Creative recruitment for dummies

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1. Making contact

Do’s

• Do make sure your portfolio PDF or website link demonstrates the very best of your creative abilities. Weed out the weak work
• Do write a short personalised cover letter explaining why you want to join the agency you are reaching out you
• Do make sure your contact details are easy to find

Don’ts

• Don’t create your CV in Microsoft Word
• Don’t have a CV/portfolio riddled with sloppy typos, poor grammar and shoddy typography
• Don’t feature a grim looking passport style mug shot. It’s a good idea to show a picture of yourself but make it a good one! Try friendly and confident looking with no sunglasses.
• Don’t email with a lazy ‘cut and paste’ cover message or no cover message at all
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2. Research the job
At the very least, visit the agency website and memorize some case studies that have impressed you. Read the industry press and tap into your network to get quality information.

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‍3. The big day
Turn up on time. Not early. Not late. Just on time. This goes for both onsite or remote interviews

Do not phone the interviewer asking for directions to the office while apologising for being late. Your CV will, most likely, be in the trash before you arrive.

Bring your portfolio presentation. No portfolio. No Job.

Portfolio do’s

• Do only feature work you are proud of
• Do make sure your work reflects the type of work the agency you are hoping to join produces
• Do think, before hand, about what you are going to say

Portfolio don’ts

• Don’t continually blame unsatisfactory results on your current employer
• Don’t present work you had nothing to do with. Team projects are OK – but be honest about your contribution
• Don’t allow typos to ruin your presentation
• Don’t assume you’ll be given a device to present off. Bring your own device to an onsite interview
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‍Look the part.
‍If you are a Creative that means casual dress but make sure you look like you’ve made an effort. Do not over-accessorise. Wearing designer watches, handbags and jewellery worth more than most people’s monthly salary may backfire on you. So keep it about you and your work and leave the fancy luxury accessories at home. For remote interviews, frame yourself correctly in a well lit quiet room. Try to make your background uncluttered with no distractions.

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