My inbox had got to that point where I needed a good clear out...
And so I boldly clicked on the reverse date button and came across some old job application responses that I had received earlier in my graphic design career. Most were a case of "this position has been filled" others were a "no positions right now, but we'll keep you on file," that kind of thing. I have to admit even if the response is negative, at least somebody has taken the time to reply which has to be applauded. The amount of e-mails to nowhere I sent in my job search (and no doubt many others' job searches) is beyond belief.
Other applications were deleted without even being opened (yes, I asked for a receipt when opened), which personally I find rather rude.
This one I found a little bit unconstructive. Not only that, but I received the feedback in February, when I had had the interview in the November the previous year:
- A little bit inexperienced
- Didn’t really sell herself
- Did not demonstrate understanding of our audience groups well enough.
I found this rather cutting at the time, and I find it cutting 3 years on. Granted, I was inexperienced, that I don't deny, however, this would've been apparent on my application form (the job in question was a really long hand written form).
I didn't sell myself well - how could I improve on that? To this day I am hopeless at addressing a room, I need constructive and objective comments, not to learn that I'm rubbish at it. I know that already, I'm shy and I have to live with that in every public scenario, but to see it in black and white is quite hurtful, especially with no attempt at advice on how to improve. It's also quite difficult to accept that some people can't see past the fact that addressing others in not my strong point. I might not talk a good game, but the work I produce hits the spot for my clients, and that is good enough for me.
Understanding audience groups. I did understand the audience group, it's just that my portfolio did not reflect the work they were looking for. This is another tricky one. With often days to prepare for an interview and working and commuting full time, there is little time to hone a portfolio for every job interview, especially if you're looking to branch into another field.
And so, I come to a few tips to current design job seekers:
Yes, there will be times when you are firing off 1000 applications a day with no response and it feels like you're surrounded in a blizzard of unhappiness, and nobody understands you.
Yes, you will be advised to look in other fields.
Yes, you will be told you are inexperienced, and yet there is nowhere to gain experience.
All of which you have probably already experienced.
And then, one person will believe in you.
They will believe in you so strongly that they will give you the chance to start on the design journey you always wanted.
Until then, check out websites like
www.designcrowd.co.uk and get some briefs under you belt, enter competitions, and read magazines. Got an interview? That's great! Tailor your portfolio for them. Somebody will believe in you. Let 2016 be the year of opportunity!
On that note I shall sign off! I hope I have inspired at least one person out there. We've all been through it, so I wanted to share that you are not alone :)