How to apply for creative jobs in the UK?
What's your worst nightmare? If you asked me this about two months ago, I’d say being attacked by a flying cockroach, but now I’d like to say that the job-hunting process in the UK cuts it close. Many individuals approached me inquiring about the prospects for immigrants/international students. With the laws constantly changing, I’d say it’s difficult especially since the country is determined to curb immigration.
Getting a job in the creative industry can feel extremely daunting primarily due to the high competition, immigration rules etc, however, it’s not impossible. After my course ended I too went through a cumbersome/never-ending process of applying to jobs, and spoiler alert, I do have one. So, I decided to write down a few things that might help people navigate the process better. I am an advertising professional primarily dealing with digital content and social media management, so my knowledge pertains to creative industries only.
Let's begin with the most obvious thing to keep in mind; understanding what your strengths are and things to include in your resume:
The job role of an SEO/product copywriter will be different from that of a digital and social media one. Similarly, an art director's role is different from that of a product designer. So, you must know the job roles you are interested in, and read the description before you apply. Make sure it aligns with your experience as that increases the chances of your resume being selected.
Once you have figured out your desired role/roles make an ATS-friendly resume.
What is an ATS-friendly resume and how do I find keywords?
When you apply for jobs there is a very slim chance of a human being seeing your resume, especially when you have applied via platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed etc. Read the job descriptions that you wish to pursue and note the recurring/ important keywords, you can also try finding them on Google. I am a content creator and social media manager, so my resume would include words like copywriting, community management, client relations, creative strategy, etc. DON’T make your CVs graphic and full of images/tables. Such resumes don’t have a high ATS score, and you might end up getting rejection emails. Try to fit all your information on one page if possible, if you’re a designer write down the software you’ve mastered, instead of adding their logos as ATS might not be able to scan them. Once you are done making your resume/resumes, upload it on scanning software, to check your readability score. These are easily available on Google, subsequently, you can also text a hiring manager for their input.
Are cover letters important? What do creatives look for in portfolios?
Some companies ask you for a cover letter, this is primarily done to know if you have taken the time to read about the role/company/ job description. You can take the help of AI tools to improve your cover letter and resume, but please don’t copy-paste the information as it is very obvious. Make sure you personalize your cover letter and highlight your experience that is relevant to the role. I’d recommend making a portfolio website, especially if you are a designer. Ideally, you shouldn’t submit your Behance link as your portfolio. You can use Adobe Portfolio, Wix, SquareSpace etc to build your website. Try to make your portfolio unique, it should speak about who you are as a person and what you are capable of.
I am attaching a link to some portfolios that have wowed me. ( P.S strictly use it for inspo)
https://www.sophieplusjack.com/insidethefridge
https://www.yashbhut.com/
https://nicotissera.myportfolio.com/ https://www.chuckle-chums.com/
Which platforms should I be using to apply for jobs?
LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, and the dots are the ones you could use, however, please be aware of scams as many have been going on recently. Subsequently, check for the hiring manager and drop them a message/email as it increases the chances of your application being seen. If you are trying to get into an advertising MNC I’d recommend applying for creative placements, it’s easier to land and a great way to get your foot in the door (not asking you to not apply for full-time jobs).
You can also follow these pages, they keep posting about opening/ networking events:
https://www.instagram.com/ycc.agency/
https://www.instagram.com/runthecheck/
https://www.instagram.com/ifyoucouldjobs/
https://www.instagram.com/brwn_ink/
Don’t be a creep; be creative
The best way to get placements is through networking and book crits. Don’t be afraid to drop a message, email, send a box of doughnuts, or print funny pamphlets; in short, any creative way of grabbing someone's attention. If you can double text your crush who has been ignoring you for 10282082 days you can text creatives and ask for follow-ups as they might be busy and forget to reply at times. You don’t have to listen to every feedback someone gives, take the ones that resonate with you and leave the rest.
When should we start applying?
Honestly, there is no right time to get crit, feedback and network. If you are an international student and can legally work for 20 hours, make sure you are building your portfolio and meeting people from the industry on the side. There are a few agencies that offer summer internships so could inquire about that. However, mid-September to mid-December is when the hiring season is at its peak. My advice will be to apply to any roles that resonate with you as it's good to have options. Whilst applying for full-time roles try to reach out to people working in the firm for or a meeting or referral.
Getting a job in the creative industry can feel extremely daunting primarily due to the high competition, immigration rules etc, however, it’s not impossible. After my course ended I too went through a cumbersome/never-ending process of applying to jobs, and spoiler alert, I do have one. So, I decided to write down a few things that might help people navigate the process better. I am an advertising professional primarily dealing with digital content and social media management, so my knowledge pertains to creative industries only.
