1. Have an online portfolio
This might seem obvious to many, but your full PDF folio is likely to be very large, and could be blocked or fail to send. Having an online presence allows you to put all of your work in one place, and you can tell the full story of each project (6-8 projects is enough) at your own pace.
2. Social media should be an extension of your folio, not the core
This one speaks for itself!
3. Have a PDF CV and mini folio with hyperlinks to your projects ready to go
Save them to your device or in the cloud.
4. Tailor your emails
In your cover letter introduce yourself briefly and say why you’d like to work at this company. Mention projects that you liked (and why), and why you think you’d be a good fit for this placement/position.
5. Curate your work
Come prepared to any interviews you might get, with a PDF of the projects you’d like to talk through. Take the time to present the process you went through. If you have projects you think are relevant to this agency, include them!
6. Research who you’re meeting
Looking up your interviewer on LinkedIn isn’t stalking, it’s showing that you’re taking the time to prepare for your meeting. If you find something you have in common with this person, use it as an icebreaker!
7. Come prepared with questions
You might have specific questions on projects the agency has worked on, but maybe have a couple that you can ask to every agency such as “could you describe the agency culture in three words?”
8. Follow up
After your interview, follow up with an email thanking the individuals for their time. If you’re keen on the role, say so, and if there are any further questions ask them here. Just by doing this, you’re more likely to get a response regardless of the outcome.
9. Seek out opportunities
Keep an eye out for opportunities on job boards including:
- LinkedIn
- Ifyoucouldjobs.com
- thedesignkids.org
- wethemakers.club
- creativepool.com
- creativelivesinprogress.com
10. Don’t give up
Don’t get disheartened by rejection. Instead, take as much from each experience as you can, and see it as a positive that you’re heading in the right direction. At any stage of your career you are likely to get more ‘no’s’ than ‘yes’, but that isn’t necessarily a reflection on you or your work – it might be culture, circumstance or even that the agency recognise that you won’t get as much out of the role as you would want. But do keep going.