Executive Director and Contents Chief Operating Officer Kristina Goodrich 2 IDSA membership application and benefits of membership Cover Arek Banasik New York, NY 4 Introduction Graphic Design Karen Berube; K.Designs 6 Part 1: Research Fairfax, VA
IDSA 10 Part 2: How to get an interview 1142 Walker Rd. Great Falls, VA 22066 P: 703.759.0100 15 Part 3: How to evaluate your skills F: 703.759.7679 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.idsa.org 20 Part 4: Portfolio advice
These articles are reprinted 25 Part 5: Interviewing advice from 1993, 1994 and 1995 issues of Innovation, IDSA’s quarterly publication. Part 6 29 Part 6: This Web’s for you was added in 2000.
Acknowledgement 35 IDSA mission & values IDSA thanks RitaSue Siegel for her permission to compile 36 Special student discounts this special reprinting of her articles.
The opinions expressed in this booklet are those of the author and not necessarily those of IDSA.
1 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB IDSA membership application Provide information as it should appear on your membership certificate and in the Directory. If your mailing address is different, please note it in the space provided.
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Signature Return to: IDSA, 1142 Walker Rd., Great Falls, VA 22066, USA; phone: 703.759.0100; fax: 703.759.7679; e-mail: idsa@erols. com; Web site: www.idsa.org GET 50 benefits of membership Directory of Industrial Lifelong Learning. IDSA IDSA Professional Interest Membership Category Designers lists all IDSA offers members a wide range Sections are a great way for Dues include national and members by last name, of educational opportunities, IDSA members to network chapter dues for the first chapter, specialty and including High Ground work- and exchange information. year; future dues will be employer. The shops and DesignAbout con- Members are welcome to billed on the anniversary Directory is the major ferences. join as many or as few as date of your membership. national resource for they want. The sections are: Studies, issued periodically, Professional Member: $303 industrial designer net- Design Management, Design provide statistical research on 1st Year After working, employment Protection, Communicative current industrial design Graduation: $100 and consultant refer- Environment, Environmental compensation and the struc- 2nd to 5th Year rals. Sold at $99, the Responsibility, Furniture, ture and financing of indus- After Graduation: $189 Directory is sent free Gender & Cultural Diversity, trial design consulting firms Votes; can hold any office; to IDSA members. Housewares, Human Factors, and corporate offices. can use IDSA after name. International, Materials & Design Perspectives, Members receive as much as Must have degree and work Processes, Medical, Product published monthly, 50% off on all studies. or teach in ID or design-relat- Development, Universal reports on current ed discipline. US citizens and IDSA’s National Design Design, and Visual Interface. issues, trends and non-US citizens residing in Conference, held in different In 2000, listserves were set events affecting design; and the US. regions each year, attracts up for each section. includes listings of design the largest gathering of International Member: $303 competitions, meetings and Industrial Design Excellence industrial designers anywhere Available to non-US citizens employment opportunities. Awards (IDEA) competition, in the US. General sessions residing overseas who are A subscription costs $35 (US) sponsored by Business Week feature opinion visionaries practicing designers. Can use or $50 (Intl); members receive and conducted by IDSA, is from business, design, I/IDSA after name; cannot it free. held each year to choose the government and the press. vote or hold office; receives best designs in the US. Innovation contains feature Members register at a dis- all other member benefits. Business Week announces articles and presents how-to, count. the winners in a June edi- Affiliate Member: $303 technical information on IDSA’s National Education tion, and IDSA presents the Available to individuals who design process, management Conference, held in different awards at its National are interested in industrial materials, human factors, regions each year, attracts Conference. IDSA publishes design but lack the appropri- design history and tech- the largest gathering of a Yearbook featuring the ate degree. Can be published niques. Published quarterly, a industrial design educators winners and distributes and receive IDSA discounts; subscription costs $50 (US) or anywhere in the US. information to the business cannot vote or hold office; $75 (Intl); however, members community and press. cannot put IDSA after name. receive it free. www.idsa.org, IDSA’s 2000+ Members receive discounts page Web site, includes infor- IDSA Chapters Getting the Word to Business on entry fees. mation on industrial design; Every US member automati- Executives. Regular letters late-breaking news and job Design Specialties Listings cally becomes a member of and materials from IDSA to listings; IDEA and Designs of This information is used in the local IDSA chapter closest corporate executives who the Decade galleries; many ID creating the referral list in to them. IDSA has 27 local work with and employ indus- resources; a calendar of IDSA’s Directory. Only chapters: Arizona, Atlanta, trial designers are helping to design events; and special Professional and International Boston, Carolina, Chicago, convince the top echelons of areas for educators, members are included in the Central Ohio, Central New business to increase its invest- students, business and media. design specialties listings, York, Michigan, Florida, ment in corporate industrial which are used extensively Indiana, Kansas City, Los design staff and resources. District Conferences, held in by business. Angeles, Mid-Atlantic, the spring, emphasize design- Career Connections. IDSA Minnesota, Northwest, New er interaction and offer pre- Equal Opportunity puts employers with job York, Northern Ohio, Oregon, sentations by pacesetters in openings in direct, but dis- IDSA advocates equal oppor- Philadelphia, Rocky design offices, schools and creet, contact with members tunity for all practitioners of Mountain, San Francisco, related disciplines. Members interested in a new job. We industrial design and prac- Southern New England, register at a discount. connected more than 58 tices equal opportunity of Southern Ohio, Tennessee companies and some 80 access to volunteer offices, Valley, Texas, Western potential candidates in ’99. publication and employment. Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.
3 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB hello and welcome to a special edition of GETTING AN ID JOB. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, business employ- ment opportunities for industrial designers were terrible. At that time, IDSA asked me to write a series of articles for INNOVATION, the Society’s quarterly, about how industrial designers should go about finding employment. These arti- cles were later published as a special issue of the journal.
introduction Today, business conditions What is the definitive dif- companies and to present are excellent. The advice in ference between now and yourself and your work to the original articles remains then? There is almost a uni- prospective employers and sound, but the Internet has versal understanding in the recruiters. It also helps them definitely affected the US that design adds value, to find and qualify you for process of getting a job. not only to the competitive the positions they have avail- Hence, this special edition position of products and ser- able. But you still have to with a new, final chapter. vices, but to the experience assess your skills and commu- Ten years ago, designers customers have with them. nicate this information in a were asking: Are in-house This is the result of relentless resume and portfolio. corporate design groups efforts by IDSA over the past The speed with which the growing? What are the hot decade, including the pivotal world is evolving still requires directions? Are there jobs for Industrial Design Excellence you to develop a lifelong, American designers in Awards (IDEA) co-sponsored self-education program to Europe and Asia? What kind with Business Week maga- stay current. Read a newspa- of information do prospec- zine, as well as the outstand- per, with good national and tive employers look for in a ing and highly visible perfor- international business report- resume? What is the best mance of designers. ing, as well as the traditional format for a portfolio and and new business magazines. what should it contain? Some Things Keep up with technology, Today, the questions are: Don’t Change materials, lifestyle and demo- Can I put my portfolio on the Whether the times are graphic trends and design, Web? On a CD? A disk? boom or bust (or somewhere on-line or in the flesh. Read What is the design software in between), the fundamen- literature, see movies and go that most companies use? tals in the original articles to the theater. Attend art Will I get stock options? And still apply. But, we’ve added exhibits, listen to music and employers are deeply con- a chapter on how the digital travel. cerned with how to find, world, primarily the World attract, reward and keep Wide Web, affects the job designers. search process. In this brave, new world, there are more resources to help you find opportunities, to research
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 4 Educating others is still a What’s New? New design disciplines are Debunking the very important part of being The Employment evolving: user-experience Stereotypes a designer. Although the Outlook and the design, information architec- The universe in which you awareness of design is now Business Climate ture, interaction design, user- can find industrial design high, the understanding of Ten years ago, companies centered research, design work is limited only by your the process and the time it were not as focused as they planning, entertainment imagination and your snob- takes to do it well are not. As are today on developing new design and branded environ- bery quotient. (Some design- you enable other specialists products and services. Jobs ments. And, this is just the ers look down their noses at with whom you work to were not being created. beginning. those who design toys, point- learn about your skills and Today, times are dramatically of-purchase displays and wall knowledge, you will develop different. The unemployment Who’s Responsible? décor. Before Nike made it synergies with them. rate is the lowest it has been In the past, when new chic, some looked down their in 30 years. A shortage of products were written about noses at sports footwear Will You Make skilled labor threatens the US in the general business press, design.) Since I cannot help an Impact on the economy’s growth. The cur- product designers were each of you to research, Profession? rent accelerated demand for almost never credited. assess and plan, I will do Design has heroes and designers is the result of: Among designers, “style” something a bit dangerous: role models who have helped • Visibility and recognition was a dirty word. No more. make sweeping generaliza- companies—from the inside of design as a legitimate Today, it’s OK for products to tions. Here goes. where it used to be diffi- activity that impacts be considered stylish. In a 30- Most recent grads, and cult—to understand that business success. day period in 1999, significant those with only a few years excellent design can provide • Increased investment in articles on design appeared of experience, look at the job a competitive advantage. new product development. in Fast Company magazine, universe and see it divided They built design depart- • Heightened awareness of The New York Times, the simply into consulting firms ments that were an integral design’s role in building Wall Street Journal, the New and corporate offices. They part of their company’s suc- brands. York Times Magazine, believe that more creative cess. These designers were— • Transformation of old Fortune and Business Week. people work in consulting and are—highly motivated business models by offices because of the variety people, evangelists who did- electronic commerce. A Seismic Shift of clients these have. They n’t take ”no” for an answer. • Development of Move over Italian design! also believe that corporate In the ‘80s, they were Lou interactive products. The US has become the desti- jobs are more insulated from Lenzi, IDSA, at Thomson • The phenomenal business nation and focus of designers potential layoffs. Well, nei- Consumer Electronics; Gene momentum and soaring from all over the world. ther stereotype is true. Sulek at Texas Instruments; stock market. Design is ubiquitous here; You can be just as boxed Arnold Wasserman, IDSA, at Other factors include new everyone ’gets it.’ Designers into a specialty in a large Xerox; Bob Brunner, IDSA, ways of valuing assets: soft- in Europe and Asia still com- consulting office as in a cor- at Apple; and Bob Potts, ware as investment, not a plain about the shortage of poration. Those who think IDSA, at Ciba Corning. In the cost; and a high regard for a clients who think design is all designers working ‘90s, Morison Cousins, IDSA, person’s intelligence and important. Although foreign in-house at Apple, Ford, did it at Tupperware; Tom knowledge. Designers are designers are welcome here, Motorola, Thomson Gale, IDSA, at what was then recognized as a vital compo- because of high unemploy- Consumer Electronics and Chrysler; Frank Nuovo, IDSA, nent in the drive for quality, ment and less robust DaimlerChrysler are less cre- at Nokia; and Gordon in the use of computers and economies, it’s difficult for ative than designers in con- Thompson at Nike. the Internet to increase pro- American designers to get sulting firms should not voice ductivity, and in the develop- visas to work in other coun- this opinion too loudly. It’s ment of crucial technological tries, with the exceptions of ridiculous. innovations. The reshaping of Canada and Mexico (thanks business practices to take to NAFTA) and the automo- advantage of the networked tive industry. world has just begun.
