Become Inspired – Details, episodes & analysis

Are you a recent graduate or a junior? In our latest podcast, we discuss our top tips and advice on how to land your big break as a junior designer. Applying for your first role can be a daunting experience, we’re here to help!

Tips for junior and graduate designers:

- Avoid templates / show your own creative aesthetic
- Think of producing your folio work as if your presenting to a client
 
How to get that big break and experience:

- Meet Up Dot Com – going to a meet up can lead to a mentor who can be your advocate
- The beginning of networking can lead to potential work

What can make you stand out?

- You don’t need to pretend you know everything, but be proactive, show that you put in that effort
- You only way to get better is through critique, take it graciously
- Show your ability to up-skill and keep learning
- Technology and programs may change over time, be proactive in learning new updates
- Have a good attitude – have a positive outlook

What to include in your portfolio?

- You can show your college work but having some commercial work in your folio is more likely going to get you hired
- Internships are really valuable
- Get permission for using work in your portfolio
- Free work: put value into that work. Work that’s going to add to your experience 

Final tips:

- Be articulate in talking through your work and design process
- Be proactive
- Ensure you are on LinkedIn as managers and directors are on LinkedIn and may be seeking junior designers to join their agency
- If you comment, make it worthwhile and people may start to notice

We hope this episode inspires you to be proactive in your job search. If you or a friend is a Junior Designer, please feel free to share this podcast with them. Tune into the full episode and visit www.becomerecruitment.com/podcast for more information and other great episodes.

In our latest podcast, we discuss whether or not to include a Cover Letter in your job application.  If you do include one, how do you create one that gets you noticed and hired?

To Cover Letter or Not to Cover Letter - That IS the question!

· When researching for this episode I asked the consultant in our business for an honest opinion on whether they read cover letters or not? It wasn’t as cut and dry as you might think - most answered- sometimes.

· However, digging a bit further I found that there is definitely value in a cover letter, if it is great!

Cover letter Vs email

· Your introductory email can actually be a good substitute for a cover letter.

· But I do see value in a really well structured and presented cover letter.

What to avoid

· Generic letter that adds no value

· Don’t make it too long.  Nobody likes a rambler

· Mistakes - grammar, spelling, incorrect names etc

Purpose of a cover letter

· With a recruiter - it’s to get you through the door.  We become the walking talking version of your cover letter.

If applying direct it can serve a number of purposes:

· You can tell them exactly why you are right for the role

· Gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality

· Can show that you really have researched and understand the company

How to make the cover letter count

· Address is specifically to the person advertising the role

· Tailor the cover letter for every role you are applying for

· Go beyond the platitudes and highlight exactly why you are right for the role

· You might want to play around with layout and design (don’t go crazy with this but make it look really presentable)

· Don’t be afraid to insert personality maybe even humour

We hope this episode inspires you to make your cover letter count! Tune into the full episode and visit www.becomerecruitment.com/podcast for more information and other great episodes.

Become a star with this killer interview technique

·  Use this technique to frame your interview answers

·  This is a way to sort out your preparation 

·  Situation-based questions can often be asked, so it’s good to be prepared

·  Gives you a bit of a framework to answer the question more effectively

·  Use this technique, not as a template but more as a guide

·  You don’t want to sound robotic 

S.T.A.R. stands for:

·  Situation

·  Task

·  Action

·  Result

Situation:Part of the interviewing process is a bit like storytelling (truthful stories!), so you want to be engaging as possible when explaining the situation. 

Task: What were you asked to do? What was the objective? What did you need to achieve to get the desired result?

Action:What did you actually do?

Result:Talk about tangible results

Remember to keep it engaging and succinct. Keep it as relevant to the question

It is really beneficial to try this out with your friends using this technique or write it out or speak it out, for practice. Muscle memory, it goes in a bit more and you will much more prepared for your interview!

Here are some examples to help you:

Example 1- Question: Tell me about the time you had to resolve conflict?

