by Artwell Nwaila (@artwelln) It’s that time of year when creatives start scratching around for new job opportunities. I don’t know what’s in the air but it reeks of sweet creative success and growth.
I’ve compiled five points that should help your job search be a little bit easier:
1. Online is not always alright
I genuinely believe that, when you see an online job ad, you are already too late.
The unfortunate truth is that most of the time when jobs are posted online, the employer already knows who it is looking to hire and is posting the position merely to follow the protocol.
Getting the job you really want depends on you using online and real-life connections equally. Unless you’re a friendless 35-year-old living with your folks in Paarl — then best you do the online thing.
Before submitting, check if any of your digital or real-life connections know anyone in the organisation you are applying for. This may sound strange, but it will give you the upper hand if someone in the organisation hands in your CV for you or recommends you.
2. If online is your only option, don’t spray and pray
By spray and pray I mean emailing everyone and anyone; I don’t mean it literally.
When sending out your CV, be sure to send to the positions that fit your qualifications perfectly. Before emailing each potential employer, be sure to adjust your CV to comfortably fit the post.
Do not lie; you will go to hell. Make a short cover sheet, be sure you add keywords from the actual advert and check the spelling
Last, but not least, do not decorate your resume — we know you are creative.
3. Don’t put your picture on your CV
Just don’t.
It’s stupid.
It’s not Home Affairs.
4. Your social resume looks like a warzone
Before submitting a CV, clean up your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram profiles and anything else that maypop on Google.
In fact, if you are serious about getting anywhere in this digital age, you’ll need to stop writing stupid nonsense on your platforms — that picture of you getting sick at that epic baby shower will not do you any justice, regardless of how awesome it was.
5. When you do get the interview
Do not dress like a creative. Also, don’t dress like the CEO — find a balance which represents the organisation and yourself.
Now go forth and get that awesome job!
Artwell Nwaila (@artwelln) is a creative director at Offlimit Communications and publisher of the award-winning creative publication SA Creatives (@thesacreatives). His monthly column on MarkLives, “Creation”, is a humorous take on life in the creative world, seasoned with practical advice based on experience.
— MarkLives’ round-up of top ad and media industry news and opinion in your mailbox every Monday and Thursday. Sign up here!