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Business

Posted by rachelweaver
rachelweaver
15,876 Points

A few questions about portfolios and the job search?

I am about ready to build my portfolio site, and I plan on applying for web designer jobs next month. I have a few questions:

Is 5-7 pieces enough for my portfolio? It's mainly icon sets, some illustrator artwork, an email template, and a few websites.

Is it OK if all of my portfolio is entirely self made with no clients?

How can I search for jobs that are strictly deign related and entry-level? When I look on job boards it seems like everyone wants a full stack developer with 5+ years of experience and a bachelors degree.

What questions can I expect during an interview?

2 Answers

Erik Nilsen
Erik Nilsen
20,433 Points 
Is 5-7 pieces enough for my portfolio? It's mainly icon sets, some illustrator artwork, an email template, and a few websites.

Yes, for the most part employers are looking for pieces and examples of work that you are most passionate about. Make sure you can talk about these pieces, what was challenging for you, and why you did the things you chose to do.

Is it OK if all of my portfolio is entirely self made with no clients?

As a Junior Designer, I think it's expected. Agian make sure you can come off as passionate about your examples.

How can I search for jobs that are strictly design related and entry-level? When I look on job boards it seems like everyone wants a full stack developer with 5+ years of experience and a bachelors degree.

Don't worry about it. If you are interested in the role, apply. I won't hurt if you do and gives you a better shot than if you don't apply. Many companies don't advertise Junior positions.

My favorite junior job board is: http://www.jrdevjobs.com/

What questions can I expect during an interview?

Honestly Google is your best friend here: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=web+designer+interview+questions

rachelweaver
rachelweaver
15,876 Points

thanks!

Adam Duffield
Adam Duffield
30,494 Points
Adam Duffield
Adam Duffield
30,494 Points

Hey Rachel,

5-7 is more than enough! As a Treehouse made student myself, I managed with just 3 websites on my portfolio site and only one of them was for a client but was made in wix. As for the job hunting I began hunting for standard developer/designer roles, stooped down to juniors with still very little luck and just for the interview experience I went for an apprenticeship. I got the apprenticeship job and after two weeks my boss saw that I was more skillful than what he had asked for so he scrapped the apprenticeship and offered me a full time position.

My point is...if you can already know or can prove that you can do the job, the only hard part is getting your foot through the door. So many applications will get turned down but if you can secure an interview you can pitch how valuable you really are, especially by being self-taught. Interviewers love self taught ;)

Good luck! If you ever need any advice drop me a message on http://www.ajduff.co.uk

Regards,

Adam

rachelweaver
rachelweaver
15,876 Points

Thanks for this!