needs a site - do one for your parents or for a friend or for a relative..
• College - talk to them. Most colleges I have seen have pretty big career sections on their site, they should be experts in placing students in their first job.
• Harrassment. Hassle friends, family, design companies, recruiters anyone you think may have access to a job. Offer design companies to work for free. Each step is a step closer.

Finding that first job can be tough! We wish you luck.

the creativepool team

check out our other career advice sections

• CV writing Tips
• First Impression Interview Tips
• Questions to ask at your Interview
• How do I get a job in design?
• Perfect Interview Techniques
• Common Interview Questions

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