So You Found a Job Opportunity. Here's How to Respond.
Once you've found out about a job or project opportunity, you will want to do everything you can to respond appropriately.
Everyone knows the importance of making a good first impression, but sometimes people forget that the chance to do this comes even before you meet the hiring manager for an initial interview. When you're replying to a job ad, or even just making a "cold call" for consideration, be sure that every word and file you choose perfectly represents your own high standards and qualifications.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Make sure you know exactly what the company needs. Usually they tell you this directly in their ad, so READ what they write. If you can't offer them what they want, or at least provide a compelling argument as to why they should want what you can offer, then you probably shouldn't waste your time and theirs. If you have to, research the company a bit to find out what they do and where you fit in.
2. Prepare samples of your work that represent your very best, but don't overdo it. Select enough items that give a nice taste of your skills, not everything you've ever done, but a good introduction of it. If you have particular skills or talents, like sketching or modeling or computer work, emphasize them in your samples. Five or six images should be enough to whet their appetites, but send more if you have enough quality projects.
3. When sending digital files, keep them fairly simple: the last thing you want is someone to be unable to open an attachment or to load it on their computer. Any extra design you put into a digital presentation should be done to increase the ease for the recipient to view it and understand you. The best bet is to send a link to your online portfolio or website, which should also be just a basic introduction, not a hugely produced and flashy site (you can link to that from your one-page overview).
4. Always include a proper cover letter to accompany your response to a job opening, even if you're e-mailing it. This letter serves as an introduction to yourself as well as the documents you are sending. As such, it should be professional and proper: remember to reread, revise and edit! You should include:
-A good greeting (try to be personal: use the appropriate name and title if you can get it. If not, use a good substitute, i.e. Dear Hiring Manager, Design Professional, Human Resource Specialist. Oh yeah, and avoid the "Dear Madam / Sir" syndrome.)
-Reason why you are contacting them
-Where/how you got their information
-What you are (title)
-Where you go to school or graduated from and/or where you currently work
-What you are doing there (studying, working as an intern, whatever)
-Why you want to work for them in particular (you feel their design work is the best, they specialize in the field you want to get into, use other information you found out about them in step 1)
-What you hope to get out of working with them (better insight into the field, etc.)
-That you are eager to relocate to their city (if applicable)
-How they can contact you
5. Follow up after a few days to make sure that they got everything all right, but don't be a pest or nuisance. Make sure that the person you contact is the most appropriate one.
Good Luck!