5 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB the rules for getting a job are changing. You have to do much more and prepare much smarter than ever By RitaSue Siegel, IDSA before. Understanding the changes RitaSue Siegel is founder and president of RitaSue Siegel Resources, a worldwide search company that reshaping our economy is a key first fills key design management and staff positions in all step. Research is the second. aspects of product, communications and environmental design, including: graphic, industrial and exhibit design; corporate, brand, and retail part 1: research identity; architecture; packaging; interactive media; Everyone asks me, “How’s order to get one of the good usability; and interior design. business?” The employment jobs that do exist, or to talk The firm also finds identity strategists, creative game, you see, is considered an organization into creating directors, design sales and marketing specialists, and a bellwether of the economy. one for you, you have to do educators. Additionally, it advises on design firm But in today’s economy it much more and prepare selection and mergers and acquisitions. takes more than jobs to get a much smarter than ever The client list includes: Philips Design, Sony, Apple job. To that end, Innovation before. Computer, Herbst LaZar Bell, Motorola, Fitch (UK), has asked me to write a As you read my series, Nissan (US, Japan), ION Design, Terk Technologies, series of articles on how to you need to consider the Whirlpool (US, Italy), John Frassanito, Amtrak, Group get a good job as an industri- chaos of the current job Four, Thomson Consumer Electronics (US, France), al designer, whether you are marketplace as a condition Renault (France), Rockwellgroup, Nike, NASA, Emilio Ambasz, Tupperware (US & Belgium), Landor, Ford, right out of school, have a of the time that cannot be Donovan & Green/US Web CKS, Disney Interactive, few years of experience or a ignored. Similarly, the Ralph Appelbaum, Art Center College, Lante, lot. Are in-house corporate process of design is a rela- Gateway, and Wolff Olins. design groups growing? tively new one, and not RitaSue has been quoted by and has had articles What are the hot directions everyone under-stands how published in The New York Times, Business Week, and are there jobs for to best use it or integrate it The Wall Street Journal, DesignWeek (UK), AXIS American designers in Europe into their organization. Part (Tokyo), Form (Germany), ID Magazine, Design or Japan? What kind of infor- of being a designer, and get- Management Journal and others. She wrote mation do prospective ting a job as one, is educat- American Graphic Design, Thirty Years of Imagery employers look for in a ing others. It only takes one (McGraw Hill, 1987), was a juror for the IDEA Awards resume? What should portfo- highly motivated person who and Communication Arts Magazine and ID Magazine lios contain? These are some won’t take “no” for an competitions. She is on the board of directors of the Rowena of the questions I’ll answer in answer to help a company Reed Kostellow Fund at Pratt Institute and the board this series. understand that excellent committee of the International Design Network Now, many of you are design can improve its com- Foundation. RitaSue participated in developing a working for companies that petitive position. Lou Lenzi proposal for a White House Council on Design have never been busier, but did it at Thomson Consumer sponsored by the NEA and has served on that doesn’t mean the overall Electronics, Gene Sulek did it committees for The Cooper Hewitt National Design picture for industrial design at TI and Bob Potts did it at Museum and The American Crafts Museum. employment is satisfactory or Ciba Corning. These people RitaSue holds Master’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in that the old rules of getting are our own design heroes Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. a job still apply. They don’t. and role models. From 1962 to 1969, she was director of placement With very few exceptions, in at Pratt Institute’s Schools of Art and Design, Architecture and Engineering.
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 6 The Employment • New jobs, in general, • There will be fewer Most recent grads and Outlook and the are not being created, except competitors in some indus- those with only a few years Business Climate in the healthcare industries. tries, like personal comput- of experience look at the job To answer the question up • There has been a steady ers, where a few major pro- universe and see it divided front, business for us “head- reduction in the percentage ducers of low cost clones are simply into consulting firms hunters” is not too good of revenues American compa- displacing the previous vari- and corporate offices. They these days. Companies are nies invest in R&D. ety of proprietary products believe that more creative not asking us to find, nor are • The American economy and systems. people work in consulting they hiring, industrial design- has had less growth in the • Concern with air quality, offices, because of the variety ers at the same rate as they first quarter of 1993 than recycling, disposability and of clients these have. They did when business was terrif- ever before in recent memo- other environmental issues also believe that corporate ic in the mid ‘70s to the mid ry, another good reason to affects job development in jobs are more insulated from ‘80s. Some of the reasons are: hire designers. some categories. potential layoffs. Well, nei- • The ways companies • The market position of You probably know all ther stereotype is true. operate and allocate brand name products is being this if you read a good daily You can be just as boxed resources have been funda- threatened by generic or newspaper, with national into a specialty in a large con- mentally changed by the way store-branded ones. Rather and international financial sulting office as in a corpora- they were financed or refi- than invest in new or and business coverage. You tion. Juniors who think all nanced in the ‘80s by invest- improved products or pack- should also read a weekly designers working in-house ment bankers. Rather than aging, companies are substi- magazine like Business Week at Apple, Nike, Ford, being focused on developing tuting promotions and price- as part of your continuing Thomson Consumer new products and services, cutting. self-education program. Plus Electronics, Nissan, Chrysler or many are crippled by the dis- • The American educa- plastics, electronics, design NCR are less creative than traction of needing to find tional system is in crisis, and lifestyle magazines. designers in consulting firms ways to pay off enormous which affects the abilities of should not voice this opinion debts. current and future members Debunking the too loudly. It’s ridiculous. • Demand for products is of the work force to think, Stereotypes In corporations, it’s com- down because the majority read and figure at levels we The universe in which pany policy, not size or struc- of customers in the devel- took for granted in the past. you can find industrial design ture, that determines oped world has everything This crisis is forcing compa- work is limited only by your whether or not you will be they need. (In a company nies to invest more in train- imagination and your snob- laid off when business is bad. that is thinking correctly, this ing than ever as well as in bery quotient. (Some design- When preparing to sell divi- should signal the need to redesigning the process and ers look down their noses at sions to show a more favor- hire designers.) equipment by which work is those who design toys, point- able cost picture, some com- • Competition from prod- done. Not surprisingly, they of-purchase displays and wall panies will eliminate the ucts made by foreign manu- claim to have less money decor. Before Nike made it design department among facturers has altered the available to spend on devel- chic, some looked down their others. Companies as diverse landscape of the type of oping new products. noses at sports footwear as GM, IBM, AT&T and > products made in America. design.) Since I cannot help Rather than innovate their each of you to research, way out of the situation, assess and plan, I will do some American companies something a bit dangerous: have decided to stop compet- make sweeping generaliza- ing. tions. Here goes.