Let’s use the frame work for this question:

·  Situation: During this time I was working for (company), this was the size of the team, we had a tricky client with super high expectations. They made a complaint. 

·  Task: I was involved in smoothing out the relationship.

·  Action: I conducted a phone call with the client, listened and worked through their concerns to come to a resolution

·  Result: Due to inefficiency in the team,  further training was provided. I took over the next 3 months to manage the account and our sales went up etc. 

Using this format demonstrates, good communication and leadership skills.

Example 2 

·  Situation: We provided a weekly magazine, which had a strict timeline. The printer let us down and this threw everything out and we risked missing the deadline. 

·  Task: I had to ensure the magazine was printed on time. 

·  Action: I spoke to three new printers and negotiated new rates and managed to secure a better rate overall.

·  Result: We now have a back-up printer for future situations like this. I made sure this, doesn’t happen again.

It’s more for you to get this in your mind. You should practise this at home, it’s a muscle memory. Say it out loud, so it is much easier to recall.

Go through the job description, see what they’re looking for and come up with an example and think of why you’re right for the role and why they should hire you. 

Keep it engaging and get enough detail so you can really paint the picture. 

Visit us at: www.becomerecuitment.com/podcast 

This is a great resource to see examples of situational based questions you may be asked: https://insightsresources.seek.com.au/page/interview-building-tool

Hope this podcast has been useful and makes a difference for when you’re interviewing. Good luck!J

Common Mistakes Jobseekers Make 

Hosted by David Valks & Ashely Dodd 

10 common mistakes that job seekers make when applying for new roles 

Today’s podcast is to help guide you to land that dream job! 

1.    Using an unprofessional photo  

•    Either on CV or LinkedIn, linking social media to a professional profile. Our advice is to take your photo off – some people just don’t like photos 

•    If you do have one, you should get it right. Personal Facebook, e.g. night out, as pretty as you might look, is not appropriate 

•    It does reflect on you. Inject personality but keep it in the parameters of professionalism. We do not mean using a stock photo of yourself or shirt & tie. Should reflect your personality but just got to be careful 

•    Clients do look up candidates on social media to check if they’re a good fit for them 

•    Look at it objectively, how does your profile present to clients? 

•    Content is relevant to yourself and brand – Linkedin, Facebook etc.  

•    Must be in good taste 

2.    Not tailoring your application to the role that you’re applying for 

•    Applying for the wrong type of roles 

•    Provide too much detail of irrelevant experience, jobs that have completely no relevance for the one you are applying for 

•    Remember to keep it relevant 

•    Adding jobs to your CV that were 10 years ago 

•    It’s about drawing client’s attention to where you want it to be 

3.    Tailoring the cover letter to the relevance of what you’re applying for 

•    Hiring managers will glance at CVs and cover letters 

•    Provide key information at the top of the CV  

•    Agencies will look for other agency competitors on your CV, where there are transferable skills 

•    You can still include retail experience if it goes well with role eg. project management or account services 

•    Make cover letter relevant to make application – really stand out 

4.    What makes your CV relevant  

•    Having a CV that’s too lengthy, e.g. 12 pages is too long 

•    Keep CV to 1-2 pages max, 3 pages is a real push 

•    Make every word count! 

•    Every word you write is a chance to sell yourself to the future employer 

•    In terms of education, no need to state primary school. Higher education and above is all you need 

5.    Sending out a generic cover letter 

•    Addressing the wrong person, wrong company, really shows lack of care 

•    Cover letter – use this to explain succinctly your situation, e.g. moving interstates, your visa etc. include these key details. Or if your wishing to make a career move from Account Executive moving to design etc.  

•    Write these details in an email is fine too, can be in place of a cover letter 

•    Make it good, if you do have a Cover Letter,  make it count, make it stand out, don’t just say I’m good at team working!  

6.    Spelling and grammar 

•    No excuses! – especially in this day and age, you have access to Spell Check and Grammarly for example 

•    It only takes 5 minut

What we’re exploring today:

• What is UX, UI and Product Design?
• What are the job roles and where do your skills fit?
• The rise of digital and how it has come to the forefront of industries, creating new roles
• Where UX, UI and Product Design fits within an agency/company

Who is this episode for?