Let's begin with the most obvious thing to keep in mind; understanding what your strengths are and things to include in your resume:
The job role of an SEO/product copywriter will be different from that of a digital and social media one. Similarly, an art director's role is different from that of a product designer. So, you must know the job roles you are interested in, and read the description before you apply. Make sure it aligns with your experience as that increases the chances of your resume being selected.
Once you have figured out your desired role/roles make an ATS-friendly resume.
What is an ATS-friendly resume and how do I find keywords?
When you apply for jobs there is a very slim chance of a human being seeing your resume, especially when you have applied via platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed etc. Read the job descriptions that you wish to pursue and note the recurring/ important keywords, you can also try finding them on Google. I am a content creator and social media manager, so my resume would include words like copywriting, community management, client relations, creative strategy, etc. DON’T make your CVs graphic and full of images/tables. Such resumes don’t have a high ATS score, and you might end up getting rejection emails. Try to fit all your information on one page if possible, if you’re a designer write down the software you’ve mastered, instead of adding their logos as ATS might not be able to scan them. Once you are done making your resume/resumes, upload it on scanning software, to check your readability score. These are easily available on Google, subsequently, you can also text a hiring manager for their input.
Are cover letters important? What do creatives look for in portfolios?
Some companies ask you for a cover letter, this is primarily done to know if you have taken the time to read about the role/company/ job description. You can take the help of AI tools to improve your cover letter and resume, but please don’t copy-paste the information as it is very obvious. Make sure you personalize your cover letter and highlight your experience that is relevant to the role. I’d recommend making a portfolio website, especially if you are a designer. Ideally, you shouldn’t submit your Behance link as your portfolio. You can use Adobe Portfolio, Wix, SquareSpace etc to build your website. Try to make your portfolio unique, it should speak about who you are as a person and what you are capable of.
I am attaching a link to some portfolios that have wowed me. ( P.S strictly use it for inspo)
https://www.sophieplusjack.com/insidethefridge
https://www.yashbhut.com/
https://nicotissera.myportfolio.com/ https://www.chuckle-chums.com/
How long is the recruitment process and what does it consist of? Most hiring processes consist of 3 to 4 stages, the first being an HR round, followed by someone from the team interviewing you. This might be preceded by an assignment that you’d have to present in the final stage which would be further accompanied by a few follow-up questions. Keep in mind that most hiring processes will be a minimum of 2 weeks or longer, so, apply to as many profiles as possible.
Which platforms should I be using to apply for jobs?
LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, and the dots are the ones you could use, however, please be aware of scams as many have been going on recently. Subsequently, check for the hiring manager and drop them a message/email as it increases the chances of your application being seen. If you are trying to get into an advertising MNC I’d recommend applying for creative placements, it’s easier to land and a great way to get your foot in the door (not asking you to not apply for full-time jobs).
You can also follow these pages, they keep posting about opening/ networking events:
https://www.instagram.com/ycc.agency/
https://www.instagram.com/runthecheck/
https://www.instagram.com/ifyoucouldjobs/
https://www.instagram.com/brwn_ink/
Don’t be a creep; be creative
The best way to get placements is through networking and book crits. Don’t be afraid to drop a message, email, send a box of doughnuts, or print funny pamphlets; in short, any creative way of grabbing someone's attention. If you can double text your crush who has been ignoring you for 10282082 days you can text creatives and ask for follow-ups as they might be busy and forget to reply at times. You don’t have to listen to every feedback someone gives, take the ones that resonate with you and leave the rest.
When should we start applying?
Honestly, there is no right time to get crit, feedback and network. If you are an international student and can legally work for 20 hours, make sure you are building your portfolio and meeting people from the industry on the side. There are a few agencies that offer summer internships so could inquire about that. However, mid-September to mid-December is when the hiring season is at its peak. My advice will be to apply to any roles that resonate with you as it's good to have options. Whilst applying for full-time roles try to reach out to people working in the firm for or a meeting or referral.
Finally, I’d say keep evaluating your process at every stage, and ask for feedback wherever possible. Upskilling is also an essential part of the process, this could be software that you could learn, a course that you could take up; in short, anything that says, “Hey! I know how to do this too.” I’m not asking you to be a jack of all trades, but be a few of them. It's gonna feel overwhelming at times but hang in there you have got this!
PS If you have read all the way here, thank you!
PS If you have read all the way here, thank you!
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