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Designer Career Essentials
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Designer Jobs Blog
Information, tips, guides and other resources for designers seeking design jobs in Australia.. VIEW ALL
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Read MoreLooking for a job? Start here
Whether you are searching for your first job or something more senior, the steps to finding that perfect role are much the same. Use the guide below to set yourself up for success.
1. Update your portfolio
As a designer, your portfolio is your most important asset when job hunting. Make sure it includes your best work and clearly demonstrates why you are the right fit for the particular role you are looking for. Keep your portfolio specific to the role.. A few strong portfolio pieces that are highly relevant to the job are much more effective than dozens of low quality or irrelevant works.
Click here for more tips on building your portfolio.
2. Build your professional network
Even before you start your job search, you can be building your network by attending events, joining design communities, and using LinkedIn to connect with potential employers. Having met or at least interacted digitally with an employer before you apply for a job, will give you a distinct advantage and increase the likelihood of getting called for an interview.
Click here for to follow DesignJobs on LinkedIn.
3. Research the job market
Check job sites like DesignJobs.com.au to get an idea of the kind of design roles available. Look for roles that match your qualifications and interests. Doing this before writing your resume will enable you customise your resume to perfect suit the roles you are applying for.
Click here for to start your research.
4. Prepare a targeted resume or CV
Whether you are writing a new resume from scratch or updating an existing one, make sure it is tailor-written for each specific job you want to apply for. Ensure that it highlights your experience and accomplishments first and foremost and don’t forget to include a link to your online portfolio.
Click here for more tips on building your resume/CV.
5. Contact recruiters or apply directly
You can choose either of these approaches or both. If you are applying directly to job ads on sites like DesignJobs.com.au, make sure you keep track of all of your applications in a spreadsheet or something similar. If you opt to work with a recruitment agency, make sure it is one that specialises in design jobs. Also be aware of any conditions and exclusivity clauses the agency may have.
Get a free Google sheets application tracking template.
6. Follow up on applications promptly
Once you’ve sent out your applications, the next step is to follow up. You should aim to do this within a few days of submitting your application. This shows that you are proactive and eager for the role. Remember to keep it professional and polite and don’t push for a quick response to avoid coming across as desperate.
Click here for more tips on following up.
7. Practice your interview skills
Once you’ve got an interview lined up, it’s important to prepare thoroughly beforehand. Research the company and role in detail, practice common job interview questions with family or friends, and make sure you have some relevant questions of your own ready to ask.
Click here for some common interview questions.
8. Negotiate confidently
Once you’ve been offered the job, it’s time to negotiate your salary and any other conditions you may have discussed during the interview process. Make sure you come prepared by doing some research into industry standard salaries and deciding on your own salary expectations and non-negotiable terms. By knowing exactly what you want and how far you are willing to negotiate you can go into these discussions with confidence.
Click here for our graphic design salary calculator.
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The Australian Creative Landscape
If you’re a designer looking for work, the Australian design industry is a great place to be. With a strong economy and ample opportunities, Australia is home to some of the best design schools in the world and some of the most respected design firms. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to make a move, Designjobs.com.au has everything you need to know about the Australian creative industry and designer jobs market.
FAQs
Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about designer roles in Australia.
Do designers make good money?
Generally speaking, designers tend to earn medium to high salaries. This depends largely on the type of design role, experience and skills. Average salaries range between approximately $50,000 and $100,000, with some earning much more than that and junior designers earning slightly less. For more detailed information on particular design roles try the links below:
Is design a good career choice?
Design can be a great career choice for those with the right combination of artistic talent, technical skills and understanding of client needs. It is also important to be highly organised and able to work under pressure in order to meet deadlines. With the right qualifications, experience and portfolio of work, design can provide an interesting and rewarding career path. It can also lead to more managerial type roles such as design management, creative direction and product management.
Which design field is more in demand?
Demand for designers within the creative industries is strong and growing. Some of the most frequently advertised roles include graphic designer, UX designer, UI designer, digital designer, visual designer and product designer. However, demand for these roles can vary depending on industry, location and other factors. It is important to research job market trends in your area to determine which skill sets are more in demand.
Which design degree is best?
The best design degree for you will depend on your skills and interests. It is important to research the different types of design degrees available, as well as what employers are looking for in potential candidates. While education is certainly a factor in the recruitment of designers, skills, experience and portfolio are potentially even more important. So, when choosing a degree or short course in design, make sure you choose something that will allow you to build up those aspects of your resume as well.
Here is a list of Australian design courses to consider.
Is design hard to study?
For someone with an interest and existing skills in design, formal study will not generally be too strenuous. In fact, you will likely enjoy the challenges and results as you see yourself grow, learn new skills and start to understand some of the fundamental design principals. However, it will still require hard work and dedication in order to get the most out of it and excel.
For those without any previous experience or design skills, learning the fundamentals can be tricky but not impossible. Starting from scratch will be very demanding as there are creative, technical and theoretical aspects, all of which are incredibly important. It will require a lot of hard work and determination as well as time to learn and develop your skills as a designer.
Is it hard to get a job in design?
There is strong demand for designers in the workforce, from graduates through to senior design roles. While this doesn’t necessarily mean it is easy to get a job in design, it does mean there are plenty of job options available for those who have the right skills, experience, portfolio and attitude.
How do I get into design with no experience?
Getting a job in design has a lot to do with your attitude, skills and portfolio. So, even if you lack experience, building those other aspects of your resume will often be enough to land an entry level job as a designer.
Is being a designer stressful?
Design can be a stressful job at times, especially when deadlines are tight and the projects you are working on are highly technical. It is important to remember that there will always be challenges and it’s how you manage them that makes the difference between success and failure. With good organisation, time management skills and attention to detail, it is possible to stay on top of the workload and enjoy a rewarding career in design.
Can I get a design job without a degree?
The short answer is yes, definitely. As previously mentioned, companies and recruiters hiring for design roles look at a number of different areas when hiring. These include attitude, skills, portfolio, experience, cultural fit and education. Even without any formal education or work experience, a skilled and well-mannered designer with a strong portfolio will not find it hard to get a job in Australia.