• Anyone who is interested in getting into the field
• If you want a bit of clarification of what UX, UI and Product Designers do
• People who want to upskill

Let's start by…

Explaining what a UX researcher does?

• UX stands for User Experience
• Research methods, quantitative research
• Validating what the users want and the problems are
• Applying traditional methodologies to the digital design process
• Has to be about the customer and the problem if there is one
• What do customers actually want and what they need?
• Overlaps with UX design, they can work together
• Depending on the size of the company, team and budget, will suggest the amount or level of research they do

Explaining what a UX designer does?

• Focus on the experience of the user and customer for the digital product
• Find out if the product is enjoyable to use
• Do they align with the business needs?
• Information architecture, what information needs to be in the product
• User personas, user testing, iterating, wireframes, no visual design in a UX design role
• We sort out the journey, it’s like the cogs of a clock - does it function, is it enjoyable to watch?
• Agile environment, constantly changing - if something is not working, you have to take it back and move it forward with the user in mind
• Do more testing, change the UX - it is not a linear process
  

Check back to www.becomerecruitment.com/podcast to keep up to date with all the latest news and podcasts.

How to get the most out of working with a recruiter Let’s chat about why we decided to do this episode? • Help people understand how we can assist them • How to help candidates stand out from the crowd • The processes we go through and what we look for • How to build relationships with a recruiter • A recruiter is there to support and guide you through your career • Create and build long-term connections and friendships • Share industry feedback to you • We provide Industry insights The role of a recruiter – Brian talks through the typical day in the life of a recruiter • It is a blend of proactive and reactive work. A day plan is essential • Similar to most jobs, commence your day with emails and admin tasks • After admin, set out your priorities, get that done in 20 minutes • Follow up on applications, get back to applicants. • Ensure applicants meet the requirements of the job • Not all applicants are appropriate for the roles • One consultant may receive 30 applications overnight • Right from an early stage, you need to stand out from the crowd • Your CV should be concise, outlining your skills and how they meet the requirements • Keep your CV relevant to the job • Apply for roles that suit and are right for you • Speak to a recruiter on a personal level via LinkedIn, eg. You’re looking for a career change. • What goes around comes around Typical recruiter’s day • Proactive – we do actively search upon candidates • Make your application as visible as possible, this includes ensuring your profile on Linkedin and Seek are very visible, making you more approachable • Get a new picture, update your profile with the latest information and experience • Recruitment consultants chat and consult with clients • We advise both parties – clients and candidates, vice versa • We are the brokers with both parties at heart • We find a happy solution for both, that makes us happy! Recommendations: • Be concise on your Cover Letter and CV • Build a strong relationship with your recruiter • Make sure you’re applying for the right role • Speak with the right recruitment consultant • Don’t spam your CV everywhere, tailor your CV for that specific role • General applications are fine too but you should be clear on what you want to do • If they haven’t heard back, follow up with a phone call after a few days • Do be careful and be patient with receiving feedback from the recruiter • Be proactive in your approach but don’t annoy people by going too far • LinkedIn messages are great for facial recognition and gives a personal aspect • Your LinkedIn gives the recruiter a quick snapshot of what you do and an understanding of your broader network Don’ts: • Don’t come to the door, don’t show up without an appointment • Make a call or connect on LinkedIn is preferable • Make sure your CV is right, no errors or spelling mistakes Question for the listeners • As a candidate, would you prefer to receive an email, call or text? Drop us a line at: podcast@becomerecruitment.com Summary Take-Home Tips: • Cover Letter – 2-3 lines really highlighting why you are right for the role • Help us to understand why • Don’t be too long. More is less and less is more! • Really make sure every word counts • Ensure your phone has voice mail set up and ready to go • Communication is key at all stages of the process • If we couldn’t reach you, call or text back, we don’t want to bombard you • It is a two-way street, use us for knowledge and feedback • Get as much information from us as possible about the role and client • Have open communication and get along with your recruiter • More you give to the recruiter, the more they give back to you • Make it fun, share stories and articles with your recruiter • Treat your recruiter as a trusted advisor

