TOP 5 ways to land an interview with a CD

BY catherine baird
2011/02/22

Dashboard Digital Agency Top 5

For the past six years I’ve had the chance to meet a great number of amazing designers by being in a position to hire them. I’ve also met, mentored and done mock-interviews with a heck of a lot of students. From all of this, I’ve distilled down my top 5 secrets for getting an interview with a CD. It worked for me when I was applying for jobs in Paris, France. Maybe they will work for you.

  1. Be prepared and make it easy. Sounds pretty obvious but having a final project done but no finished portfolio with your other work is the kiss of death. CDs want to see all your work, not just one project. Get your work together in a quick and easy way for the CD to go through it… my secret? PDF. Put together your resumé, and best work in a PDF with links directly to pages in a website. Want to make a website? Make it simple. If I see a loader, I’ve closed it to answer a phone call. And most importantly, put your work first. I’ll never look at your resumé if I don’t like your work. Period.
  2. Do something unusual. I get minimum five emails a day from people who want a job at Dashboard. Boring. Do something different. Send a hand-written card, brand yourself, or make a video. One of our art directors here drew sketches of presenters in his class and sent them along with his portfolio. Nice and noticeable.
  3. Follow up, but never write long emails. Creative directors are busier and more stressed out than you can possibly imagine. If you send a long email be sure it will not be read. And if you haven’t heard from someone, don’t immediately assume they are not interested. Sometimes emails just get lost in the hundreds that go through our inbox each day. Sometimes we just need a reminder.  But please, no stalking.
  4. Show Diversity. If you paint, show your painting. If you play music, send links to your songs. If you travel, show your photos. If you do anything in addition to design it shows you as a well-rounded, interesting and creative person. It’s not just about your work. It’s about you too. It’s also a great conversation starter in an interview.
  5. Network. It’s a small, small industry. The easiest way to get an interview is to build up a group of people who respect your work and work ethic. Be nice, work hard and don’t burn bridges. Go to events, take people out for coffee, get out there!

Lastly: If you can’t get an interview, ask for a portfolio review. It might work. A junior designer once asked me and I was so impressed when I met him I hired him on the spot. Worth a try.

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  • 22/02/11

    Jacoub Bondre says:

    Notice how, "Apply through HR" is not on the list. While I'm not encouraging people NOT to apply through HR, I will say this. If you apply through HR, you book will be looked at when the company needs to hire someone, and doesn't have anyone front of mind for the postion. However, should you be able to get an informational interview, or book review with a CD directly, then you have a chance at being the front of mind person, that prevents the company from looking through tier jobs folder.
    • 22/02/11

      Dashboard says:

      You're bang on Jacoub. Only applying through HR has less impact than getting your work directly in front of the CD. Making a lasting impression on a CD goes a long way.
  • 22/02/11

    Cecilia Gorman says:

    I continually emphasize the "do something unusual" to students and juniors. You HAVE to get someone's attention, which is nearly impossible amidst a sea of incoming portfolios. Every point you make is spot on! Cecilia Gorman @adschooladvisor
    • 22/02/11

      Dashboard says:

      Again, standing out from the crowd is always great advice and not just for students. The amount of portfolios that get passed on to our CD's is astounding. The ones that make an impression usually end up getting an interview or a portfolio review at the very least. Thanks for the great comments.