05.01.07

YOU REALLY ABSOLUTELY CANNOT MISS: AIGA.ORG
Tips for applying and interviewing at places where you don't have the exact background employers are requesting.

1) Most jobs aren't filled through job postings, they're filled through personal connections. Try to tap more of your personal connections rather than blindly sending out resumes. There are plenty of good resources online that talk about how to build your personal network and use it to your advantage when job hunting.
2) In the cover letter and interview, don't even mention your educational background unless directly questioned about it. Rather, focus on your abilities and skills and how you will make their company better by bringing your talents to the table.
3) Consider an internship. It's a great way to get more experience, build your portfolio, and get some good connections.
4) Do you know for sure that the reason your friend is getting interviews is because of his/her big-name degree? Maybe it's because of a better resume / cover letter, or because of personal connections, or maybe because, even though you view your portfolios as comparable, employers do not. You may be externalizing your own opinions of your associate's degree, which may come through in your letters and interviews.
5) Seek some impartial, objective feedback. A mentor, career coach, or experienced designer may be able to provide feedback on your portfolio, resume, cover letter, interviewing skills, and overall job-seeking approach.

What a perfect time for this article to appear.
http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/topic---degrees-of-hire-ability

RESPONSE: Meredith

Like Melissa, I was really impressed that the Meredith visitors had so much input left to give at the end of the day. I would assume that the visual people had been waiting for a chance to talk more about their area of expertise. It was really refreshing to hear that designers gush over some of the less meredith-y designs (like Hannah's) or express that they are always trying to push the boundaries a little. I love that even though they aren't always able to execute things the way that they'd like to, they can still recognize design that's executed in an exciting way.

It really widens the scope of places I would consider working.

CRITIQUE: REDESIGNS
After looking at TOCs from several publications, I made a new one for today 's presentation.






I think it's still a little rough, but I like it a whole heck of a lot more than the first two incarnations. The photos on the second page need to be worked into the grid more integrally. Something about the placement doesn't look quite right. I think it's the grid. I do like the color coding of the sections and all the white space. I like the new typography.

I like the subject of each photograph, but I HATE that it's so rough to get access to hi-res photography. It makes such a huge difference in the way the final product looks.