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How to Land Your Big Break - A Guide for Junior and Grad Designers

  • Publish Date: Posted about 5 years ago
  • Author:by Stephanie Meyer-Senior

Applying for a new role can be a daunting process. Our podcasts are here to make the process as seamless as possible, by providing you with the information and tools you need to land your next dream role. Hosted by our experienced Australia, Hong Kong and UK teams, we aim to help you stand out and showcase your ability and experience. 

Listen to our latest podcast  - A Guide for Junior and Grad Designers - How to Land Your Big Break

This podcast is hosted by David Valks and Stephanie Meyer-Senior from the become Sydney and Brisbane offices Australia. 

Are you a recent graduate or a junior? In our latest podcast, we discuss our top tips and advice on how to land your big break as a junior designer. Applying for your first role can be a daunting experience, we’re here to help!


Tips for junior and graduate designers:

  • Avoid templates / show your own creative aesthetic

  • Think of producing your folio work as if your presenting to a client

  • Your folio showcases who you are. Consider: Is this work, the best reflection of what you want to do next?

  • You can tailor and change your folio depending on the agency you’re applying for



How to get that big break and experience:

  • Meetup.com - going to meet up can lead to a mentor who can be your advocate

  • The beginning of networking can lead to potential work

  • Start meaningful conversations

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for advice on your  CV and portfolio

  • Can be about who you know and meeting the right people at the right time


What can make you stand out?

  • You don’t need to pretend you know everything, but be proactive, show that you put in that effort

  • You only way to get better is through critique, take it graciously

  • Show your ability to upskill and keep learning

  • Technology and programs may change over time, be proactive in learning new updates

  • Have a good attitude – have a positive outlook

  • People want to work with good people. Show you can be part of a team and fit into the work culture

  • Your personality will really make you stand out and will make for a great great first impression.


What to include in your portfolio?

  • You can show your college work but having some commercial work in your folio is more likely going to get you hired

  • Internships are really valuable

  • Get feedback on every piece of work

  • Get permission for using work in your portfolio

  • Free work: put value into that work. Work that’s going to add to your experience

  • Do some self-initiated work – do your own brief

Final tips: 

  • Be articulate in talking through your work and design process

  • Be proactive

  • Ensure you are on LinkedIn as managers and directors are on LinkedIn and may be seeking junior designers to join their agency

  • If you comment, make it worthwhile and people may start to notice


Tune into our previous podcast on tips and advice on answering tricky interview questions. Click here for the full podcast. 

We hope this episode inspires you to be proactive in your job search. If you or a friend is a Junior Designer, please feel free to share this podcast with them. Tune into the full episode and check back to www.becomerecruitment.com/podcast for more information and other great new episodes.