Graphic Design Jobs in the United Kingdom

Graphic Design Jobs

Graphic designers spend their time using computer software to develop visual concepts that convey a message. Some designers perform design work by hand without the use of software.

Common duties performed by those working in graphic design jobs include planning concepts, creating illustration examples, designing layouts, graphic creation and graphic editing. Many graphic designers work from home since they can perform the vast majority of their duties on a computer.

Frequent employers of graphic designers include digital marketing companies, publishing firms and public relations offices. Some designers have to follow strict business hours set by their employers, while others work according to their own schedules.

How to Find the Graphic Design Job That Fits You

Begin your graphic design job search by figuring out what you want to do with your life and what kind of work you like doing. Start by taking stock of your skills, interests and any areas where you may need improvement, such as your Photoshop skills. If you’re creative, have an interest in art and design and like working with technology, the graphic design industry has many professions that can provide job satisfaction.

Read the Job Description

Always check a job posting's description before sending in your application. Think about the five most important criteria for a graphic designer position. For example:

• Can you communicate well with others?
• Do you have a good eye for detail?
• Can you finish projects according to deadlines?
• How good are you at interpreting ideas into concepts?
• Do you foresee yourself working behind a computer for the majority of your work?

What works for you may not work for others. This is why it's important to consider your personal priorities when assessing job descriptions, such as the flexibility to work from home.

Assess Your Qualifications and Career Goals

The next step is to determine whether or not your qualifications and experience are a good fit for the position. Keep an eye out for warning signs like excessive demands or a lack of clarity on responsibilities. See whether your own beliefs and goals are compatible with the company's vision and culture by doing some online research.

Think about what it takes to fill the graphic design position you're interested in. Determine whether the salary is commensurate with the duties by comparing the job posting with comparable openings at bigger and smaller companies.

Assess your skills and experience to see whether the company's size and structure match your professional aspirations. Make sure you're a good fit for the position by reviewing the specifications listed in the job posting. Examine your background, training and accomplishments to see whether you’re qualified for the job.

Always be on the lookout for ways to improve yourself and think about where you can benefit from further education or experience. Consider whether or not you will develop and gain new skills in this position. Most importantly, think about how the position relates to your overall plans for your graphic design career.

How to Apply to Graphic Design Jobs

Preparing for the application process, building a noticeable CV, developing quality content for your cover letter, and knowing how to submit the application are the essential steps to getting the graphic design job you want. Once you’ve chosen a few prospects, send your application to employers using the tips below.

Create an Effective Graphic Design CV

Tailor your graphic design CV to the job description by highlighting your creative, artistic, and design skills:

• Use graphic design keywords (like Adobe, print design, motion graphics, colour theory and visual communication) to give your CV a competitive advantage.
• Choose a professional format for your CV and include graphic design skills like Photoshop, typography, creativity, photography and illustration.
• Link to your portfolio to demonstrate your skills.
• Avoid common CV mistakes like lacking specifics, no action verbs, typos, grammatical errors and forgetting to put your name and contact information.

Writing a Compelling Graphic Design Cover Letter

In your cover letter, explain your background and accomplishments in graphic design:

• Include a summary of your relevant design experience.
• Discuss what you can do for the company.
• Justify why you would be a positive addition to the firm.
• Put a call to action at the end encouraging the hiring agent to ask you questions about your skills and dependability.
• Always include pertinent graphic design skills you have, like creativity, time management, typography and communication. Your skills and links to previous work will help you stand apart from other applicants.
• Check out an example of graphic design cover letter.

Submit Your Application

When using Monster to search for a graphic design job, you can both post your CV to the job board and apply for specific positions. To post your CV, join Monster for free by filling out a few details during registration.

Sign in to your Monster account and explore the helpful CV and job application tips. Next, click on CV Builder or Submit CV. If you post your CV, make sure to make it visible to recruiters. Add a few graphic design work experience details and hit Submit to make your CV go live.

Applying for a specific position through Monster requires nothing more than forwarding your already-created profile to prospective employers through the Submit Application button. Before submitting an application, double-check it for errors. If you don’t have a professional writer proofread and edit the content in your cover letter or CV, run it through a spell and grammar checker to spot hidden errors.

