How to Apply for a Design Job

[treehouse presents How to Apply for a Design Job with Dan Gorgone] 0:00 Many of you are already looking for the next opportunity 0:05 to work on a freelance project or to get hired by a company. 0:09 Lots of people and places need designers to create logos, 0:12 ads, graphics, and entire websites. 0:16 Therefore, if you're a designer and you're looking for some work, 0:19 you want to be prepared when opportunities arise. 0:22 If you're looking for work, you have to prove that you can do the work. 0:25 Portfolios are a must for designers. 0:30 And whether you create them on your own website, 0:33 on a blog, or some other platform— 0:36 you have to ensure that they're easily accessible and viewable. 0:38 Don't send your files in an e-mail. 0:42 Make the process simple and send a link to an online portfolio instead. 0:44 And as you develop that portfolio, 0:49 give your work some context as well. 0:52 Include descriptions of the work you did in each case— 0:54 explaining the reasoning behind your work and what problems you solved. 0:57 Ultimately, you want to connect your work to the job you want to be considered for. 1:01 So that means if you're applying to be a designer, 1:06 you need to show great designs. 1:08 If you're applying to be a coder, you better show off some great code. 1:10 And while you're at it, make sure your website is something you coded yourself as well. 1:14 Either way, make it as easy as possible for whoever is considering your work 1:18 to find it and check it out. 1:23 But your own site or portfolio is only half the work. 1:26 You still have to apply for the job. 1:30 And this step is just as important. 1:32 When you see an opportunity, pay attention and do some research. 1:35 If the job is for a client, pay attention to the specific points 1:39 and requirements listed. 1:44 Be prepared to prove that you can address these needs. 1:46 And if not, explain how your experience still qualifies you as a great candidate. 1:49 If the job is for a company, check out their website, 1:54 read about them on blogs, visit their social media profiles. 1:58 Get a feel for their identity as well as their personality. 2:01 As you craft a cover letter and speak with people at the company, 2:05 be sure to share your thoughts and feedback. 2:09 Showing that you're paying attention and have taken an iterest in the company 2:11 increases your value against the casual job applicants sending a generic cover letter. 2:16 And whether you're sending an introductory e-mail or a classic cover letter, 2:22 make it compelling, make it impressive, 2:27 and please make sure there are no typos. 2:30 Many hiring managers will happily just toss out a prospect's information 2:34 at the sign of the first typo. 2:38 Because they believe it shows that you don't have attention to detail 2:40 and didn't care enough to double-check your work. 2:45 Ensure that your work is correct. 2:47 And 'wow' them with details that you find interesting 2:50 about their products, work, and company as a whole. 2:53 Show an interest in them and they'll show an interest in you. 2:56

You need to sign up for Treehouse in order to set up Workspace

Sign up