7 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB Corning have offered early and have some relationship • Retail: custom fixturing, ucts and either sell their retirement programs to long- to reality. We have known fixture systems, lighting, designs to manufacturers or term employees because they designers interested in auto- point of sale, prototype buy time from the manufac- are restructuring their lines mobile design who will not design package, standards turers best suited to produce of business and have new leave the New York City development, store planning, the goods they design. There labor requirements. Many area, where there are no visual merchandising. are plastics companies that designers were laid off by automobile manufacturers. • Signage: airport, city, have internal groups of office furniture companies Here are some lists to educational, fast food, finan- industrial designers who both as the recession progressed, illustrate my point. cial facilities, health care, call on and consult with as were teachers in design • 3-D Packaging: aseptic, highway, hospitality, industri- designers and engineers in schools with decreasing bottles-beverage, bottles-cos- al development, institutional, such industries as automo- enrollment and increasing metics, closure, corrugated, kiosk, office, office park, resi- tive, pharmaceutical packag- costs. dispenser, disposable, phar- dential development, retail. ing, office furniture and maceutical, sterile. • Transportation: acces- restaurant equipment. They Finding a Focus • Computer: accessories, sories, after market, aircraft, try to inspire those designers From our perspective, education, home, industrial, boats, bus, car, cultivation and engineers to make the there are many types of information products, infor- equipment, earth-moving transition to or convert from industries that can employ mation systems, office, oper- equipment, electric vehicles, the materials they are now industrial designers. And the ations products, operations exteriors, interiors, mass using to the company’s list is constantly growing. systems, portable, user inter- transit rail, military, motorcy- plastics. Building a list for yourself face, work station. cles, non-motor, off-road requires a willingness to • Consumer: electronics, ATVs, RVs, specialty vehicle, Finding Potential read, think and do research. entertainment, home fur- space vehicles, tractor, truck, Employers Reading is a way to get nishings, home office, house- van, yachts, water vehicles. It’s a bit overwhelming important clues and informa- wares, lighting, major appli- Another way to survey isn’t it? Looking for a job tion about the world, which ances, small appliances, tele- the territory is through mate- is not simple. It requires as can inspire you to improve or phone. rials and processes. Think of much planning as any design create products people will • Medical/Dental/ the job areas these words project you embark on, and need. Veterinary: hospital furni- bring to mind: acrylic, alu- the process of getting from One way to categorize ture, instrumentation, lab minum, blow molding, brass, idea to reality is not dissimi- the potential job-generating equipment, measuring ceramic, china, color, corru- lar. (Research, preparation, landscape is by industry. You devices, prosthetic devices, gated, crystal, fiberglass, fil- implementation.) can begin to map a personal surgical products, wheel- ters, foam, glass, injection Here are some specifics job universe by selecting sub- chairs. molding, laminates, leather, about how to find potential jects or categories or types of • Exhibit: artifact, biogra- metal, paper, plastics, porce- employers in the categories work that interest you, as phy, corporate, events, histo- lain, rubber, sheet metal, and geographic areas that well as locations. The infor- ry, interactive, interpretive, steel, textiles, tile, vinyl, interest you as well as people mation should be prioritized museum, research, sales wood. who will understand what meetings, science, set design, There are companies who designers do. One of the best showroom, theme park, manufacture porcelain goods tools available is the IDSA trade show, visitor’s center, who hire designers to come Directory of Industrial world’s fair, zoo. up with new products and Designers, updated yearly patterns. There are compa- nies that simply design porcelain and tabletop prod-
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 8 and sent free to members. Trade magazines are sent what you’d like to do, Researching the Members are listed by chap- excellent sources of informa- either stylistically or in sub- Companies ters, employers and special- tion about trends in the ject matter. If you lack rele- If you want more infor- ties, from “Aerospace/ industry. They show photos vant on-the-job experience mation than you will ever Airlines” to “Wood.” of products that may interest or school projects, design need about the companies Another, the Design Firm you or need a designer. Try to and develop them on your you are interested in, you can Directory, graphic and indus- get or buy the previous year’s own. Also explain that you ask them for it or look them trial design edition, also pub- worth of issues. If you don’t plan to visit to their area and up in Standard and Poor’s lished yearly, lists consultants know which trade magazines would be delighted to take directory of corporations or by state and specialty. The are relevant, ask an appropri- them to breakfast or lunch Dun & Bradstreet’s directories Directory to Industrial Design ate IDSA member for contact or visit them in their office or disks. Searching by SIC in the US, first published in information of their most (their choice) to gather infor- code in medical equipment 1992, lists consultants and useful trade magazines. mation. Before sending the will produce the names of design departments by state, The business magazines— letter, call to be sure the per- 150 companies on the D&B service and activity. None of Forbes, Fortune, Business son is still at the company Million $ Disk, for example. these directories contain pho- Week, Inc.—continually write and get their current title. The information about them tographs. There’s no need to about companies that are If the company you are can be downloaded from buy the last two: borrow failing or improving, industry interested in doesn’t employ your university or business them. trends and technology, from industrial designers, write a library onto a diskette. By Other useful sources, with which you can develop leads, letter to the chief executive law, all public companies photos, are coverage of the as well as listings of compa- stating your objectives and must issue an annual report. Industrial Design Excellence nies by industry, showing your travel schedule. Enclose The business librarian in spe- Awards by Business Week how they compare with one your resume, five color cial libraries or the main and Innovation, the Design another in their category, as copies and, if you believe it branches of public libraries Review issue of ID Magazine in the Fortune 1,000 or Inc. helpful, an article from the can be quite helpful: it’s wise and The International Design 100. business press or a design to make an appointment Yearbooks, published by magazine that gives a broad with one to help plan your Abbeville Press. (You don’t Making the Contact picture of what the discipline research. As you do it, bear have to buy the books. Just After deciding you are of industrial design has to in mind the designer’s mani- bring an index card to the interested in medical prod- offer. (We get some of our festo, “Nothing is immune bookstore and take notes.) ucts, for example, use the best searches using this from being improved upon,” Many trade show directories directories to find corpora- method. We don’t sit back or, as Raymond Loewy said, contain product photos. The tions and consulting offices waiting for companies to “Never leave well enough New York Market Directory, that specialize in these prod- find us, and neither should alone!” for example, lists companies ucts. Look for those within you.) When you make the in tabletop, housewares, dec- the geographic boundaries follow-up call, some will orative accessories, general you’ve defined. Write a letter have thrown your letter out, gift companies and kidstuff. to one designer in each of but others will have passed If you cannot go to the trade the companies explaining your letter to someone in shows in the product cate- that you are beginning a job human resources, engineer- gories that interest you, ask search and would like to ask ing or marketing. Follow that an IDSA member in the prod- their advice about getting a up, too. And a few may want uct category if they will lend job in medical products in to see you! you their directory. their neighborhood. Enclose your appropriately detailed resume and a few color copies of projects that repre-
9 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB making cold calls for job interviews gives the strongest egos the jitters. But there are some straightforward rules of thumb that can make your approach to potential employers more effective.
part 2: how to get an interview In Part 1, I suggested got a lot of competition for ways to focus your job search appointments. The design by industry and region. offices and companies in the Assuming you’ve taken these area receive dozens of tele- steps, the trick is to use a phone calls and resumes each methodology for getting a week from designers at every face-to-face meeting with stage of experience who potential employers where want to interview with them. you’ll have the opportunity How will you separate your- to show your portfolio and self from the crowd? demonstrate what a pleas- How will you get an ant, smart person you are. In appointment with the design tough times, it may be diffi- manager at Apple, with a cult to finance a week of principal at IDEO, or one of time in the location of your their lieutenants? Or with choice. If you can’t, there are second-tier stars? Remember, other tactics. If you can, take asking for an interview in a it four weeks after you have letter or on the phone with a completed your research total stranger who may not about companies, products be looking for an employee and industries. You need a is essentially asking a total cover letter, resume and to stranger for an hour of time. obtain an interview, and It can be perceived as an these take time to prepare. imposition. You may be ask- Let’s say you have decid- ing them to work an hour ed you’d like to live in San longer in order to see you Francisco or the area known because they have very busy as Silicon Valley. This is a very schedules. So, I suggest popular choice, not only for showing them something Americans, but for designers memorable in advance to get from Asia and Europe as them excited about seeing well. That means that you’ve you.
“Now I’ll try to read the resumes from the designers.”
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 10 The Vital Referral mance-oriented bicycles.” (Of It is often easier to get an course, the reference must be appointment with your tar- truthful.) You must first put gets if you’ve come recom- these things in your letter mended by someone they and then reiterate them to know or respect. If you are a their assistants or secretaries recent graduate, you may when you call. They may be ...and then, when I was 14... know a student who co-oped empowered to put you on at the office or an alumnus their boss’s calendar. who is in their employ, or a Recent Grad: I have just West Coast in the near teacher who may have Your Logistics Plan and graduated from the industri- future. I am familiar with the worked in their organization Letter al design department of the work you are doing for the or with one of their people. Then you want to inform University of the Pitts. My ophthalmic industry. I have If you have experience, you them about when you will be teacher, John Forgetme, your been working on a product may have colleagues in their neighborhood. Since classmate at Cal State similar to the one you have acquainted with someone in you’d want to avoid having Dustmore, suggested I con- completed for Variable the organization. It is very an appointment on Monday tact you. He believes you will Industries. Dr. Didit, the difficult to refuse a request at 9 a.m. in San Jose and one be interested in the new clo- human factors specialist at such as: “I showed my portfo- at 11:30 a.m. in San Francisco, sures I’ve developed for Variable, suggested I show it lio to Bob Darnit and he said the days and times of your portable communication to you. I will be in the Bay I must show it to you if I’m availability stated in your devices. I plan to be in your area during the week of out there.” Or, “I am working cover letter and reiterated in area during the week of September 9th and would with Janice Fidget and she your call must be selected September 9th, and would very much appreciate an said that you’d be very inter- with a logistics plan in mind. very much appreciate your appointment to show you my ested in the type of work I You can start by drawing taking the time to see my work. I will call you in few am doing with interaction a matrix which shows the work. I will call you in a few days to schedule it. simulation software.” Or, “I organizations in their neigh- days to set up an appoint- Heavyweight: I am an heard you speak at the IDSA borhoods in San Francisco, ment. industrial designer with over conference in San Francisco. and the location of others in Some Experience: I am an 20 years of experience. My Your ideas stimulated me to the surrounding cities. Then industrial designer with three children are grown and my do my senior thesis on cus- put together an appropriate, years of experience. I am spouse has been transferred tomer needs for perfor- focused letter, such as: planning to move to the to Mountain View. Since >
11 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB With 8 1/2” x 11” black and white or color copies of your work. Did you ever know a designer who could resist looking at good work? I know I can’t. Yet most designers don’t send visuals when they write to ask for an interview. We suggest five copies. We also suggest that one of the five shows your sketching style, provided you sketch well. Copies beat slides. They are larger and don’t have to be projected. They are also a relatively inexpensive way to get important visual evidence of your skills and sensibilities “This project from 2nd grade confirmed immediately into the hands of the people you want to my destiny as an industrial designer.” influence to take precious time to see you. They don’t Boring portfolio presentations graduation from State Differentiating Your have to find a VCR, a projec- must be common indeed! When Polytech, I have worked in Letter tor or a lupe. While we have we invited Dave Tompkins, FIDSA, three large companies on the To deal with the many nothing against a portfolio and Gerard Furbershaw, IDSA, to East Coast managing projects designers who want the on a disk, five copies are the conceive cartoons depicting bad and teams of industrial attention of these design cheapest and most efficient interviewing experiences, both designers and electrical engi- managers, some organiza- way to get someone’s atten- independently came up with The neers while designing small tions ask designers to drop tion. And, you don’t have to Big Sleep! Dave drew his (on page electronic measuring devices. ask for them to be returned, 9) and Gerard asked Bret Lovelady off portfolios they can My strength lies in project as you do with slides. to capture the feeling for him review later that day. This (above). management, and I have a way they can look at the You can make labels for working knowledge of work and then see only the back of the copies to AutoCad Release 12 and those designers they believe describe what is on them, ProEngineer. We will be in can contribute to their orga- and what your contribution the Bay area on a house- nization. But you don’t live to the project was. Or, attach hunting trip during the week nearby—dropping off your a cover sheet, state the prob- of September 9th. I will call portfolio isn’t viable. So, how lem and solution and number you in a few days to find out do you differentiate yourself each of them, providing an if you will see me. from all other designers? index explaining the content and context.
