Reading Number Four

In the second chapter of "Talent is not enough: business for designers", different ways to not only prepare yourself to get a job in the design field but also the interview process are discussed. The chapter starts off by asking "what kind of job are you looking for within the design field?" This is the first and most important step in deciding what you would like to do with your design career. In doing this you must assess your strengths and weaknesses as a designer in order to determine what to look for in a particular job. One of the resulting questions from this may be " am I a specialized designer or a general designer?"

The chapter moves on to speak about the materials that you will need in order to prepare yourself for the job search. Materials will include, but are not limited to, stationery, business cards, resume, cover letter, and thank you letters. These materials will assist you and be a major factor in your placement of the job market.

Each potential employer will look through your portfolio which is now most commonly on the web, although it may be a good idea to have printed documents, projects as well. For each of the e projects it is usually a good idea to do the following:
-Identify the project client
- Explain the issue that your designs would be addressing
- The solution that you developed in your design.
- How well was it received, and how did it impact the client

When conduction a search for the right job, there is information that is important to remember while contacting and keeping in touch with potential employers. This information can include how you became are of the opportunity, the job description, compensation and benefits etc... All of this information is important while maintaining contact with potential employers.

This chapter then goes on to discuss where one can go to begin looking for these opportunities. There are many options offered, however the most relevant and successful way seems to be through networking. Although this may be the best way, this does not always mean it will work. Other ways of searching can include head-hunters, ads or classifieds such as craigslist , and most of all your favorite firms or agencies.

Once an interview has been obtained, it is then discussed how to act and the simple things you can do to maintain proper etiquette throughout the interview process. These things can include the way to dress, proper time to ask about compensation/ benefits, and aspects that may seem small but make a huge impact such as thank you follow up letters.

As the chapter begins to wrap up, the aspects of beginning the transition from the school life to the life of a professional designer are discussed. These transitions could be minor issues such as workflow of a company to major issues such as the level of creativity you will have while working with certain clients. All of this information is important to keep in mind throughout the process of preparing for interviews and how to maintain a professional appearance and land yourself a job!