I just graduated college with a BA in graphic design 4 months ago, and have been searching for a enrty level graphic design job since then, with no luck. I have had ONE interview, and that was for a design assistant, not an actual graphic designer, and, I was turned down.
My resume is very professional and well put together. I did an internship while in school, so I am not completely without experience. My portfolio is great(or so I am told). So what am I doing wrong? Is it just that these types of jobs are being swarmed with applicants, and there is a shortage, or am I doing something terribly wrong? I just can’t seem to get anyone’s attention and I am becoming very frustrated in the process. I have been jobless for 4 months now. I need a job, and the only thing I went to school for was graphic design, so unless I plan to work at Burger King, I need a good design job.
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Why not try the forum at http://conceptart.org ? Their last board is specifically for those looking for jobs.
As far as actual advice, sorry, no help there…
It is difficult to break into the industry, especially in the present economic climate. There will also be many graduates looking for positions so competition will be fierce, all you can do is persevere.
Try to organise a meeting with a local creative director or art director, ask for a portfolio critique – you might find few acknowledgments if you use a standard letter try to discover the name and job title of your targets, make it a person-to-person approach. Your first/only contact with most agencies will be your resume and application letter, depending on your sought position you might tailor your application material.
Best of luck
Hello,
You may start as a freelancer, there are a lot of design project at http://ilyesoft.99k.org/scriptlance.com.html and http://www.getafreelancer.com/affiliates/IlyeSoft/ .
So I advice you to start by these projects and you can make a lot of money, and make a good experience too…
It’s free to register and to bid on projects, so you can start now…
Good luck !