how to… apply for a job with a design agency (part IV)
May 20, 2014
written by
Bri Martinez
The 300FeetOut team often receives inquiries about job opportunities with our studio. We are always happy to speak with individuals, whether the goal is to simply network, or to see if they might be a good fit for our team. Sometimes, however, there is a lack of understanding on the part of the applicant regarding best practices for interviewing with a top design agency. The 3FO team has been writing a series of blog posts recently to pass along tips that will make the process easier for all involved. Check out the first post about getting an interview, the second post about preparing for the interview, and the third post to learn how to nail the interview itself to get the full story.
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Whew! You made it through the interview. Congratulations! But wait – your job’s not quite done yet. You’ve still got a few things to do to make sure you stand out in the minds of those who met with you.
send a thank-you email.
Sending a thank-you email to the people you met for your interview isn’t rocket science. You should always ask for business cards or write down the names of the people you meet. If you can, always try to get the information for the highest-ranking person in the room. Remember that the people who interviewed you are just that — people. So don’t use a cookie-cutter thank-you email that you found online, or the same one that you send to all the places you apply. Personalize it to show that you’re actually taking some of your time to thank them for their time.
follow-up.
You promised to send a link to a cool page? Do it. Couldn’t get that file for your portfolio to open on your laptop? Fix it and send it. You know that the interviewer is into technology? Forward that talk you heard about. Following up not only shows that you have initiative to do the things you say you will, but it’s also an excuse to keep your name in front of your potential employer.
and if you don’t get the job?
If you really like the studio, make sure you stay in touch. Social media is a great way to interact with and provide secondary value not only to the agency but also to you. You never know when they’ll be hiring again!