Job bored? Job Board!

November 13, 2009 • 12:49 pm • POSTED BY Jim Walls

I limit myself to a strict allotment of three exclamation points per annum. This warrants my second of 2009. We just launched a 160over90 job board. Want to work with some really fantastic and talented people? Apply within, or bookmark it for a rainy day. Designer and Copywriter up now.

Here are a five quick tips I usually share when speaking to groups about how to get a job in our field:

1. “I am a recent graduate of…” A real resume killer, and you’re certainly not distinguishing yourself from the other zillion recent graduates also vying for the same position. If you graduated from design school, you’re a designer. Sell yourself as such, and don’t apologize for your lack of experience. Your book will speak for itself.

2. If you’re sending potential employers to a Web site that’s perennially under construction, get your work up on indexhibit right away or don’t bother.

3. I probably read three cover letters a year, and only if they’re short. Don’t take it personally.

4. “Portfolio samples available upon request.” Assume we’re requesting. If you’re applying for a creative position, your work tells us more about you than the typeface you chose for your resume ever could. Unless you choose Hobo, Fajita, Courier, Comic Sans, or Webdings.

5. Just because you had a piece produced for a recognizable brand name doesn’t mean it should be in your book. If it’s not something you’re genuinely proud of, don’t show it. Also be careful if something has a visible date on it. If your work literally says “2002″ or features Sinbad in a non-ironic use, consider moving on.