If you’re thinking about becoming a Freelancer, there are some things to consider: • As a Freelancer, you’re not always guaranteed work • Remember to save up money on the side for when work quietens • You get the opportunity to work across a diverse client base • You may not get the juicy, conceptual work but more so, the roll-out work • Excellent flexibility and a broad variety of creative work • You get to work in so many different studios and with various clients • When you're hired as a Freelancer, your job is to get the work done • When working late, you will be paid the extra hours you put in • Freelance rate is generally higher than full-time positions • If you’re consistently working, you could earn a lot • You can choose when you’re going away on holidays and factor your trips throughout the year • Having some discipline is really important. Be prepared for when you don’t have work available Pros • Be able to build up your portfolio and get a real variety of work • Work with influential people including really creative types • Build your network, your reputation, building your own business • Build lasting relationships • Your clients, your reputation, these are people you can draw upon in your future career • Clients often ask for repeat business • Even if it is a one-day booking, you give it your all. Treat it like it’s your own business One-day bookings can often lead to months and months of work and even a permanent role! • Your attitude is important. Roll up your sleeves and be prepared to work your all when you go in • Clients treat freelancers better and draw upon on all their diverse skills • If you’re looking for a permanent position, by freelancing first, you can establish and build relationships and get a feel to see if this company is a good fit for you • Temp leads to perm role. Try before you buy! • Flexibility is great for freelancers • Work from home opportunities • Location may be a bit further away. Be open-minded. Show passion! • You don’t have to deal with office drama and no office politics as a freelancer! Cons • The market can come quiet. No guarantees of work. • A 6-week booking can sometimes be reduced to one week. Can be really tough! • You need a certain mindset to be a good freelancer • You don’t always get a recognition for the work you do, or given any credit. You might have to sign an NDA which means you can't show the work. • A big spotlight on you as a freelancer, you are being paid on an hourly rate • Don’t be on your phone! You’re on client’s time. They will be watching you! Just got to be aware of this and get your head down and work • As a freelancer, your skills can plateau, you’re not being employed by someone who is investing in you • You may have to upskill outside of work as you are not being pushed by a mentor • You may be hired for your specific skill and speciality • You may have to bring your own device, MAC etc. • You have to do your own tax. Unless you use a recruiter, we look after your tax How to be successful in freelancing? • Demonstrate your broad range of skills in your portfolio • Clients like to view many portfolios so you must position yourself well • If you have a specific style of design, whether it is digital, packaging, or branding. Having both a generic portfolio as well as a specialist portfolio that highlights your specific skills is ideal! • Clients like to view portfolios in PDF format as well as a website too. Recommend using both • Building your network and staying in touch with your recruiter. Your job to is to keep us updated on your availability and ensure we have you on the top of mind • Be proactive when you’re in the booking and when you’re out of work • Get in touch with your previous clients, check-in with them • Freelancers that are flexible on

