The vicious circle of applying for work

Out of context: Reply #15

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  • d_rek0

    I can't speak for editorial/copy-writing lines of work... but what I did after graduation worked out quite well for me and I have thought about recently doing a similar run.

    You will however need to prepare a little bit.

    First, make sure your portfolio is in working order and you either have your printed book or electronic/online version available on hand. It helps to have a laptop.

    Second, make yourself up a nice little stationery set consisting of resumes, business cards and preferably some sort of printed leave-behind that showcases some of your work. Kind of like a teaser piece. I used a 11x17" quad-fold that I duplexed by hand on the kinko's laser printer.

    Third. Generate a list of places you want to apply to that are local to you. Then generate a road map where you start at the further one away and make your way closer to your closing destination.

    Four. Take a day or two to hit all of the spots on your list. You don't need to call but it is a common courtesy. Just call and when you get the receptionist ask if it would be a problem to come in and just say hi and drop off a resume. The places you hit you can even request a creative director if you want, although this can go either way. You might get denied outright or will get to talk to the CD. This is why you want your book/laptop in hand in case they want to see some work. In any case leave behind a resume, business card and your leave-behind teaser piece.

    Five. Happy hunting! Follow up on all the places you left behind some goodies at with, at the very least, a phone call. Then you just cross your fingers and hope someone takes notice!

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