We’re so glad you’ve hung out with us on this trip through graphic design job search tips. Soon you’re bound to encounter a myriad of experiences, from the highs of landing interviews to the lows of facing rejection.
Oh my, the stories we have on rejection could write many a country western ballad. However, how you navigate these moments can significantly impact your future opportunities. In this installment, we delve into the importance of maintaining positive professional relationships throughout your career.
Coping with Job Rejections
Rejection is a natural part of the job search process but can still sting. Graphic Designers are people, too. Instead of dwelling on rejection, view it as an opportunity for growth. Ask for feedback (there’s that word again). Reflect on the feedback received, if any, and use it to refine your skills and approach for future applications. If you can’t get a critique out of them, flip the switch on your analytical side and seek continuous improvement. Make them sorry they didn’t grab you when they could. Remember, resilience is key in the face of setbacks and might be blessings in disguise.
Professional Conduct Post-Job Offer
Once you’ve secured a job offer, it’s essential to handle the situation with professionalism and integrity, regardless of whether you choose to accept or decline the offer. We would advise, even if you know right away you will decline or counter, respect them by requesting some time (a day or two) to speak with family or mentors. If declining, express gratitude for the opportunity and provide a brief, respectful explanation for your decision.
Be prepared if the counteroffer doesn’t go your way financially. Keep in mind, there are other things to negotiate for; our time is money, maybe they can concede in areas that you can get time back: professional development days, invest in some training for you, time for experimental or personal development projects, or more work from home time. Remain flexible, not entitled. We live in a big world, yet a small community, and burning bridges at this stage could have repercussions down the line.
Etiquette on the Job
Once you’ve landed a position, maintaining professionalism doesn’t stop at the acceptance letter. It’s crucial to uphold proper etiquette in the workplace, including punctuality, communication, and respect for colleagues and superiors. Be teachable, and learn their way of working. Don’t be rigid. Every team has its own processes. Your process is not your identity. The same goes for those of you who are entering a leadership role; don’t change everything on your new team overnight to fit your way. Introduce appropriate change with respect to those that came before you.
Trust our seasoned advice here: take ownership of the smallest of things, and you will be trusted with much larger things. Anticipate needs and try to get ahead of requests. If you have bandwidth offer it to your team. You’ll look like a superhero.
This might sound odd, but hear us out — In smaller companies, helping to keep common areas tidy really makes a big impact. This is the serving others thing again: maybe offer to take out the trash; make the team a pot of coffee (if you’re good at it); load or unload the dishwasher, etc. These suggestions might sound petty, however these initiatives contribute to a positive work environment and can bolster your reputation within the organization. It isn’t about what is or isn’t in your job description; It shows ownership and that you take pride in your work and where you work. Lead by example.
Additional Relationship Considerations
Beyond basic workplace etiquette, there are additional steps you can take to cultivate positive relationships throughout your career. Be anticipatory. Be humble. Be quick to own your mistakes. Do not make excuses for them. This includes actively seeking feedback, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt, and offering assistance to colleagues when you can. Networking events, industry conferences (we choose not to date ourselves by talking about the Unisource Papershows back in the day), and online communities also provide valuable opportunities to connect with fellow professionals and expand your network. Go to as many as you can while you can. Life has a way of taking more and more of your time as you advance in your career — get out there!
In conclusion, the graphic design industry is fairly small in Chicago and is built on relationships. Burning bridges can have lasting consequences. By coping with rejection gracefully, conducting yourself professionally at all stages of the job search process, and actively nurturing positive relationships throughout your career, you’ll be better positioned for long-term success in the field. Your reputation as a good person is more valuable than how great of a designer you are.
SINCERELY,
Sean Fermoyle
Graphic Designer/Art Director
SEANFERMOYLE.COM
Robert Robbins
Creative Director
ROBERTWROBBINS.COM
