Are you interested in a career as an illustrator, artist, or journalist? If you’ve ever interned at a creative company or agency, you already know how stiff the competition can be for entry-level jobs. Internships are a good start to pad your CV and start making industry connections, but you’ll also want to keep the following tips in mind to boost your chances of signing a creative contract.
Can you sum up what you have to offer in one or two sentences? If not, start writing a draft. You should be able to spin your talent and show recruiters what makes you unique from other candidates in a limited amount of time. Think carefully about what makes you stand out, and what you have to offer the industry.
Follow Up on Past Applications
When you’re trying to work your way into the creative industry, you’ll want to take advantage of any and all networking opportunities. After you’ve been rejected from a job application, it’s natural to shut the door on that experience entirely. Yet if a company says they will keep your CV on file or you think an interview went particularly well, it’s always worth reaching out with an email to put your talents back on their radar.
Spend Time on your Cover Letter
In addition to a killer portfolio and clearly laid out CV, it’s imperative to spend some time crafting a cover letter that will make you stand out. In a tight job market for creative, this is a chance to show off your creativity and drive. Do some research into the company first, so that you can show a basic understanding of their market and demographics. Proofread it carefully, particularly if you’re applying for a writing job!
Hone your Online Image
It would be naïve to think that a potential employer won’t Google your name and search for your social media presence. Keep this in mind if you have a personal blog along with Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. You can use your online profile to your advantage, particularly if you’re trying to break into the field as a writer, designer or photographer. Showcase your latest projects as well as an avid interest in your field of choice.
Take Pride in your Portfolio
Once you’ve made it to the interview stage, you can expect to discuss your portfolio in-depth. Go through your portfolio, writing down the key points you’d like to discuss about each piece. Try to choose pieces that show your diversity. For example, if you’re breaking into photography you’d want to show off your wildlife, travel, and street photography as this post on Nowlearning.com.au discusses. You may be asked questions about your work, or even criticised so be prepared to defend your decisions if necessary. At the same time, taking constructive criticism well is a positive trait that employers look for.
Breaking into competitive markets like writing, photography, and graphic design is a daunting task. For those with little experience, it can seem even more impossible. Yet by creating a solid portfolio and a strong online presence you’ll stand a better chance of catching your big break.
– Agata Jajszczyk