Like many people considering graphic design as a career, the top question on your mind is probably, “Is it hard to get a graphic design job?” And rightly so – you don’t want to spend years in school only to find out there is no work for you at the end.

Unfortunately, graphic design is not an easy job to get. Many designers out there want the same position you do, and they all have tricks up their sleeves to get employers’ attention. Not to mention, because the demand for jobs is higher than the supply, you have to be extra creative to stand out from the crowd.

However, this doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. While landing a graphic design job is not as easy as flipping through the classifieds, there are some things you can do to improve your chances of getting hired. Read on for some helpful hints about how to find that perfect graphic designer position.

Why is it so Hard to Find a Graphic Design Job?

Finding a job in any industry is never easy, and the graphic design field is no exception. However, several factors make it even harder to get your foot in the door when it comes to graphic design. These include:

1. High Demand for Jobs and Limited Supply

One of the challenges graphic designers face when looking for a job is the high demand and limited supply of available positions. This means that many people are competing for each open position, making it more challenging to stand out from the crowd.

2. The Changing Nature of Graphic Design

Another factor that makes it challenging to land a job in graphic design is the ever-changing nature of the field. What was once a static industry has become more dynamic, with new trends and technologies emerging all the time. This can make it difficult for designers to keep up with the latest trends and stay current in their skills.

3. Employers Look for Design Aspects in CVs

Many graphic designers have difficulty getting their foot in the door because they fail to include a portfolio of work with their CV. Instead, their resumes are simply lists of what education and experience they have, but many employers want more than that before considering someone for an interview.

Aspiring graphic designers need to highlight samples of things like logos or advertisements on top of traditional resume requirements such as dates and previous work experience.

Not to mention, some employers go as far as analyzing how you’ve designed your CV to gauge your professionalism and creativity. Without this knowledge, many aspiring graphic designers may be overlooked and have difficulty landing their dream job.

4. Most Employers Don’t Take Graphic Design Seriously

Even though graphic design is one of the most visible and commonly used forms of communication, many employers don’t take it as seriously as other design disciplines such as web design or user experience.

One reason for this could be that many people think they can do graphic design, which leads to an oversaturation of the market. Another reason is that most employers believe graphic design can be delegated to someone else on the team, such as a marketing intern.

Consequently, you’ll find that it’s often harder to get a job in graphic design because the opportunities are rare to come by.

Source: Income Holic

What Do You Need to Do to Get a Graphic Design Job?

It may seem like the odds are stacked against you, but it’s not as bad as it looks. While the competition is stiff and the market is oversaturated, there are things you can do to increase your chances of getting hired as a graphic designer. These include:

1. Create an Impressive Portfolio

The most important thing you can do to get hired as a graphic designer is to have an impressive portfolio. Remember, first impressions are everything. Your portfolio is the first thing potential employers will see, and it’s important that they like what they see.

Each piece of work in your portfolio should be accompanied by a detailed description. This will give employers a better understanding of your skills and what you’re capable of.

Most importantly, ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate. Potential employers should be able to find the type of work they’re looking for quickly.

2. Start Building Your Network

Another way to increase your chances of getting hired as a graphic designer is to start building your network. Get involved in the design community and meet new people who can help you out.

Here are some ways to get started:

• Join design forums
• Connect with designers on social media
• Attend networking events in your city
• Find a mentor who can help guide you in your career

As you continue to build your skills and grow your network, you’ll increase your chances of getting hired as a graphic designer.

3. Stay Updated on the Latest Trends and Technologies

As a graphic designer, it’s also essential to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies. Read design blogs and subscribe to newsletters so you can learn new techniques and keep your portfolio fresh.

Doing so will give you an edge over other candidates and make you a more desirable hire.

4. Don’t Be Too Defensive of Your Work

Many graphic designers have a hard time taking constructive criticism of their work, hindering them from landing a job. When applying for jobs as a graphic designer, it’s essential to have the right attitude toward criticism of your design portfolio.

If you’re too defensive about negative feedback on some of your work, employers will think that you won’t be able to take input and may not be a good team player.

Source: Flat Icons

Over to You

If you’re considering a career in graphic design, you may have heard that it’s hard to get a job in the industry. But, while it’s competitive, there are ways you can make yourself more marketable and attractive to employers and make you a more desirable hire.

So, don’t give up on a career you love because you don’t think it can be done. Use the tips we’ve outlined in this post to increase your chances of landing a job and achieving your graphic design dreams.