Applying for jobs like a normal person.

Taking advantage of a short break I have from freelancing right now, I decided to really start looking for a full time design job. I love freelancing, but trying to run an entire freelance studio by myself while holding down of full time job outside my field is starting to suck all the joy out of my life.

I was going to make some promo packets to mail out and impress potential employers into offering me a job. The project would involve finding some small cardboard boxes, printing my logo on them and filling them with work sample placards, stickers, business cards, and a short CV/resume. I planned on making about 20 of these and mailing them out to several design studios here in Omaha.

Here’s a picture of something similar:

The project was delayed due to other projects and promos I was doing. Getting more and more frustrated with my current employment situation, I decided to sit down and actually make these things.

I shared this idea with a family member, who had a novel idea: “Why don’t you just apply for jobs like a normal person?” As gimmicky as graphic design promotions seem to be getting these days, simply sending an email or a resume asking for an interview seemed too simple, too easy.

But she was right. How much time and money would I end up spending on these and in the end, would it be worth it? Most places just might not even have jobs to fill, no matter how awesome a packet they receive.

I’m not giving up on the idea, just shelving it for now. Last night I sent resumes and links to my portfolio to about 20 potential employers. So far I got one automated response (No), one offer for potential freelance work but no full time employment, and one portfolio review by a former professor of mine. Not a terrible response for the first 24 hours, but we’ll see what the next week brings.

Your move Omaha.