Don’t just update your CV; get yourself noticed!
There are more jobs than ever in the Creative industries, home and abroad. But that also means the competition is on the rise, so stand out and give yourself the best chance of bagging the creative job with these helpful tips and suggestions.
On your marks, get set…
Firstly, you need to be prepared before applying for jobs; but this doesn’t mean just making a few tweaks to your Cover Letter.
How’s your LinkedIn profile looking? What have you been ‘liking’ on Facebook? What kinds of photos are up on your Instagram page?
Make sure you’re employer-friendly!
1. Work on your personal projects
This could be anything from your personal brand identity to your portfolio of work so far.
Remember that your potential employer has hundreds to go through, so make yours clear and engaging to the best of your ability!
2. Get your portfolio reviewed
There’s nothing as useful as having a second, third and seventh pair of professional eyes assess (and criticise, I’m afraid) your work. Get feedback from those more experience than you in your chosen sector – it’s the only way you’ll get better.
3. Promote yourself (and your skills)
A killer portfolio is, of course, just a start. To land a good creative job, you need to push yourself out there!
Most traditional employers still prefer to see a physical portfolio, but you can back it up by promoting yourself online – with blog posts, publications, a personal website, etc.
4. Network till you drop
That means attending workshops, talks, seminars, armed with your business cards and an aura of enthusiasm. It’s also quite useful to stay connected with old classmates, colleagues and industry contacts, as you never know who could be your future employer!