Employability For Designers

Originally published on the old rob-gill.co.uk in 2015.

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Employability for designers⁠

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Description

This week, my boss(es) at XD have asked me to present a talk about employability. How to succeed in an interview, how to get the attention of the interviewer and pitfalls to avoid that definitely won’t help you get the job.

Rather than me just presenting my thoughts, like the previous two lectures introduction & portfolio I’ve pulled together many opinions from my team and contacts within the design industry.

I’ve curated their answers, by highlighting trends in advice, and removing some conflicted suggestions. Personally I feel content for this lecture (although a little dull) is the best advice I’ve given so far so make sure you download the PDF and keep it handy for when you’re about to be interviewed.

In conclusion I picked out some really nice bits of advice that summarise the entire talk, I’ve listed these below:

• It was quite a big shock to find out I didn’t know as much as I thought… ask your tutor for contacts and network with the industry when you’re still at university.
• Be prepared to take criticism about your work, don’t take it personally…
• Prepare for the worst, get friends/family to ask you the most awkward and difficult questions
• Ask questions and show interest in their projects and aims
• Where you start isn’t where you end up. People lose interest, have ideas of what you want to do next, and even after that…
• The CV is dead… the only thing I look for on a CV is a link to a website with some work on it…
• One of my best cards to play at an interview is to say I know the complete process behind making [motion graphics]. They eat that shit up! …even if they don’t ask, I tell them!
• Pick a selection of companies and do something personal for each. Go that extra mile! For each company I applied too and I wrote a letter with a personalised illustration - worked a treat.
• For a graduate, it’s not about your previous work or experience, as you don’t have any, it’s about your enthusiasm and passion This can’t be faked. You either have it or you don’t and an employer will know if you have the passion. The skill set can be learnt on the job. The passion cannot be.

Thanks to my colleagues and friends who helped me out with advice! I hope all you students found it useful, sorry if it was lacking killer visuals this week.

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Presented at

University of Central Lancashire
30/11/2015

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