How to get that Web Design job?
We've been looking for freelance Web Designers as well as recruiting for a Senior Web Designer here at Base Creative and seeing the varied applications that have come in has made me wonder what it takes to get that Web Design job. Here are my 5 top tips:
1. An up to date Portfolio is a must
Web Designers win work or employment on merit and your portfolio is the single most important part of your application as it best demonstrates your skill and knowledge. When looking at your work an Agency will want to know that you and your work can represent them to the standard they portray to their clients.
Use your portfolio to showcase your understanding of design principles as well as your design flair. You should try to include different styles of work, but also examples based on current web standards and be ready to discuss the methods you employed when building any of the sites you've included. Prepare one or two examples from your portfolio that you can talk through to show your passion, skills and understanding.
If you've had very strict briefs, your own website is a great place to showcase something with a difference. Don't be afraid to include an example or two of 'unpublished' work if it will demonstrate your experience in the field. In contrast, if you're extremely creative in your work remember to include a clean example, too - most Agencies will have clients that need this.
Lead roles (such as Senior Web Design roles) will require you to be able to lead the creative aspect of projects, whether it comes to ideas or standards. If your portfolio, or at the least your own web site, is not current, you're not conveying your passion or knowledge to the Agency that you're trying to win work or employment from.
Finally, ensure your portfolio is relevant to the job - if you're applying for a Web Design role the largest part of your portfolio should be based on design for web.
Sidenote: While other types of 'creatives' can get away with using online portfolio services, as a Web Designer you in particular would be benefited by having your own website. Since you will not have any restriction by way of a brief it shows off how you like to design/code and is another way to show your understanding of web design principles.
2. Know your industry
The web is ever-evolving and so are the principles of Web Design. You should be able to demonstrate work that employs those principles as well as talk about them confidently.
There are numerous websites and blogs that regularly discuss issues affecting Web Design where you can keep in touch with developments as well as varying opinions. Conferences are another great arena to keep in touch with developments in the industry.
Any Agency will expect their Web Designer to have an interest as well as take part in the Web Design community.
3. Know the Agency
This is said to any prospective employee, but it's an important consideration even for a Web Designer. Since so much information is available online (particularly for a Web Design Agency) researching and being familiar with the Agency will show your interest, provide you with great conversation material as well as a basis for questions to ask in the interview.
Yes, asking questions really does make you come across as interested in the role. Keep the list of questions relevant and appropriate.
4. Stand out from the crowd
In addition from the portfolio you will most likely be including a CV and a cover note (even if in the format of an email). Bear in mind the number of applications that may have been received. Has your CV stood out from the crowd?
A CV is applicable to any prospective employee and while we're all inclined to include as much information as possible you should take the time out to tailor it to the job spec so that you can tell the Agency that you are THE person they are looking for. Designers can use their primary skill to their advantage and use some creativity in the design of their CV.
If you're a freelancer contacting an Agency to find work you can use some creativity for that email or other contact method you employ.
5. Be confident
You're applying for the role / job for a reason. You believe in yourself, your skills, and that you can be a great asset to the Agency. So, you just have to show them that.
Easier said than done, I know (even I applied for a job once). Everyone gets nervous at some time in job interviews and the Agency will understand this. However, the Agency will want to know that you can convey your ideas to their client with confidence so if you can't convey passion, enthusiasm and confidence to them (beyond your nerves) they'll be wondering how you will show their clients.
Finally...
After the interview, if you haven't heard back from the Agency by the time they said they would contact you feel free to contact them - you may earn a few extra brownie points.