Re: FN-FORUM Re: Jumping on the "criticise me" bandwagon

date posted 16th August 2000 17:09

Note: Speaking from experience here, I'm 21.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Atai S." [EMAIL REMOVED]

> I usually apply for a job, and the URL is only on the CV, and it's last in
the list.

Stick it on the top. You are applying for web design jobs, the first thing
they will want to see are the sites you have completed. Also print out a
hard copy of your graphics work, to wave in their faces at the interview.

I stick my CV at the end of my portfolio, they have to flick all the way
through to get to it. It's also next to a picture I retouched of a rather
lovely young lady.....works every time ;o)



> So to conclude my speech, I'll have to say that the "industry" works both
> ways, for and against you, no matter what qualifications or skills you
hold
> and possess.

First. Forget about the qualifications. When the consultant from my agency
asked why I hadn't been to uni, I said:

"Cos I took the wrong A-levels (Maths, Physics and Chemistry....errrk!),
spent all my time designing webpages and dropped out to do a vocational
computing course"

He laughed and said "Cool ... that's what I did"

Moral of the story: Any design house worth their salt will spot (your really
rather ferkin amazing) designs and forget about your lack of qualifications.
If you are good, your designs will show it, not your qualifications.

Second. Forget about freelancing (*ducks*). Get yourself a perm job which
will in turn get some big names on your portfolio. If you don't mind
re-locating, try some of the London based agencies. The design houses down
there are screaming out for 'hip, young designers'. Ring them personally and
meet face-to-face if you can, don't bother with the online databases unless
you really have to. Far too many agencies stick your details in a database
and then wait for a job to match, rather than interview you and actively
match you to a job.

Jon '10 GCSE's & 1/2 BTEC' Hadley

Designdojo.com Ltd.
E-Mail: [EMAIL REMOVED]
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