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 12 The Big R folded and are consequently I don’t believe the style logical order. If you don’t list Then there’s the resume. messy and difficult to refer of resume that lists accom- a degree, the assumption will There have been books writ- to. White 8 1/2” x 11” paper plishments, followed by a list be that you do not have one. ten about how to write copies easily and best. of employers, works well for Always give the month and effective resumes, but, • Don’t fall into any designers. Experienced peo- year in which you graduated. although an excellent resume “assumption” traps. Not ple should provide an outline • Avoid the appearance is an important tool, it is not everyone who will read your of professional experience, of carelessness. Have a very a difficult document to write. resume knows what the com- in reverse chronological literate person check your Here are some pointers. pany you work for does. order, last job first. Include resume for errors in spelling, • Your resume is a Assume they don’t. If you dates of employment (both grammar, punctuation, usage prospective employer’s first don’t make clear who you month and year), name of and typing. You cannot rely experience of your substance are and what you’ve done employer, location, your posi- on a spell check program, and style. It’s a good idea for for whom on a quick first tion and a relatively detailed because it can’t distinguish you to prepare one that will reading, the resume will end description of your responsi- between ‘form’ and ‘from’, be equally enlightening and up in the garbage instead of bilities. If you were working a common transposition of appealing to the head of a working hard for you. If you in-house, describe the com- letters, among others. And mid-size company, the don’t want to be called at pany—”a mid-sized manufac- let the record show that “liai- human resources director of work, indicate that messages turer of surgical staplers,” son” is spelled with two ‘i’s! a large one, the manager of may be left on your home for example, or “the Boston • Above all, put yourself an in-house design group, a message machine, fax or office of an international in the position of the people vice president of marketing electronic mail. If the address multidisciplinary design reading the resume and tell or a designer running a on the resume is temporary, firm.” Give details of the them what they would want design office. It just takes include a permanent one. If projects you worked on. to know. Why is the resume careful planning, writing, you are not born in the US, Describe your role, how so important? Decisions will editing and organizing. If but have a work permit or many people you supervised be made about interviewing you are from another coun- are a naturalized American, or the team you were on, you based on the quality of try, use the American-style say so. If you will need a and what function you or it information it provides. Does resume format. work permit, this is a sur- reported to. If you were an he use ProEngineer? Does he • Don’t fall into design mountable problem but individual contributor, but in have any experience with traps. Design your resume for there is no room to deal with your next position would like OEM suppliers? Did she go legibility and easy reading, that here. to have the opportunity to through a TQM program? faxing, copying, handling • Don’t fall into any “for- manage projects, state that Did she have any mechanical and storing. Don’t over- mat” traps. Start your resume fact in your objective and engineering courses? Has he design it. Use standard type off with a short summary or describe your job experience worked on teams with engi- styles and leading and a laser objective only if you have in light of that objective. neers? If he worked in a printer. One page is enough something more interesting Juniors can describe their design office, did he partici- for a junior. Resumes are to say than that you are temporary, co-op or free- pate in new business devel- stored in standard-size fold- “looking for a challenge.” lance employment or jobs opment? Did she present to ers by recipients, and are And don’t write that you are they held prior to going to clients? What was the value often copied and sent to oth- only interested in a consult- design school. of the work she did and how ers in an organization. Small ing or corporate environment Education should also be was its success measured by ones get lost, large ones get because you can’t be sure. outlined in reverse chrono- the client? People assume >
13 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB that, if you don’t write about Calling to Set Up the name right,” who’s going to Be Realistic something, you didn’t do it. Meeting want to see you? And, when Please be realistic in your When you call to set up you call back to get the con- expectations. To get ten Get the Local Scoop a meeting, the dialogue firmation of the appoint- appointments, you may have Before you call to set up should be something like ment, ask if the address you to send 100 letters and appointments, ask someone this. “May I speak to Mr. have is correct, if the office is resume/sample packets. you know for general infor- Draft? This is Johnny D. Lee. easy to find and, if appropri- And recognize some mation about the local I wrote to him last week ate, whether or not special hurdles to access that may weather, parking, rush hour about my up-coming trip to driving instructions are need- be awkward but real. traffic, local dress codes, cost San Francisco and that I’d be ed and where to park. Specifically, there are many of living, availability of calling for an appointment. If your prospect can’t or people who come to America affordable housing and so He’s not in? Could I speak to won’t see you, ask if another with unusual names. For on. You can also ask about his assistant or the person person in the office or those industrial designers the local employment situa- who keeps his calendar? Oh, department would be avail- with names that Americans tion and if they know anyone he makes his own appoint- able to talk with you and see will have a very hard time who is hiring industrial ments? Do you expect him your portfolio. with, I suggest you adopt a designers. If you don’t know to call in? This afternoon? simpler name to use in busi- anyone, call the Chamber of Well, I would appreciate it What to Do If You ness. Many Americans are shy Commerce or one of the very much if, when he does, Can’t Visit? about names and words they IDSA chapter officers or you’d remind him of my let- If you cannot afford to can’t pronounce or remem- members—they’re listed in ter. I also sent copies of my make a trip to the location ber with ease, and this may IDSA’s membership directory. motorcycle helmet design, of your choice, the docu- be reason enough for some- Ask when the next chapter which he might remember. ments you send will assume one to “forget” who you are meeting will be. Attending I could see him on Tuesday, even greater importance. or not call back. it is a good way to meet local September 10th at 4 p.m. Your cover letter should state In one of the senior shows members. Ask what local I can call you back tomorrow that you are not going to be I visited this year, the name design activities or exhibits to see if he would be avail- in the area, but if your work of one ‘Rumparwan you should attend or see able. What’s your name? is of interest, you’d like to Sarmornkrisorakit,’ caught when there. Gee, thanks very, very much. arrange to show your com- my attention. I would sug- For appointments in the Is ten a good time to call? plete portfolio when they gest this person become city, plan on using taxis; Great. I’ll call you then. are in your area or attending Rumpar Sarmorn, or Ralph street parking is usually diffi- Thanks a lot.” an IDSA function, a Design or Rick. There are some Asian cult to find. You’ll need to Since Mr. Draft is apt to Management Institute con- names that are so common rent a car for an appoint- ask the person who answers ference, Aspen, NEOCON or and beg for differentiation, ment in the surrounding the phone what kind of per- another a trade show like like Young Kim, the name areas. Get a map in son you sounded like, be CES or the Gourmet or of about ten Korean industri- advance—any good book- upbeat and friendly, polite, Premium Show that you also al designers I know. On the store will have one. Once efficient in your communica- plan to attend. In some other hand, if your name is your itinerary is set, you can tion and brief. If the answer cases, they might ask you to David Brown, get a middle plan your routes from one person says: “What a disor- send a sheet of 20 or a tray name or initial to distinguish appointment to the next. ganized guy. Getting infor- of slides. If they like what yourself. In our office, when mation from him about why they see and after a prelimi- the caller is David Brown, he was calling was like nary telephone interview, we ask: “Are you from pulling teeth. And, he could- they might pay your inter- California, Boston or n’t even pronounce your viewing expenses or offer to Indianapolis?” split them, so you can come to see them.
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 14 getting the job you want starts by taking a hard look at the skills you already have as well as the ones you want to acquire. And the ‘people’ and ‘personal’ skills are just as critical to develop as the ‘professional’ ones.