There are a lot more to preparing for a job interview than what people think. Those who have prepared well for their interview can be easily distinguishable from those who haven’t. Top Tips: • Research the basics; Google search the location, transport, the time you’re meeting on the day. All these things are really important to help you feel confident for the interview. • Don’t be caught out on public transport. Plan ahead of time. • Don’t be late, there’s no excuse. Get there on time. It is your responsibility. What else should candidates be looking for to prepare for an interview? • The people you’re meeting is a really good way to start. • Use tools like Linkedin to research the person you’re your meeting. Get to learn their background, what their role is, their company and the people that work there, where have they been before, have they worked in an agency or smaller client side. • Look at trade press, check to see if that company has won any clients, have they won any acquisitions etc. By showing you have done your research, it demonstrates you have really prepared for the interview. • By looking through Linkedin and all the trade press00 and selecting the relevant areas to discuss during your interview, this helps to show your interest in working for the company. • Don’t be afraid to reach out to your own network. • This is your career, it’s a two-way street. So, you want to gather as much information as possible. Research about the job • Ask for a job description if they have. If not, reach out and try to find one. • Prepare by thinking why you meet the criteria. eg. If they’re looking for a super organised person, don’t just say you’re organised. You should back it up with evidence and examples. • Be specific with examples and back it up with achievements you have. Use good stories and examples you can talk about. What if you’re going through a recruiter, how can we help? • A recruiter will help you with details on what you should wear and explain what the company culture is like. • There are many benefits of using a recruiter, as they have probably been there, has a feel for the culture and may even have worked with the client for years before, and have recruited with them before. Preparation on your CV • Make sure you know your CV inside and out! • It can be embarrassing if you don’t know your CV well. You should be able to talk through all the examples in a clear and well-thought-out manner. • Nothing worst being caught lying. It is very obvious when someone is lying about their experience and the dates on the CV. • The type of person you’re being interviewed with may dictate the types of questions asked, this is dependent on their role in the company, and which department they are from. For example, if they’re from HR. They may ask situation and competency-based questions, where you been and do you match with the culture and the values of the business. In contrast to the Creative Director, they may ask more about your portfolio etc. Any Final Tips? • Towards the end of the interview, they will likely ask if you have any questions. • It is very important to have a few questions at the end. At least have two or three questions prepared beforehand. • Nothing is worse if you don’t have any questions to ask and you’re sitting in silence. • Go in prepared well prepared with in-depth questions. Examples can be any company growth? Any career opportunities available? What is the culture like? What backgrounds do people come from? Who are the highest performers? Go armed with a few different questions to ask. • Show interest and challenge the interviewer. • The interviewer is on your side. They are taking their time and want you to succeed. They want you to be right for the role. The rest is up to you! • Do your homework, learn your stuff. And you’ll be fine! Good luck!

Stepping in to your performance review can be scary, confusing and most importantly a great opportunity for you to advance your career. Too many of us miss the opportunity to make the most of this time with our managers. These tips are designed to help you prepare for your review and ensure that you maximise the potential. Preparation is key but what do you do when it's an informal review? Join David Valks and Marc Ansell in this episode.

Applying for a new role can a daughting process. Our podcasts are here to make the process as seamless as possible, by providing you with the information and tools you need when navigating your way to landing your dream role. Hosted by our experienced Australia, Hong Kong and UK teams, we aim to help you stand out and showcase your ability in a competitive industry. CV tips - what to include and avoid This podcast is hosted by David Valks and Sasha Thariani from the become Sydney Office. Your CV is often the first interaction that recuriters have with candidates; to ensure you make a great first impression and stand out from the crowd. These are the top tips from this weeks podcast in what to include and avoid in your CV to give yourself the best chance of landing your dream job! When writing your CV: Keep it clean – think about the overall layout of your CV, keep it clear and concise Put experience in chronological order starting with your current or most recent job (include dates, company names and job titles) Less is more – avoid over-designing your CV by keeping flourishes to a minimum (include a separate portfolio if you wish to showcase design capabilities) Use bullet points rather than paragraphs where appropriate Make it snappy – any more than 3 pages is far too much, 1 or 2 is ideal but only write about what is relevant and appropriate for the role Try to write about your achievements as well as responsibilities and where possible include stats and figures to illustrate your experience Avoid clichés – commonly used words and phrases such as “enthusiastic” and “hard-working” become a pet-peeve to recruiters Do not lie – you will get found out Do not add to an old CV – starting fresh means you can cut the irrelevant or old information Make it personal – we do not advise including a photo of yourself, but if you wish to, please make sure it is a professional photo. Instead we suggest that you include a short summary or personal statement that is specific to the role you are applying for Always proof your CV before sending – ask your friends or family to read through your CV carefully checking for spelling mistakes or jargon, you can also ask recruiters for feedback, we’re always happy to help