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competition

10.12.2011

Five Ways for a Designer to Prepare for a Job Interview

I’ve had the privilege of interviewing lots of different designers for our creative team. Some interviews go well, however some go south fast, real fast. Here are some things to avoid if you are going in to interview for a design job.

1. Not Doing Your Research. This is not hard to do, but it is essential that you research who you are applying to work for, as well as their competition. Find design work that you love and some that you are not crazy about. Don’t worry about being critical, a lot of employers will respect your honesty, especially if you can come up with a better idea (bring that idea along with you if you feel bold).

2. Google Yourself. Okay, I’m not saying you should get all narcissistic, but I am saying you do need to know what is being said or represented about you online. Whenever I receive a resume, I google that person to see what I can find out. Is he or she active in online design communities? Is there a portfolio site, and if so, is it something original or just a plain Cargo site? Is there anything that will defame our team?

3. Paint Your Future. Be ready to present what you are working on for the future. Are you designing your own font? Are experimenting with HTML5 or CSS3? What are creative elements are you pushing forward? Show that you are looking toward the future and consistently pushing yourself.

4. Do Something Outrageous. You need to get your potential employers attention. Do something that really separates you from the rest of crowd. I once had a friend who had his resume delivered in a suitcase by someone dressed like a Secret Service Agent.

5. Do Something For Free. Yes, I said for free. Find out what new project that your potential employer is working on and give them some work for free. Sure they might not accept your work or they could even steal it, but by showing them something that speaks directly to what they are doing, you will show them that you are ready to start on day one.


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09.30.2011

Some of the Most Important Business Rules (not what you think)

Over the past couple of years, I’ve been reading up on business principles, trying to gather as much information as possible so I can make the best decisions for my company. Surprisingly, what I’ve discovered is not what I’ve expected at all.

Copying is OK

Before you get upset or start pulling out copyright law, let me explain. There’s a difference between copying and stealing.

In this case, copying is seeing what someone else is doing, thinking “I can do this better”, taking the good pieces, and making it your own.

You might still be scowling, but in the United States, we have anti-monopoly policies. Meaning, the government actually encourages this kind of behavior! A competitor is only going to make businesses better and stronger. It’s why you have FourSquare and Gowalla. Flickr and Picassa. Google and Bing. These are all successful businesses, but they’re all (essentially) doing the same thing.

Competitive Rank for Facebook and MySpace

Statistics taken from compete.com

First isn’t best

First is the worst. Second is the best. Third is the one with the hairy chest?

Just because you’re not first, doesn’t mean you’re not the best. Take Facebook and MySpace. MySpace was first, launching their services in August 2003. Facebook followed, two months later. But, look who’s still going strong.

Just because you’re not first doesn’t mean you’re too late.

Quitting is Good

There’s a popular phrase: “winner’s never quit.” It’s a lie. Winners do quit. In fact, they quit all the time. They quit all the things they’re not good at and focus on the things they are. Maximize your strengths.

If you’re not good at something. Quit. Let the people that are good at it, do it. You do the things you are good at.

The most important thing you can do in business is ship (unfinished)

It is better to send out a product at 90% complete, than it is to wait until it’s at 100%. How do you figure? How much difference is that final 10% going to make? 90 is still an A. Besides, it gives you room for feedback. You can make sure that final 10% is actually moving in the the right direction. –It goes along with show people early and often.

What other business rules have you learned?


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