part 3: how to evaluate your skills Many designers believe Taking Stock of that getting the job of their Technical Skills choice depends on the quali- When I meet with design- ty of the work in their port- ers who are looking for posi- folios, who they know, going tions, I ask them to tell me to the “right” school or get- what they do best. Their sur- ting the right “breaks.” prise at the question and Certainly all of these factors hesitation before coming up can play a role, but they with an answer has made me aren’t the main determinant. realize how few designers To get the design job you think about what their really want, you must mas- strengths are. I suggest that ter a spectrum of technical you evaluate your skills, com- skills and develop a reper- paring them with those of toire of personal skills that successful industrial designers will allow you to work pro- you know, so that you will ductively with other people. understand what you do This article looks at a crit- best. You must be able to ical step in the career-plan- describe your strong points ning process: making an to prospective employers and inventory and assessment of recruiters in your first meet- those skills. Once you’ve ing with them. You also need accomplished that, you’ll be to recognize your strengths ready to tackle portfolio so you can design your port- preparation and the inter- folio to highlight them. An viewing process, the topics of inventory of your strengths the next and final article in also will help you identify this series. additional competencies you may want to develop to enhance your employability. >
15 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB Industrial Design Evaluation
Technical Skill OutstandingAboveGood AverageMarginalUnsatisfactoryComment aesthetics The most obvious set of grasp of certain technical analysis skills to evaluate are the skills and specialized informa- color “technical” or “professional” tion. If you are considering computer use design development ones. The chart on the left moving into another special- design strategy shows many commonly ty area, it will be helpful to drafting required design skills. Try talk with designers working drawing/sketching ranking your competence in in that specialty to learn driver’s licenses each. more about the kinds of economics engineering It is a good idea to ask a knowledge and skills that are environ. impact fellow designer, especially required. You might consider estimating one you have worked with attending local IDSA meet- evaluating and whose judgment you ings and regional and nation- 3-D form trust, to also evaluate your al conferences where you can graphics technical skills. While another meet members who work in human factors/ergo implementation designer’s assessment will not the areas that interest you. innovation/invention necessarily be more accurate It is wise to contact some of interaction design than your own, it can provide these experts in advance to marketing a valuable point of compari- arrange a time to get togeth- materials son. For example, if you rate er and talk. Bring questions manufacturing model making your skill in developing 3-D and a sampling from your pattern making form as “outstanding,” and portfolio so they can give photography the project manager to you a reading on how your planning whom you report rates it present skills stack up against point of view “marginal,” it should be the field’s requirements and predicting enlightening to discuss the on what other skills you may protocols rapid visualization discrepancy. In the same way, need to develop. This is also regulations if you believe you would be a a good way to do a “reality rendering good design team manager, check” on whether the spe- research ask a designer who has cialty is what you imagine it sculpture worked under your direction to be. semiotics sense of style to evaluate your manage- What do you do if you technology ment abilities. In some cases, need to strengthen a few texture people are surprised by the technical skills? It depends on usability testing feedback. the skills. user needs Almost every specialty If you need to upgrade user scenarios within the field of design— computer skills, contact local well-read writing like medical equipment or schools to see if they offer toys, for example—requires a workshops or courses in
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 16 Alias, Pro Engineer or CAD. If you can’t find a course, call the software companies and ask them to steer you to local Mirror, mirror on the w....oooommpp!! training opportunities. If you need to sharpen your sketch- ing or rendering skills, find a person who has the skills you need and offer to barter or The answer is to approach pay them to teach you. skill development as an Professional organizations ongoing process. Decide that I’ve got to find a better way to get feedback! in the design or related fields you will strive for continuous are also possible sources of improvement throughout instruction. If you can’t find a your professional life and course for industrial design- incorporate skill development successful one, they will need cessful in their careers tend ers, perhaps there’s one for into your career planning. to possess or refine the char- to take advantage of oppor- architects or engineers that This strategy will position you acteristics listed on the chart tunities that others forego. could be adapted to your to take advantage of fortu- under “management”: devel- For example, when asked to needs. Or, advertise in the itous or sought-after oppor- oping goals, setting priori- give a talk, write an article, local IDSA newsletter for tunities. You will have the ties, determining schedules, join an organization, meet other people who may be flexibility, confidence and hiring and firing, and direct- new people, or go to a party interested in organizing a skills to shift careers or spe- ing outside design firms. or a trade show, they do. You course. Also, check out how- cialties as change occurs in You can get insights into never know where your next to books and instructional the economy or profession. your personality from the client or lead to a prospective videos. comments of others. Co- employer may come from, or Job seekers frequently Assessing Personal workers or supervisors may whose brother-in-law they lament that they don’t have Skills tell you, for example, that might be. Successful people time to look for a job and Another set of skills to you are too outspoken, or are also propelled by an develop certain skills at the inventory are the “personal” that you’re not good at enormous will to prevail, by same time. No one expects or “people” ones. Go meeting deadlines, or that their persistence and energy. you to put off looking for a through the characteristics you’re calm under pressure If you identify some per- job until you become a listed on the next page to or good with clients. You sonality traits that you’d like world-class Alias operator, a identify those qualities you might ask people you work to develop, there are several junior version of visualizer possess and those you may with and trust to critique approaches you can take. Syd Mead or as familiar with want to acquire or enhance your personal skills using as a Individual and group therapy the principles of user inter- to improve the viability of guide the list provided on can provide you with insights face design as an expert at your career plan. the next page. and skills that will help you IDEO. For example, many You can also benefit by cope with situations that are designers think they’d like to analyzing the personal skills difficult for you and present be a design manager. To be a of the successful people you yourself in the most effective > work with. I’ve noticed that the people who become suc-
17 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB Industrial Design Evaluation
Personal Skill Yes No SometimesOften Comments Personal Skill Yes No SometimesOften Comments conceptual cooperative organized patient
analytical Maturity understanding strategic vigor smart power independent drive Energy quick intensity resourceful estimates Intelligence learns develops controls flexible sets budgets sense of appropriate tracks budgets
visionary Financial billing intuitive knows stock options team player comprehends bonus confident does marketing competitive builds relationships ambitious has network driven cold calls balanced develops mailings persistent closes dynamic solo presenter
interested Entrpreneurial Sales writes proposals helpful consults outgoing prioritizes clearly organized develops goals reaches out achieves goals optimistic analyzes time courageous plan work-own/others sense of humor schedules activities polite coaches indiv. contributor hires quiet fires shy does perform. eval. Interpersonal slob-can’t see clients selects/directs outside design firms self-centered negotiates incorrigible Management nurturing star quality knows competition assertive does benchmarking enthusiastic communicates upward gives credit & downward good listener delegates well good presenter develops others inspires gives responsibilty loyal/trustworthy & trust motivates design society offices persuasive lectures praises publishes Other says “thanks” teaches supportive arts articulate charities public speaker culture writes well family listens well hobbies speech impediment local community English compreh. other Non-Design Pursuits Communications English speaker politics
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 18 This uh is a truly uh, user- friendly...it’s uh, clean, uh, I mean, uh, well, you know, organized, uh, and uh, you way. Or, you might explore to success in the design field: know, I mean, the important workshops or courses in such how to use one another you know, is, I mean, high- skills as leadership, time effectively and productively; lighted, uh, you know, management, organization how to perform in an orches- I mean, basically, or public speaking. Many tra of specialists trying to you know... people highly rate the Dale achieve a common goal; and Carnegie and Toastmasters how to care about others and organizations. take responsibility for them. I have two purposes in A particular challenge for writing this series of articles. many people today is the The first is to help you increased diversity of the investors. A tall, attractive better with practice. understand that the process workplace. I have met 20-something blond woman These are some behaviors of getting a job—or moving designers working in America in tight jeans walked by. The and attitudes I suggest you on to a better one—is some- who were born in Ghana, owner said to me, “Can you think about when you are thing you can control. Of South Africa, Great Britain, get me a designer that looks evaluating your qualities and course, people will continue India, Canada, the former like that?” characteristics and planning to “fall into” the perfect job, Soviet Union, Mexico, Brazil, The investor shot me an your career: We can treat but the whims of Lady Luck Argentina, Korea, Japan, apologetic look and said to people well or badly. We can are no substitute for career Hong Kong, Thailand and the owner, “You can’t say think before we speak. We planning. many other places. This diver- that to an American.” That can volunteer to help others. My second reason is to sity can be exciting and moment said a lot about We can be sensitive to how pass along one of the most enlightening, but it may also how far things have we affect and appear to oth- important lessons I have initially present difficulties come...and how far they still ers. We can put ourselves in learned as a recruiter: in for designers, both American have to go. other people’s shoes. We can order to be a successful and foreign-born, from more A willingness to examine do more than what is asked designer, you need to have homogenous environments. your personal qualities, atti- or expected of us. We can try “people skills” as well as By actively helping to cre- tudes and behaviors—and things. We can take risks and design talent. No matter how ate a workplace based on modify them, if need be, in fail and recover. We can ask talented or motivated you mutual respect and accep- response to changing circum- people if we can help them. are, in order to obtain the tance, you improve the quali- stances and the goals you We can ask people to help us. position of your choice, or ty and productivity of the have set for yourself—will We can be persistent or we achieve the career goals you workplace for everyone. If help you adapt to new situa- can give up. We can take have set for yourself, you others in your workplace tions and work smoothly and responsibility for our situa- must treat people with don’t do well, you can’t do effectively with those around tions or we can blame others understanding, care and well. you. Also take time to identi- for our unhappiness and play respect. The influx of women into fy and work on modifying victim. We can see ourselves Most Americans have the workplace has also self-defeating or self-destruc- as having choices or being been taught to be highly required some designers to tive behaviors. Making these trapped. competitive individuals and shift their attitudes and changes will give you the The time invested in an solitary performers (except in behaviors. Recently, I was in confidence that comes from inventory and assessment of team sports). This makes it a neighboring country having feeling that you are in con- your skills will enable you to difficult for many American lunch in a mall with the trol of your life. It’s never better prepare your portfolio designers to learn some owner of a design firm and too later or too early to and yourself for successful important behaviors essential one of his American start, and it gets easier and interviews.
19 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB asuccessful portfolio is a memorable, self-explanatory strategic tool for enhancing your candidacy. Making yours successful takes planning, selectivity, breadth and a well- organized archive.
