You’re struggling to land your dream job. How can you get the attention of hiring managers?

1 Customize your resume

Your resume is the first impression you make on a potential employer. It should highlight your relevant skills, achievements, and personality. Don’t use a generic template or copy-paste from other sources. Instead, design your own resume that reflects your style and brand. Use colors, fonts, icons, and images that match your portfolio and industry. Make sure your resume is easy to read, concise, and error-free. Include keywords that match the job description and show how you can solve the employer’s problems.

2 Build your online presence

In today’s digital world, your online presence is your personal brand. It’s how you showcase your work, communicate your value, and connect with your audience. You need to have a professional and engaging online presence that attracts hiring managers and showcases your skills. Start with a portfolio website that displays your best projects, testimonials, and awards. Use a catchy domain name, a clear navigation, and a compelling bio. Next, create and maintain social media profiles that highlight your expertise, personality, and interests. Share your work, insights, and tips on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Behance. Interact with other graphic designers, influencers, and potential employers. Show your passion, creativity, and professionalism.

3 Network with the right people

Networking is not only about exchanging business cards or sending cold emails. It’s about building genuine relationships with people who can help you grow your career. You need to network with the right people who can offer you opportunities, referrals, or advice. Start with your existing contacts, such as former colleagues, classmates, mentors, or clients. Reach out to them and ask for feedback, recommendations, or introductions. Next, expand your network by attending events, webinars, workshops, or conferences related to graphic design. Meet new people, ask questions, and follow up with them. Finally, join online communities, forums, or groups where you can learn, share, and collaborate with other graphic designers. Be helpful, supportive, and respectful.

4 Showcase your value

You have the skills and the portfolio, but do you have the value? Hiring managers want to see how you can add value to their organization, not just how you can make beautiful designs. You need to showcase your value by demonstrating your impact, results, and achievements. Use numbers, metrics, and testimonials to quantify your value and show how you improved the performance, revenue, or satisfaction of your clients or employers. Use case studies, blog posts, or videos to explain your design process, challenges, and solutions. Use stories, examples, or anecdotes to show your personality, passion, and vision. Show hiring managers that you’re not just a graphic designer, but a problem-solver, a leader, and a partner.

5 Follow up and follow through

You’ve applied for your dream job, sent your resume and portfolio, and waited for a response. But you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager. What do you do? You follow up and follow through. Don’t assume that your application was ignored or rejected. Maybe the hiring manager was busy, distracted, or overwhelmed. Maybe your email went to the spam folder or got lost in the inbox. Maybe they’re still reviewing other candidates or waiting for a decision. Whatever the reason, you need to follow up and follow through. Send a polite and professional email or call to the hiring manager. Remind them who you are, what position you applied for, and why you’re interested. Express your enthusiasm, restate your value, and ask for an update. Be persistent, but not annoying. Follow up every week or two until you get a response.