I am always amazed about the way people apply for jobs. We receive a fair number of job applications and it is quite shocking the quality of them. Now I am not judging the people here but just the way they apply for a job.

Here are some pointers when applying for a job at a design agency:

1. Go for initial impressions: at first glance, your CV and email/letter must give a strong impression of your core skills. If you are a designer then make sure the CV looks great and that it is clear and shows creative flair without being OTT and hard to read.
2. Prove your skills: You must give examples of your work. Designers and developers should have an online portfolio that demonstrates their best work and ideally a diversity of work to show you are not a one-trick-pony.
3. Clarity is everything: People like me want to be able to glance at a CV or similar and know straight away what that candidate is good at, what experience they have, what they are like, and where they live. If you are claiming to be a great usability guru then make sure your CV is really usable! If you are claiming to be a high level developer then list your skills and what you have done with them. If you are a junior designer then show a willingness to learn and a passion for moving up the ladder.

Ok I will stop the soapbox now. Apologies if I offended anyone. Also please note these are my opinions and other ‘recruiters’ may disagree. I just know what I look for.

Cheers.