How to Follow Up With an Employer

Timing your follow-up: Always follow up with any employers to whom you submit an application. It's typically best to wait one to two weeks before following up to ensure the employer has had time to review your application

If you've already gone through an interview, you can shorten the follow-up time to three to five days. However, make sure to send a thank-you note for the interview within 24 hours. You can do this by email, phone, or text message.

How to follow up: The easiest way to follow up with an employer after submitting an application or an interview is through email. High-paying and managerial-potential positions sometimes benefit from in-person follow-ups, especially if you've travelled a great distance for the interview

Swinging back by the office before you return home the following day is a great way to squeeze in an in-person follow-up. Check out the two follow-up messages below that you can use if you get stuck trying to come up with a professional follow-up email or text message.

• "Thank you [hiring agent name] for taking the time to read through my application. I look forward to hearing from your agency soon and wanted you to feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about my qualifications or experience. Thanks again and have a great day."
• "I'm writing to follow up on my application for the [position], which I sent on [date]. I just wanted to express my enthusiasm for the position and to assure you that I'm delighted to elaborate on any of the information I have provided. My number is [add phone number] if you want to give me a call. Have a wonderful day, and thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

Who to follow up with: Always contact the hiring manager when conducting a follow-up. If the hiring manager didn't interview you, you can always reach out to the interviewer as well. You can use Google to find contact information for these people as well as check the graphic design job posting you used when applying for the job

If you can't find contact information for the hiring manager, contact the company's human resources department and ask for contact data. You can also reach out via social media to request contact information.

Interviewing Tips for Graphic Design Jobs

You can prepare for your graphic design job interviews with a little research and preparation.

Preparing for the Interview

Perform online research about the company before your interview. This will help you determine what products and services they provide and how your skills can help them to achieve their goals.

You can also use Monster to research frequently asked questions during job interviews. In addition to preparing answers for the questions you'll be asked, you need to prepare any questions you have for the interviewer.

The Interview Process

The interview process usually starts with an email or phone call outlining what time and day the interview will take place and in what format (video, over the phone or in person). Most of the time, you can book the interview to accommodate your current daily schedule. Keep in mind that you might be asked to meet with interviewers one-on-one or in a group setting.

Interview Tips

Check out the STAR technique to learn how to answer behavioural interview questions. Graphic designers often perform their work from home in their pyjamas, but you should always dress appropriately if the interview takes place via video or in person.

Interview Follow-Up

Send a thank-you note within 24 hours after the interview to show your appreciation to the employer. Sending a thank-you note also reiterates your interest in the position. If you don't hear back from the employer within three days, contact them for a follow-up.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

Timing and communication are key when you get a graphic design job offer. As soon as you receive the initial offer, give yourself a pat on the back and read through it carefully. You may find some discrepancies between the offer and what was initially discussed during your interview. Ask the hiring manager any questions you have about the offer and respond with a thank-you message either by phone, email, text message, or in person.

If you're negotiating salary options with the employer, make sure to perform extensive research to ensure you get the most competitive pay possible for the graphic design job. Consider your value and the current market circumstances as you craft a plan for negotiating. When you negotiate, don't come off as too aggressive or demanding. Instead, in a very organised manner, present your case for the salary you believe the position deserves.

Career Paths in Graphic Design

There are numerous career paths available to those seeking graphic design jobs. Some require formal credentials, while others require nothing more than a specialised skill set. Prioritise employment options based on how well they align with your interests, abilities and beliefs

Look into several fields and occupations to find one that suits your preferences. Also, make sure to look for graphic design jobs with possibilities for learning and growth. If possible, secure employment through an employer that will assist with career advancement.

A university degree can help some aspiring graphic designers get their foot in the door at certain places of employment, but it is by no means necessary. Regardless of whether you have a design degree or not, organisations frequently employ entry-level designers in graphic design jobs.

The standard educational groundwork for entry-level graphic designers is a bachelor's degree in the field. Students earning this degree gain expertise in visual storytelling via the organisation and editing of digital images.

Junior graphic designer positions are common entry points into the field, whether at advertising firms or large corporations with in-house design departments. Once you become experienced in one of these positions, you can aim for the positions of executive designer, art director, and creative director, among others.