part 4: portfolio advice Trust me: there is no you designed something, Above all, make it easy to need to ponder the creation doesn’t mean you have to reproduce in case of fire or of the greatest container of show it to people. theft. all times; it’s the quality of A portfolio contains pre- Everyone needs one. Even the content that matters. cious cargo. Design it to be design managers, directors And I know whereof I speak. safe from the wear and tear and vice presidents with no I’ve seen over 60,000 portfo- caused by weather and use, hands-on design responsibili- lios. Here are some ways to like coffee spills and greasy ties need portfolios to show make that content speak fingers. Make it easy to the work that resulted from well for you. maintain, added to or their direction. Teachers’ A portfolio is a showcase changed and easy to keep portfolios, in addition to of your technical skills, ideas, fresh and clean. It should showing their own work, interests and experiences. travel well, fitting into an should contain examples or You should avoid letting overhead compartment or slides of the work of their fancy presentation tech- under an airplane seat. students. niques overshadow the con- tents. Anyone from dumbos to aficionados may have to approve of your work and you before you get a covet- ed position. So your portfo- lio must be carefully planned to represent what you do better than anyone else, what you do very well, how you think and what you’d like to do more of. A portfolio is a work in progress; its content will evolve and change as you I left it blank because I couldn’t do. It is not a history book find the drafting before I left. or a scrapbook: just because
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 20 Starting a Portfolio • Craft/digital (a carved If you are a student, you infant’s rocking chair/an ani- should collect and carefully mated sequence describing store in folders your best pro- the interface for a portable jects from the classroom, copier); freelance and summer jobs • “Blue-sky”/limiting (a and personal work. Label the solar-powered individual folder covers with project water sports vehicle/a Phillips name and dates. Inside, head screw driver made of include the statement of the recycled metals). problem, your research, neg- Improve the work you did atives, slides, Polaroids or based on feedback. Make a photos of preliminary mod- list of what needs to be done els, exploratory sketches, to improve the quality of the wireframe drawings, comput- work: what slides need to be er tests, drafting and all the shot; draftings cleaned up; other bits and pieces that details added; final model you create before you select retrieved from the school’s a final direction and finesse, archive and re-photo- detail and present it. graphed; and adjustments Begin to create your port- made to the final design folio for getting your first job based on the last critique. about five months before What can you add that you’ve learned since doing you graduate. To begin, lay Designer: I want to do exhibit design for museums... your project folders side-by- the project that would make Client: So, where are your exhibit design samples? side on a clean floor, large it more memorable? Then set desktop or table. When you aside time over the next sev- look through them to refresh eral weeks to make the your memory, eliminate any improvements. self: “Have I shown how I that contain work you are Design the sequence to some examples of personal think? How I put down ideas not proud of. Select from the show projects as if you are projects, but not figure draw- and explore them? How I remaining folders using the designing a book with a ings or photos of fully or par- research? How I select a con- following or similar criteria beginning, middle and end. tially undressed significant cept and work to finish it? to ensure a diversity of sam- Use small layouts, on Post-its others. (Yes, I have seen this!) The ways in which I draft, ples: or something equally flexible, These projects should empha- develop forms, make models, • Simple/complex (a serv- to sketch the work that will size the creation of complex test them, sketch, do presen- ing platter/an environment appear on each page. form if you do this well, tation drawings? Is it spot- for raising and harvesting Anticipate the space you’ll because clients are increas- less?” talapia); need for your final semester’s ingly interested in seeing If there is anything in the • Short/long (one-hour work. Use the layout as a candidates able to transcend portfolio you have to make sketch explorations for a line guide to put the content into product shapes in the form excuses for or are not proud of cutting tools/a one semes- place, making adjustments as of rectangles with rounded of, take it out. (When in ter’s research on ways to necessary. corners. doubt, take it out.) > reorganize community trans- In addition to sketches, After you have put the portation); your portfolio should contain portfolio together, ask your-
21 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB Portfolio Q&A Q. How do I get samples Q. How about a portfolio Q. If I want to do toy Q. Do I have to show from employers or clients? on a tray of slides? design but don’t have any sketches or should I just show A. Ask for them. If they A. We do not recom- such projects, what should I finished work? are not forthcoming, shoot mend ‘all slide’ portfolios. do? A. Always show sketches. slides of work in an unobtru- Everything looks better when A. Create at least five toy The ability to draw well is sive manner, if possible, reduced to a 35mm slide and designs for your portfolio, magical and, if you have it, before it leaves your desk. everyone knows it. We documenting all the stages of adds enormously to your Some designers use evenings believe that slides should be your design process. Speak to allure and value. A sequence and Saturdays for this pur- used to supplement a flat toy retailers and parents. of drawings is one of the pose. Run off two copies of portfolio, to show what Observe children. Include best ways to show your everything if you are able. drawings, draftings, comput- work for preschool, game, thought process. Drawing is Some employers are not gen- er printouts and black and boys, girl and so on. Get cri- thinking through your hands. erous with samples for white photos cannot show, tiques of your concepts from Good drawings help the designers’ portfolios and, by such as very large projects, both parents and children. ideas flow. Show drawings as default, encourage devious magnification of details, Make alterations where nec- well as your productions on practices. Obtain product lit- scale, a walk-through experi- essary. Alias, CAD and Illustrator, or erature from clients or dis- ence and how something is other computer-aided media. tributors/dealers that show used. Q. I’ve been working in photos of finished products. the automobile business for Q. Why must the portfo- Ask sales people to photo- Q. How about portfolios five years and I never want to lio be designed to be self- graph the trade show you on video tape, disk or CD- see another car as long as I explanatory? designed. ROM? live. What can I do to get out A. Because you will often A. These media can be of this? be asked to drop it off so Q. How many pieces used to supplement flat A. Select a few categories that it can be seen before should I show? work, but not replace it. Use of products where what you you are. (Abbreviated ver- A. Enough to tell your them to show sequences of have learned about designing sions of portfolios or bound story. Don’t over-edit or user interface design, prod- cars is transferable: operator color copies can be substitut- overwhelm, but it’s better ucts in use, interaction cabs and controls, tractors, ed.) to have too much than too design and animation or CD- lawn equipment, safety, little. ROM design work. It can be metal forming and plastics, appropriate to show videos CADCAM, human factors, Q. I can’t afford to make of human factors research. what appeals to consumers, color prints. Are black and Always have flat back-up color forecasting, finishes, white photos okay? presentation material to digitizing, accessibility for A. Of course. show in case the people repair and maintenance and interviewing you don’t have so on. Then design at least equipment to view the more five different nonautomotive exotic media. products, carrying them through all stages of the design process, and add them to your core portfolio.
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 22 Q. The automobile busi- The General vs. the ness pays very well. Can I ask Industry-Specific The Portfolio Container for a raise in the next job if Portfolio it’s not in that business? Once you’ve graduated While you refine the content, you should choose a A. Usually not. Don’t (or if you’re graduating from portfolio container. The most common are the attache expect to get a raise in salary a school with a very precise case or plastic/leather case, with or without zipper, when changing from one major like automotive enclosing a binder for acetate sleeves. Decide whether specialty to another; you may design), you have to decide you need a tray for slides to fit a Kodak Carousel projec- actually have to take a cut in whether to show a range of tor (the lingua franca of projectors). Do you need plastic pay. Just be thankful for the abilities to a variety of sleeves for 35mm slides or larger color transparencies opportunity. potential employers, or to and other presentation media like a video tape? (If you only show industry-specific will show 35mm slides in a sleeve, be sure to carry a Q. All the work I’ve done employers what you have loupe.) in the past three years is con- done in relation to those Select the size of your primary case or binder (yes, sidered confidential and industries. Our experience you can have more than one) according to the size of won’t be on the market for shows that industry-specific most of your samples, what you can comfortably carry another year. What can I portfolios can impede a and what fits into the overhead compartment of an air- show? career. What if there are very plane. (You don’t want to trust your portfolio to bag- A. Do not betray confi- few jobs in the office furni- gage handlers.) For industrial designers, we recommend dences. Rather, re-work ture or toy industry when acetate sleeves that measure at least 11” x 14” but 18” x school projects that relate to you graduate? What if a par- 24” is best. your current work, or devel- ent’s ill health confines you The zippered binder-type portfolio protects samples, op projects that are similar to to a geographic area where eliminates weight from mattes or mounting material the confidential ones. You no firms are engaged in (necessary in attache cases) and maintains the sequence may also develop portfolio designing aircraft interiors? as organized. When several people from a potential projects for this type of situa- What if, after making the employer’s organization look through loose samples, tion by strategically freelanc- rounds, none of the automo- they get worn and can be lost. ing or volunteering. bile companies offer you a Combining ways of showing different types of con- position? tent allows for maximum flexibility. Art Center graduates My advice is to prepare a use a combination of flat work in acetate sleeve binders; balance of portfolio content, several paper bound individual project work books that in case you need to seek show the design process for each; and, often, a tray of employment outside your slides. (The slides do not repeat images shown in the area of first preference. flat portfolio.) You may keep the wider range of work out of the portfolio until you need it. Or, you may find it adds quality and depth to your specialized portfolio. >
23 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB Portfolio as History Portfolio Ethics Portfolio Additions Experienced designers Never show to anyone, Beyond Design must think carefully about especially a prospective The ability to write well the appropriateness of show- employer, any work consid- and clearly is another skill ing examples of design work ered confidential by your you can demonstrate by hav- done much earlier in their current or most recent ing available examples of careers. To many potential employer or client. Always proposals, contact reports employers, especially those be clear about what you and correspondence, vetted who are not designers, older were responsible for on a of course of confidential work simply looks outdated, project, say if you worked information. If you find your- which may work against you. on it with others or if it was self continually asked on An interview is not the time a revision of a previous interviews for certain types for a history lesson. design. of materials, make sure you Is showing school work provide them on the next appropriate once you’ve Portfolio Evolution one. been out of school a few By the time designers years? It depends. If you have three to five years of Portfolio Protection have three to five years of experience, you may have Take slides of your portfo- experience and the only pro- more than enough samples lio and important project ject you have that relates to of professional work to folders. Put one set in a safe- a prospective employer’s replace the schoolwork in ty deposit box, or in a differ- needs is something done in your portfolio. We suggest ent building from the one school, by all means show it, you continue the process of where you keep your portfo- if it is well done. If it needs a collecting work in clearly lio, and update as necessary. bit of polish, polish it. If you marked folders and keep it have ten or more years of in a safe place. Make it part Along with a well-written experience, revisit an old of your professional practice resume, an excellent portfo- project only if it has merit skill package. lio will go far in demonstrat- today, or can be reworked so With an abundant ing your abilities, intelli- that it does. archive, you can select gence, sense of style and appropriate portfolio mater- accomplishments to prospec- ial based on whom you are tive employers and clients. going to interview with. The final step in getting a Look for associations to job involves mastering the make from your experiences art of interviewing. with the needs of the poten- tial employer/client (see the eighth Q&A) to select mater- ial. If you are really ambi- tious, do what is suggested in the seventh Q&A. Most designers have a core of portfolio work that they supplement from such an archive.
Oh sorry, I left it in the basement.
