Job hunting...

[Calligirl]

I've been putting out resumes for two months now and not getting much. I'm not surprised because this is a high-tech, military area so I basically have to know somebody who knows somebody who might need somebody to help with their technical manuels or something. Anyway, I'm looking at all the jobs listed in other towns and I guess this is just the last straw but here's the listing of requirementsfor one particular job:

"The ideal candidate will have a college degree plus a minimum of Five years illustration, photography, production, printing, or graphic design experience, excellent communication skills, computer and internet skills, strong work ethic, great attention to detail, and a get it done right personality. This position requires a working knowledge of business, marketing, printing, graphic design, and direct mail. You must be a talented illustrator, an amazing photo manipulator, a creative animal, Adobe guru, and have an eye for form, function, and type. You will need to have all these skills, which will be tested in the interview process, to be hired. You must have a portfolio with a minimum of 30 full color professional print projects."

Sounds like a great person to have working for ya, doesn't it? What got me about the description? Base pay $27,600. Isn't that about $13/hr.?

I think I'll go back to typing for a living, at least I got interviews for jobs then.

[cnic]

How far have you expanded your search?

.

[budafist]

Maybe you need to work for yourself Calligirl?

[Calligirl]

Budafist, I've thought about it but having no experience working inhouse anywhere, I don't feel confident offering my services as a professional.

That's what bugged me about the above job listing. Someone with five years under their belt with all the qualities listed and that's all they would make? I'm entry level so the most I can hope for is minimum wage IF someone calls me? Frustrated ain't the word...

And yes, I've been looking within a 100 mile radius. Hubby's finishing up his degree in logistics and since his company isn't being responsive, we're both looking further afield. Whoever gets the first nibble I guess decides where we're headed.

[morea]

When I was job searching like crazy (and willing to take anything within 60 miles of my home) I came across an ad for a graphic designer that required 5 years of experience in design, high level prepress skills (including some that I didn't know, even after working in prepress) and a degree in design, and the "salary" offered was $8 to $9 per hour.

This is in the state of NY.

There are plenty of companies out there who are NOT willing to pay what you're worth... and those tend to be the ones that you really don't want to work for anyway - crummy work environment, poorly treated employees, etc. You don't need that.

Hang in there and be patient. I hope that you find something that suits you soon.

edit: have you tried finding work at a print shop? That might not be exactly what you want to do, but the experience of working in prepress can really help to make you a better designer.

[fa so la si DEE]

calligirl hang in there. i just finished uni and im at the start of my job search so i know what is waiting for me... anyways the perfect job is right around the corner patience my friend :D

[Calligirl]

Morea, I really don't mind whatever job it is, just something to get my foot in the door and make a weekly salary doing something art related. I figured starting at the bottom was a given anyway and I don't have a problem with that, just feeling like an moldy loaf at the dayold bread store.

[Two-Toe Tom]

sry for your troubles :( i wish you the best of luck! have you tried applying to printshops? there are a lot of printshop ppl on this board, maybe they can give you advice on their hiring practices and what they'd look for?

[budafist]

I went the printshop route and after 2 years I went from "the fresh out of GD school junior" to senior. I recommend it :)

[Drorain]

wow thats an insulting ad, 5 years, poverty level income...bastards

[LeftBrain Artist]

Wow. That's 13.80 per hour to be exact. They forgot one requirement though - applicant must have a pony to be considered for this position.