Now that you have your personal brand, writing language style, resume, website, and any other marketing content all nicely organized, it is time to start using them.

This means finding postings for positions online, job boards, professional social platforms and checking the sites of business where you would like to work. On the surface, this might seem like the most challenging part. However, if you treat it like any other project and utilize a process, set milestones, stay focused and disciplined; you’ll find yourself getting into a rhythm and flow with how you seek, review, apply, and follow-up with potential employers. Remember, our tips are meant to be modular, take what you like, leave what you don’t and make it your own.

First and foremost, networking is key. Period. Full stop.

Tell all of your friends, family, acquaintances, etc. that you are seeking a new position in your field. This makes everyone around you aware and possibly more sensitive to noting a position they hear about that might bring you a job lead. Leverage your connections on all your social networks in the same way. You don’t have to post your resume or go into great details about why you are seeking a new role; however, simply letting your online network know you are looking will expand the reach of your network exponentially. A post could read something like this: 

Hey everyone!

Just a quick update from me—I’m on the lookout for a new opportunity as a graphic designer with a forward-thinking organization. If you happen to come across any openings or hear of something that might be a good fit, I’d love to hear about it! You can check out my portfolio using the link below, and if you’re able to share this message with your network, I’d be incredibly grateful. Thank you so much for your support!

Warm regards, 
[your name here]

It can be short, to the point, friendly and casual; a great opportunity to get your website out there.

Once you have spread the news of your job search to your general networks in your life and online, you can reach out to your professional colleagues and connections.

LinkedIn is a great place for such notes as most connections there, even those you may not have ever met in person, tend to be more professional and industry-focused. Send a message to those people in a similar way that you told your wider network, but with a more professional tone and courteous language.

It might go something like this: 

Hi Dave,

Hope you’re doing well! I noticed we’re connected on LinkedIn and thought I’d reach out. I’m currently on the lookout for a new graphic design role with a forward-thinking organization, and I couldn’t help but think that your company might be a good fit. Could you point me in the right direction to chat with someone about potential opportunities? Your insight would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks so much for your time!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Second, after you have sent the messages and put the feelers out to your network that you are looking for a new position, it’s time to check the creative industry job boards. These tend to be more focused and detailed regarding the roles, positions, responsibilities and needs they are trying to fill. The companies on these creative job boards will also speak your graphic design language, and you’ll be able to more easily gauge a potential fit. Exploring job boards and online resources, and having a weekly schedule as to how many leads and opportunities you’ll reply/submit to is up to you.

Set a goal of what you’ll send out and see how that feels by the end of the week. Adjust as you see fit, keeping in mind a healthy balance. The point is, make sure you keep it as digestible a process as you can, because looking for work, can be work. Pace yourself, but be steady and consistent.

When looking for a role within organizations, the more niche your search and specified the title is within graphic design, the easier it’ll be to stand out.

If a position for simply “a graphic designer” at an advertising agency is posted, it’ll get hundreds, if not thousands of applications.

Example: If a role for a Brand Designer is posted by a design studio specializing in Healthcare, that is a more specific role and industry. If that posting appeals to you, when applying you’ll probably have less competition. Knowing how to be flexible, stand out, and make an impression will help you get that interview.

SINCERELY,

Sean Fermoyle
Graphic Designer/Art Director
SEANFERMOYLE.COM

Robert Robbins
Creative Director
ROBERTWROBBINS.COM