Are you a new graduate of graphic design? Congratulations, the future looks bright! However, you must remember that choosing your first job is a crucial decision, for this is where you can explore career options in the design field, and your stepping-stone for your success. Job-hunting after college might pose as a challenge, so you should prepare your key to several doors of job opportunities–your first resume.
However, let’s admit it; you have a lot to beat before landing your dream job. How will you compete? Read on to find out.
Your First Resume: The Right Key to the Lock
Your first resume should reflect your skills in graphic design. Your potential employer will look for it first. Take note, employers scan tons of applications every day, so you need to make it outstanding.
Another thing, do not overdesign your resume. Some applicants focus too much on the design and they tend to forget the most significant parts. Remember to display your home address and contact details (i.e. email address and phone numbers) on top. Next, highlight the skills you have, and match them to what your potential employer needs. This way, your first resume comes across as a delight in the eyes, not only because of the design, but because it contains what the employer needs to know.
Your Portfolio: Removing the Lock
If employers ask you to submit your portfolio, then you’ve entered the second round. Because the graphic design industry could be labor-intensive, hiring managers expect you to cope up with their demands. One way to gauge your skills is through your portfolio. Aside from showing your work and achievements, the design should match your first resume. If you do so, you show cohesion on your work. You could even create your portfolio to include full details of what you don’t have space for in your resume. This way, your first resume and your portfolio are equal in theme, but also your advantage to impress the hiring manager further.
When making your portfolio, your approach should be professional as you enter the corporate world. Keep in mind that employers are not looking for perfection; just show them the skills you possess, your abilities, and your willingness to learn and try new things so both you and the company benefit from one another.
Your Interview: The Door to Career Success
Your initial interview could leave you stressed even prior to the actual interview. The best thing you can do is to prepare; conducting mock interviews is a good way to practice and get feedback. When you’re already at the interview proper, remember to breathe and relax. Show the interviewer how interested you are, and how you can be an asset to their company. Of course, don’t forget to bring copies of your first resume. You could also bring a copy of your portfolio.
Before the interview, review what you included in your resume and portfolio. You must be prepared to share anecdotes detailing how you could add value to the company. During the interview, if you could use your first resume and portfolio as visuals, then do so. Remember, they are not only looking at your graphic design skills, they are also looking how well you can fit in with the team. After the interview, thank the interviewer, and make sure you didn’t leave any personal belongings behind.
The Secret’s out
Finding a job after college is a long and trying process, but this can be a valuable learning experience. However, here’s the secret you should know: balance is key. Yes, your resume is the key to all applications, but the key to creating a first resume in graphic design requires a balance of design and content. Translate what they see in print to real life as you walk in to interview. Show them a balance of your soft and hard skills. After all, it’s not only in first resume that balance is key. When you design, don’t you also strive for a balance of design and space?
Now that you know the secret, you won’t have much of a hard time looking for jobs. Should you need expert opinions on the content of your first resume, don’t worry; Resume Valley is here for you.
Sources: youthdesigner.com| justcreative.com
Image Source: isorepublic.com