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 24 abrilliant portfolio can’t ensure you’ll get the job if your personal presentation and interviewing skills need polish. Here’s a run-down of how to present yourself to any prospec- tive employer in order to get that industrial design job!
part 5: interviewing advice Prepare. Learn in advance as much as you can about potential employers’ lines of business and how they are managing the design work they are doing. Think about the best way to describe your experiences in order to interest, relate to and influence the people you are going to meet. Develop ways to describe your select- ed projects so they echo the purposes of the prospective firm. They want to know what it is about your work and experiences that are rel- evant to their needs. Talk their language. Some portfolio reviewers will not be designers. Develop metaphors to help them understand the value of what your do. Also be pre- pared to explain why a con- cept, design or system was a commercial success. Show that you understand that design is but one element in the success of a product, communication, service or environment by discussing
I figured I could be casual for a Saturday interview.
25 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB how your work increased Human resources staff want Smile. Be nice to every- sales, provided more value to to ascertain your ability to fit one, including parking lot the customer, opened new into the company culture. attendants, receptionists and markets, helped establish a (They leave the measurement telephone operators. Make brand or whatever is rele- of your professional skills to as many friends as you can vant. These points are espe- the hiring manager.) The throughout the interviewing cially important if your human resource specialist process. Say “please” and design portfolio does not will explain company goals, “thank you” more frequently show solutions to similar compensation structure, than usual. problems that confront the bonus system, stock options, Bat the conversational prospective company’s busi- benefits, housing and cost of ball. Establish a balance ness or industry. living. They will try to learn between talking and listen- Corporate human how you adapt to change, ing. Don’t try to dominate resources specialists will how educable you are, your the interview. Don’t over- interview you from a differ- short- and long-term objec- explain, pontificate or lecture ent point of view than the tives, your energy level, your to the people who are inter- hiring manager and other personal and lifestyle situa- viewing you. people you may work with. tion (within the bounds of Never “bad-mouth” your equal opportunity stan- current or past employers or dards), if you have the clients. (Need we say more?) potential to grow and take Be a sympathetic listener. on additional responsibility Ask open-ended questions or a leadership role and (questions that can’t be whatever else is important answered with a simple “yes” to being successful in the or “no”) that draw out peo- company. ple so you can learn about them and how you may meet their needs.
My alarm didn’t go off!
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 26 Show genuine interest Rehearse. Ask your Personal Presentation For women, business-like and enthusiasm. Be lively friends, associates or co- and Other Stuff About suits and dresses are best. The and expressive. Never speak workers whose judgment you Interviewing. color black, which is consid- in a monotone. Don’t be trust how you can improve Project a positive attitude. ered quite fashionable for afraid to laugh. Make eye the way you communicate. On the morning of the inter- every occasion in New York, contact. Establish rapport as Ask them what they would view, play music that’s uplift- does not always look correct soon as possible with your want to know about people ing and makes you feel in other parts of the world. interviewer(s); one of the interviewing with their com- good. Pants are usually not the best most important criteria you panies. Anticipate questions Be well-groomed. For choice for a first meeting. are being evaluated on is from the people who will be most of you, hygiene is not Wear stockings. Shoes should whether or not you will fit interviewing you and prepare an issue. For the small per- be simple and closed—no into the group. appropriate answers. centage who were absent sandals or very high heels. Sharpen your conversa- Believe in yourself. If when these things were Exceptions can, of course, be tional skills. Be prepared to you’re not excited and enthu- taught, I offer the following made in the entertainment or discuss a variety of subjects siastic about your portfolio, advice: Before you go to an fashion industry. In most situ- most people are interested no one else will be. interview—take a shower or ations, though, clothing in, such as music, sports, mys- Be honest and direct. If bath; wash your hair; brush should be neat, natural and tery novels and so forth, you are excited by and inter- your teeth (carry breath not attention-grabbing. You especially if you are spending ested in the position you are spray or mints in case you want the focus to be on your the day with a potential interviewing for, say so, and need them just before your mind and portfolio, not your employer or dining with ask about the next steps. meetings); clean your finger- outfit. them. Remind yourself to be Send thank you notes. nails (women’s nails should Know logistics. A few open, candid, direct and Mail a “thank you” to every- be short to moderate in days before your scheduled friendly. one you interview with and length); use a deodorant or appointment, ask the Use simple, easy-to- follow up promptly on any antiperspirant and if you use recruiter or receptionist for understand language. This is requests made for additional perfume or after-shave driving or any other type of especially important in multi- information or samples. If lotion, apply it sparingly. travel directions if necessary, lingual situations. Speak you have not been inter- Dress appropriately. For even if you are taking a taxi. slowly and clearly but in a viewed for an open position, men, suits are always appro- If there is extreme weather, natural manner to ensure but the people you meet priate. If you’re not sure prepare your schedule and that you are understood. seem enthusiastic about you about what is considered yourself accordingly. Get the Avoid jargon, trite expres- and your work, keep in proper interviewing attire, location of recommended sions and cliches. touch. Call every six weeks or call the secretary or assistant parking and a parking per- so, and send clippings or to the person you are going mit, if needed. If flying to an notes that may interest them. to meet to check local cus- appointment at the request toms, especially in Southern of a client, inquire about California. whether or not you will be picked up or are expected to rent a car, take a taxi or catch a bus. Ask if the client would purchase the ticket and overnight it to you. The recruiter should be able to arrange this. >
27 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB Arrive early. Plan to Be patient. If you must • Experienced designers: you describe your manage- arrive at the site of your wait for the person with What was your contribution ment style? You’ve been appointment between 15 whom you will be meeting, to this project; how well did working for a corporation/ and 30 minutes before the use the time wisely. Read this do in the market; is it consulting office for the last scheduled time. Planes and your resume. Go over the still being sold; in retrospect, ten years, so what makes you trains can be late, and traffic, points you plan to make and would you have done this think you can adjust to work- especially in extremes of the questions you want to differently; how did you get ing in a consulting office/cor- weather, can be unpre- ask. Read company materials engineering to go along with poration? What was the most dictable. You or the taxi may usually provided in the wait- this; I saw this product in successful program you ever have difficulty finding the ing area. Be interested in another portfolio—is this managed and how was the address, parking or the par- your surroundings. Do not your drawing; if these types success measured? And, con- ticular office once you are in listen to a walkman. Do not of keyboards have caused sultants may ask, Can you a building or building com- become angry if the waiting repetitive strain disorder in bring any business with you? plex. If it is very hot, you will time is excessive. Give people the past, why design another There are no right welcome the extra time to the benefit of the doubt. one; how did these colors answers to the above ques- get cool in the reception area You want to be in a positive get selected? tions, but there are ones that or rest room. If it is raining, frame of mind. Prepare in advance will work better for you than you will be able to unwrap Prepare in advance answers to the following fre- others. The same is true of the protection on the slide answers to the following fre- quently asked interview your attitude; a positive one projector and/or portfolio quently asked questions questions: Why did you leave and your persistence are you are carrying, remove wet about portfolios: your last position? or Why do more important influences on clothing and footgear and • Junior designers: How you want to change jobs? your ability to get a good job have time to re-groom your- long did this take to do; Why are you interested in than what seems like the lack self. If it is cold and snowy, what was the problem you us? What do you do best? of local opportunities, the you can remove the protec- were asked to solve; how What do you think you could bleak economic situation or tive gear you are wearing, would this be made; what do for us? You’ve been work- how many restrictions are change from boots to shoes material would you use for ing on your own for the last imposed by your personal and hide all of the wet stuff this; what would be the ten years, doing everything situation. Don’t give up. It in a closet. retail cost; why is this bicycle yourself, so what makes you is never too late to begin better than those already on think you can work under building good relationships the market? someone else at this point? with people to develop into What is the dollar value of a network that can be used the projects you handled in to help others as well as 1989? In 1993? How would yourself.
Would you like me to leave any of this with you?
