We recently advertised for another web designer to join the family here at Heart Internet. Based on the varying approaches applicants took, I’d like to share some tips from a recruiter’s perspective to help you find your first job as a web designer.

Be creative with your CV design

Take the opportunity to create an immediate positive impression by using your CV creatively. A simple Word doc isn’t memorable. Use colour or a unique lay out to instantly show case what you can do. These templates from Graphic River represent what I mean nicely (don’t actually use a template, they are just examples):

– https://graphicriver.net/item/-3piece-swiss-style-resume-set/155832

– https://graphicriver.net/item/modern-resume-template/310537

– https://graphicriver.net/item/stylish-resume/909548

Your portfolio

Web design is a visual medium, so you must be able to demonstrate your skills using an online portfolio. Listing all your experience is one thing, being able to show it is another. Because you don’t have much, if any, commercial experience, your most effective tool is a stunning portfolio. Additionally, tailor your portfolio for each employer.  For example, if a job is looking for JavaScript skills, make sure they are easy to find on your portfolio.

If you need inspiration on how to create your portfolio, you’ll find some crackers here:

– https://www.1stwebdesigner.com/inspiration/web-designer-portfolios-2012/

– https://webdesign.tutsplus.com/articles/general/elements-of-a-great-web-design-portfolio/

– https://speckyboy.com/2011/05/08/building-a-great-web-design-portfolio-10-best-tips-40-examples/

Don’t exaggerate your experience

The first thing to keep in mind as a first time jobber is most employers aren’t expecting you to have tons of experience. Being a little loose with the truth on how involved you were with projects might get you to the interview stage, but if they start asking for more detail it will soon start falling down around you. For example, if all you did was write a paragraph of one page on a new website don’t make bold claims such as “Wrote SEO optimised web copy for launch of new website”. It won’t take many questions to pull that apart.

No filler on your CV

Employers are busy and can smell filler a mile off. Don’t pad out your CV with made up experience such as “Built bespoke CMS driven website for my Aunty” or use irrelevant skills such as being able to pay utility bills on time.

Dress for the occasion

If you have got to the interview stage (congrats!), turn up presuming you should wear a suit. Even if a company has no dress code (like us), it is safer to wear a suit than turn up in jeans and t-shirt. No one will mark you down for being smart, but you may if you don’t. So why chance it?

Research the company

90% of all interviewers will ask you what you know about the company. If you have made no effort to research them, don’t expect them to hire you. It literally takes 30 minutes to get a good background on a company, and that could be the difference between a job or job hunting.

What always impresses me is if a candidate gives ways he/ she would make our website better, or identifies an area we can improve. This shows they have not only looked at our website, but also engaged with it and thought about it.