Job Search for New Design Grads

Welcome to the Creative Workforce!Presentation on Job Search for New Design Grads

New Grad Presentation

Employment Opportunities

Graphic Designer Production Artist

Web Designer Web Developer

Art Director Creative Director

Copywriter Proofreader

Marketing Manager Marketing Communications Manager

Copyright (C) 2009 Creative Niche Inc. All rights reserved.



Project Manager Account Manager

Studio Manager Production Manager

Content Manager Content Editor

Technical Writer Web Producer




Not-so-obvious roles….

Information Architect User Experience Specialist

QA Specialist SEO/SEM Specialist

Media Buyer Web Analyst

Social Media Manager Online Community Manager



Job Search Strategy

Well-researched targets

> identify a list of potential employers> research each company> consider your needs and goals



Job Search Strategy

Tailored resume

> approach as a marketing project> complete skills inventory> review your accomplishments> use appropriate and truthful phrasing> PROOFREAD!



Job Search Strategy

Focused portfolio

> should represent where you want to go> customize to suit role> be mindful of the size and format> it’s about quality, not quantity



Job Search Strategy

Continuous self-promotion

> good quality business cards> samples of your work that you can leave behind> portfolio in PDF format> online portfolio

* must be compatible with majority of users



Where to work?

Things to consider:

> Salary + Benefits

> Work/Life Balance

> Mentorship

> Career Advancement

> Work Environment



Work Environments

Design Firms & Studios

> entrepreneurial environment

> little internal process

> wide variety of projects

> can have demanding hours

> winning over larger brands and accounts



Work Environments

Advertising Agencies

> creative environment, youth culture> demanding hours> lots of process, bureaucracy and office politics> large, multi-national organizations> adapting global campaigns for local market> limited variety of projects> few opportunities due to economic conditions



Work Environments

In-House or Client-Side

> heavily processed workflow

> high level creative awarded to agencies

> can provide satisfying work experience

> reasonable work/life balance

> structured and corporate



Work Environments

Independent Contractor or Freelancer

> requires both creative and business mind

> effective self-marketer and networker

> sales, collection, customer service

> control of workload and hours



Work Environments

Freelancing through recruitment agencies

> source for short and long-term placements> work in different environments> agencies handle client inquiries and complaints> competitive wages and reliable payment> career counselling> professional development



Finding Work

General job search websites + publications

> job search for various positions across all industries> used by many corporate and large companies> Examples:monster.ca

workopolis.cacraigslist.org

Toronto StarToronto Sun



Finding Work

Industry related websites + publications

> source of industry news and trends> job postings are industry related> Examples:

Editors.caMultimediator.caMediajobsincanada.caDavidcrow.caMeshjobs.ca

Applied Arts / appliedartsmag.comDesign Edge / designedgecanada.comMarketing Magazine / marketing mag.comStrategy Magazine / strategymag.com



Finding Work

Professional members associations

> fee-based memberships> access to association events and publications> Examples:Canadian Marketing Association

Interactive OntarioThe Society of Graphic Designers of CanadaThe Association of Registered Graphic Designers of OntarioCommunications Designers of Toronto



Finding Work

Networking + professional development groups

> online and IRL*> opportunity to network and share advice> free and fee-based events and seminars> Examples:Facebook.com

LinkedIn.comAgencyScoop.comMeetup.com

Ad LoungeThird Tuesday TorontoFITCFlash in T.O

* in real life ;)



Finding Work

Potential employer website

> go straight to the source> most company sites have a career section> highlight the benefits of working for them> Examples:

TD Canada TrustTelusRogers



Finding Work

Recruitment or staffing agencies

> freelance, contract or permanent opportunities> access to companies that don’t recruit off the street> job boards are regularly updated> once registered, you are considered for any open roles



Working with Creative Niche> career-minded, long-term relationships> we work to correctly match your skills and goals to job opportunities> objective assessments and reviews> recruitment team works collaboratively> competitive wages and salaries> work with Canada’s leading employers



The Perks

> our referral program> earn gifts cards worth up to $200*> your choice from a list of preferred vendors

> grassroots seminars (no-fee)> led by candidates, clients and CN staff> cover wide ranging topics



Connect with Creative Niche

Register online with us! www.creativeniche.caUpload your resume and portfolio (PDF or URL)

Follow us on Twitter: @CreativeNicheFollow @AccountNiche too! (it’s our sister division)

We’re also on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.comSearch companies for Creative Niche


Creative Niche welcomes the opportunity to meet and speak to new grads about their new careers.

If you would like us to speak at your school, please contact :

Kimi AbdullahMarketing & Communications Manager

Creative Niche Inc.110 Spadina Avenue, Suite 604

Toronto, ON M5V 2K4(t) 416.360.3893 x 229

(e) [email protected]
