Applying to a job can be a daunting process, but you should never forget to put aside your fears and show that you’re the best candidate for the job. No recruiter will pass on a designer who shows off is personal qualities, a good portfolio and an urge to learn.

The average recruiter may spend about 10 seconds to screen a CV and is looking for something that catches the eye and impresses him to give you a call.

So here’s some advice to pop up that CV and get your dream job.

Stop using Europass CV.

Don’t use Europass CV template. You are a designer and the general idea is to stand out of the pile of candidates. These templates are for jobs where creativity is not one of the required skills, don’t forget.

Don’t use Microsoft Word.

Again, don’t use a program that doesn’t give you the freedom to create something that represents you. You need to stand out from all the other candidates and sending a normal, all the same, CV will not do that.

Percentages for each skill, why?

From some time now designers are using percentages to represent their personal and design program skills. Many examples include something like Web Design: 70% or Sketch: 65%. Using this kind of language is like saying you are not proficient in this skills. Recruiters are not looking for average candidates; they are looking for a special designer.

This also diminishes the main point in this area of expertise, creativity and a design approach that creates real value for any designer and his work.

Grammar and spelling mistakes.

If a potential recruiter spots a spelling or grammar error at first sight while reading your CV, it just means you didn’t bother to check your work. It shows you don’t pay attention to detail. Imagine what would happen if a spelling error in a client’s project ended up being printed on 10.000 flyers or going live on a nationwide campaign.

Before sending your CV to a company, show it to a friend or a relative. If an employer catches a misspell in a few seconds after opening your CV, so will someone you trust.

You don’t have many projects on your portfolio?

Well, we’ve all been there… Working with awesome clients and doing a lot of work doesn’t fall from the sky, but don’t worry.

You have what? Two or three projects not that big? Here’s what you can do:

• Choose a brand/client you would like to do work for
• Study and identify their problems, flaws and propose a solution
• Show how your solution would impact their business
• Highlight the process

This kind of strategy gives you two advantages: one is creating a possible way to get hired and the second one is giving you exposure in creative social media platforms like Behance and Dribbble.

Showing too much work.

Tempting as it may sound, showcasing a lot of work creates a bad way to highlight your best projects. No recruiter wants to go through all of your work. They want to go through it quickly without wasting time. You need to think that some recruiters receive hundreds of appliances. So, less is more.

No more pixelated images.

Opening a portfolio and seeing bad quality images always leaves a bad impression. This only means you didn’t spend the time to ensure that your work was crisp and clear. Signs like this show that you don’t have pride in what you do. No company wants that kind of employee working for them.

Not having an online portfolio. Don’t be lazy.

Have you noticed we’re in the 21st century? Let’s get those projects on the web. Platforms like Behance and Dribbble make everyone’s life so much easier. Don’t forget about the exposure this platforms can give you: a lot of recruiters visit those sites on their quest to find creative talent. On top of this, don’t be lazy presenting your projects: create appealing presentations to make your projects shine even more.

Hey, follow the instructions!

There are a lot of companies who immediately reject your application if you don’t go by the rules outlined by them. Don’t forget to read the requirements: sometimes it’s just a subject e-mail name, the timeframe for applying or maybe some kind of presentation. Just read the requirements and everything will go nicely.

Don’t be a Pinocchio, seriously, don’t.

Lying in applications will certainly shut a lot of doors for you. If you don’t have the skill don’t say you have. A better way to work around is to demonstrate the desire to learn new skills. Every recruiter would love to hire someone who is eager to learn and grow within the company.

Present yourself.

Don’t just send an email with your application. Take the time to present yourself to the person on the other end. Creating a connection with the recruiter increases your chances of getting a call. People like to know who they are hiring, what kind of personality they have. It’s more than just work. Recruiters search for culture fit and this may give you an advantage over your competitors.

Thank you for reading

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Monday is a full service digital and interactive agency based in Lisbon. Weʼre a team of designers, builders & thinkers who craft digital experiences. Clients include: Snickers, Red Bull, Twix, Philips, M&M’s

Michael Nunes

Chief Creative Officer  @ Monday 

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