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 28 job hunters: The Web was made for you! It provides an unprecedented source of free informa- tion about the job market, the skills and experiences employers of designers seek and (many times) salary ranges. On the Web, you can see the work that companies are doing, look at resumes and portfolios of other designers and read conference presentations you've missed. There has never been a better way to see what is going on in your profession. And, it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
part 6: this web’s for you! Optimize Your Online My advice is don’t start Online Career Career Search with the huge Web sites that Resources There are many sites that list thousands of jobs, most In the future, most design post job openings. Limit not in your field. Instead, go companies will probably post yourself to checking out no directly to the ones aimed at their job vacancies on their more than two or three of finding and attracting you, Web sites, but an informal the general ones. Too much especially www.idsa.org. If survey of IDSA members in information can be as useless you specialize in graphics, November 1999, revealed as too little. At this point, user interface, interiors that few do presently. Most there is no standard way of and/or retail design, other said they advertise on the searching for industrial sites worth checking out are IDSA and CORE sites, or work design jobs on general job- www.commarts.com, with headhunters. Large cor- posting sites. The best gener- www.ac4d.org, www.segd.org, porations also use these sites. al job boards are probably www.ispo.org, www.dmi.org But, be sure to do your the ones with the most users. and www.nynma.org. Listings research by going to the spe- Currently, industrial design may be linked to the home cific sites of companies for companies use them to find pages of companies posting which you want to work. You engineers and other special- the jobs. If not, they provide can find many company URLs ists, but not to find design- e-mail addresses, URLs and at www.dotcomdirectory. ers. In the future, this may other ways to make contact. com. If there are no design change. Next, go to www.CORE77. job openings on the compa- com, an ID community/ ny’s Web site, send the com- resource site started by two pany an e-mail note with a Pratt industrial design gradu- resume. ate students in 1995. It will Giant online job boards or link you to my site, www. banks like www.Monster.com RitaSueSiegelResources.com, provide good information on which has valuable career- preparing resumes, doing related information like research and interviewing. resume writing and inter- Most online job boards viewing tips, as well as job encourage free resume post- listings. ing for company recruiters and headhunters to review. >
29 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB In addition, some sites You can find additional that directly relates to your phone. Record the name of offer e-mail notification to business information about interests, experience or geo- the person who calls, the let you know when jobs are corporations and those of graphic preference, e-mail content of the conversation posted that relate to your their competitors at your resume and briefly and the next step in the experience. Some allow you www.Hoovers.com, describe what type of job process. Do the same with e- to apply for jobs instantly, to www.Thomasregister.com, you are seeking, your salary mail communication or other chat with recruiters and to and others. Some are free range and relocation types of contact. Comply with look at company profiles. On some charge a modest fee. options. requests for samples or addi- some, you can complete Investment advisory sites tional information. After a online forms that are com- have information about pub- Technical Specialists few days, check to see if piled in databases to be lic companies. If you want to work with what you sent was received. viewed by employers. companies that use a specific No e-mail system is foolproof. Companies can use ser- Check in with technology or software, con- vices that select the best sites Headhunters tact their online special inter- Thinking of Moving? on which to post their job Before contacting a head- est groups, usually linked to Don’t miss www. listings. These systems put hunting firm, check out the the sites of companies that CareerPath.com. Use it to resumes received in a data- headhunter’s Web site to see sell them. There will also be search the classified ads base for future use. Services if there is a particular posi- links to customers (potential across the country from most also exist that direct job seek- tion that interests you. If so, employers) or success stories of the major US newspapers, ers to jobs posted on corpo- refer to it specifically in your about them (another source as well as some potential rate sites on the Web. response. Be sure to high- of company names). employer Web sites. If the In addition, job listings light your experience relative newspaper you want is not aimed at recent grads and to the job you are seeking. Set Up a Career Search listed, go to the newspaper’s alumni are sometimes found Unless otherwise instructed, Tracking System site. on a school’s career center or send your resume only once. Set up a system to track Find housing information alumni office Web site. If there is nothing posted the employers and head- online by location, amenities hunters you contact, and and price. Many real estate make a note of what you company sites provide local send them. Keep track of demographic information, where you found the listings, crime level, school perfor- the reference numbers, job mance ratings and mortgage titles, position descriptions, rates. Compare cost of living etc. When you respond, refer data for the US at www.virtu- to the same information. alrelocation.com and Remember, hundreds of peo- www.homefair.com. Find cur- ple may respond to a given rency conversion information job opening. You want to at www.xe.net/ucc/. make the reason for your Runzheimer International contact clear to the recipient. (800.558.1702) can provide a By keeping track of the jobs comprehensive international for which you apply, you will cost of living comparisons. be able to communicate more intelligently when a prospective employer con- tacts you, especially if it’s by
How quaint! A real message board.
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 30 Other Hints resumes that are formatted Not All Companies Posting Resumes Online Alert your friends and for easy and accurate com- Want E-Resumes If you want to post your acquaintances by e-mail puter scanning; use appropri- Many employers ask candi- resume online, the sites you about your job search. Refer ate nouns and key words for dates to e-mail resumes. If select will state the required them to where your resume database searching; and are the employer or employment formats, as well as the way to is posted and your URL. uploadable so that they can ad does not specifically ask respond to their listing of Referrals from friends result be stored in a file format for an e-mailed resume, send jobs. Sometimes the job list- in many interviews and hires. that a computer can easily the resume by mail. Many ing will state a preference. digest. Learn how to format. employers are not yet pre- Online job descriptions tend Developing an Online Learning how and why it’s pared to handle resumes via to be longer and provide Resume done will improve the way e-mail. If a resume via e-mail more details than classified I have read dozens of you present your skills and is requested, plain text sim- ads. Pay attention to the articles about how to write experiences, and your resume plifies the process of upload- needs of the prospective resumes that “computers can will be keyword searchable ing, copying and sending it. employer when responding. sink their electronic teeth when prospective employers If systems are compatible, Target your cover letter and into.” Companies and do eventually process indus- send your resume in Word. It resume to what they are recruiters are likely to ask trial designer resumes in that will look better and be easier seeking. you to send your resume by fashion. to read. When responding to e-mail, put it into their elec- job postings, customize the Confidentiality tronic form or send it as a Formatting resume to the needs of each If you want to keep your Web page. A resume sent Consult the instructions prospective employer. job search a secret from your electronically has to be on how to format resumes If you have a Web site, current employer, use initials downloadable, uploadable for all digital transmission you can format your resume or your first name or disguise and, in many instances, situations, including scanning in hypertext so that the your name. For an address, searchable. Even if you mail and system sorting, at receiver can link to it from use a PO Box, mailing service, or fax your resume, include www.dbm.com/jobguide/ere- your resume. Find hyperlink a friend’s address, or none at your e-mail address, URL and sume.html, information in AOL on the all. Describe what your cell phone and pager num- http://ceweekly.wa.com/grw. Write Mail screen under the employer does without nam- bers if you are especially html and www.eresumes.com. Mail Extras icon. If AOL is ing the company. Get an e- mobile. At present, there are two not your server, check with mail address and voicemail In larger companies, it is simple, standard ways to your internet service provider for job hunting and contact- less likely that the resume’s format an electronic resume: (ISP) about how to do this. ing purposes that don’t dis- first viewer and sorter will be 1. ASCII files (plain text) close who you are. Some of a human being. If you send a can be pasted into the body Test It the large job posting sites resume to a human resources of an e-mail. This format is Test the viability of your describe other ways to main- department by snail mail or recognized by most operat- resume as a digital docu- tain confidentiality. fax, it may be scanned to be ing systems, but plain text is ment. E-mail it in all formats logged in, categorized and not visually stimulating. to yourself and friends who Cover Letters passed on. 2. The resume can be for- use different ISPs, browsers E-mail cover letters should Companies that hire hun- matted in Word (you can and operating systems. Make state the type of position dreds and thousands of peo- save it in a PC format even if adjustments accordingly. wanted or refer to the specif- ple a year are constantly you are using MAC) and send ic job to which you are striving to make the job it as an attachment. This way responding. Also, note why placement process more effi- is not foolproof due to the you left your last job or your cient. In doing so, they prefer PC/MAC compatibility issue. motivation for making a change, as well as the salary range desired and geograph- ic preferences. >
31 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB E-mail cover letters need to a prospective employer or In the future, PC/MAC com- you need to build your own to be as clear as printed a recruiter. A copy or a fax patibility will not be an issue. Web site. ones, and they must have the will not scan as well. To help At present, after reading same characteristics as those your resume survive, it a designer’s cover letter and Characteristics of a described in Part 2 of this should be in black letters on resume, half the prospective good Web site: booklet. Fight the tempta- 8 1/2" x 11" paper. Avoid employers I polled said they • It should download easily tion to respond too casually background graphics and would go directly to a Web and quickly; in the back-and-forth e-mails drop out type. Also, check site without first requesting • Avoid elements that that may take place between guidelines on the “how to samples. Some still want to make it hard to navigate you and the potential prepare a digital resume” on see samples first. One within the site; employer during the qualify- the Web sites noted earlier. employer said to me: “We • Include images that are ing process. The ’telephone set aside some time every not too big or too small; tag phenomena’ often makes Sending Samples week so that, as a group, we jpeg and gif formats are e-mail communication more Before Interviews can look at all the resumes preferred; efficient than a phone call. Minis: The images in and samples that come in. • Create a good balance And it’s a great way for minis are usually too small This way, we compare them between text, images and prospective employers to see and do not make it easy for to one another.” information structure; your language skills and your a prospective employer or • Clearly identify the work ability to think clearly. headhunter to accurately Create a Web Site presented (school projects E-mail is often the most review your work. In addi- An industrial designer vs. job-related projects); efficient way for prospective tion, they are difficult to from the Netherlands said to and employers and headhunters store. As an initial mode of me that he came to America • Use clean typography— to make initial contact with contact, minis communicate in 1996 thanks to the fact such as Times, Arial, you, especially if they have a lack of common sense. that he created his personal Geneva, Helvetica, Swiss— failed in their first attempt to Minis are, however, a good Web site using a simple html which most browsers reach you by phone. They “leave behind” after an tutorial. One free download- recognize. can ask questions, request interview. able tutorial is Netscape Suggestions: Design the samples, suggest appropriate Although some job appli- Composer available at viewer’s experience without times for you to contact cants are sending samples on http://home. compromising the site’s abili- them and describe the next disks or CDs, potential for- netscape.com/communicator/ ty to load quickly. Animate step in the application matting problems make this composer/v4.0/. It is a word products to show how they process. Most prospective endeavor risky. For now, processing program into function. (Or use stills from employers and headhunters using high-resolution, 8 1/2" which you can add links to different angles.) Web-site do not have time to respond x 11" color copies is the most other pages. It saves informa- viewers are generally scan- with a rejection. Note: E- efficient way to show a few tion in html. After testing the ners, not readers. Present mail is not perfect; always samples. Once prospective pages of images and text information using key words, check to see if your resume employers or headhunters with links to each other using subheads and bulleted lists. was received. see relevant samples, they the Netscape Navigator Include your resume. Make are more likely to look at browser, the pages can be links from your resume to Scanning: The Potential your Web site or disk. posted on the Web. Contact particular images. Enemy By the time broadband is an ISP to find free memory Not every designer has Scanning can be the a fact of life, or maybe space to post your personal the skill to design and make downfall of resumes that are before, most designers will pages. Once online, anyone an excellent Web site. If you faxed or mailed even when have personal Web sites. This with a Netscape Navigator can’t, make a deal with carefully prepared for the may not eliminate the need browser or Microsoft’s someone who can. Give them process. Today’s scanning for samples on paper, but it Internet Explorer can view it. credit so prospective employ- technology is imperfect. To will be seamless for a In addition, the tutorials and ers will not assume you have increase the chance of your recruiter or prospective archives on www.CNET.com that skill. resume scanning well, mail employer to go from an e- and www.Webmonkey.com an original, unfolded resume mailed resume to a Web site. provide all the information
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 32 On Guard for • Tell those with whom you Calls From Headhunters enthusiasm and courtesy as Interviews live that you may receive If you receive a call from you would with an employer. