Anyone Else having problems finding a new job?

[peepster]

Hi all, I'm new here. I wanted to know if anyone else in the design field is having difficulty finding a new job. I've been at my job for over 7 years and I've been trying to leave and find a new job for almost 2 years. It seems like I come SO close and then I either get turned down for a job, or the position is cancelled because they don't have the $$$, or they decide to hire someone part-time for the position. The other thing is that I'll apply to positions only to find out that it's for 3 or 6 months while someone is on maternity leave. I'm a good designer, I've won awards, I'm a good worker, I do BOTH print AND web, I get along well with others, but yet for some reason, It seems like I keep hitting a wall. Is it that the field is changing and that more and more places have decided to outsource their work? Is anyone else finding this is happening with them. I'm not desperate to find a new job, but I DO want to make the transition. I've even hired a career coach and hired someone to write my resume. Nothing. Is it me, or is it the economy? Any advice would help. Thanks!

[phoenix]

Hi there - sorry for the late response - the forum's been a little dead and overflowing with spam, so it's a little quieter than it has been.

What are you located? If you're in a smaller city / town then there's perhaps less job opportunities? Also, many small to medium businesses may have been clamping back on their design spending, so there's not the cash to splash around, therefore less people moving around to give those opportunities.

Are you using all avenues - eg not just newspapers or online searching, but putting the word out on social media, family and friends, visiting companies you'd like to work for?

Does your portfolio show a good range of work eg not all the same thing etc? If you're applying for a certain sector (eg packaging) but you've only got one or two pieces then it may not be enough.

Have you got factors that are ruling you out before even getting a phone call? eg age or no vehicle etc

There are many people who lost their jobs in the GFC so you've also got more competition out there. You need to ensure you're standing out from the rest of the crowd. What's your "unique selling point" that you can push?

I feel for you, I really do - it's hard to get your foot in the door when you know you would rock the position.

I have the reverse problem - at my workplace we just sacked the new designer (three-month probation) - 25yo, supposed to be mid-level and competent with concepts and software and prepress. He worked at about quarter to a fifth of my speed, had poor software knowledge, and made some core prepress errors (for someone who worked at a printers before?!), wasn't careful enough, bad spelling, I didn't like his design work, and he made more work for me! (before you apply, I'm in Australia!)

[peepster]

Hi Phoenix,

I live outside the Washington, DC area, and I know that there is TONS of competition here. I've been utilitzing linkedin and have been going to some networking events too. EVERYONE in my social/professional circle knows that I'm looking. I live in the suburbs, but I do have a car and I'm in my mid-forties, but on my resume I don't have any age info, I just have the last 3 positions I've held. I do have a web portfolio that features a my best projects: print, web, flash, logos, awards and photography. The economy around DC is still pretty good, but what has been happening is that I'll apply to a position that looks great, only to find out that it's not full-time, that it's a contract gig for 6 months, or filling in for someone who's going on maternity leave, or they get back to me and tell me the position is part-time without any benes, which is NOT what I need: I need full-time, with benefits. Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of just quitting my job and doing contract work.

Thanks!

[coradesigns]

I feel for you, peepster. I know how terrible you feel about it. But it has been mentioned in this thread the reasons why it’s becoming harder to land a graphic designing job. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I think there is no question about the caliber of your workings considering the number of years that you’ve been in this industry. It’s just that most companies are not willing to hire full time designers. Just try and you’ll soon find a better company and your quality will be recognized.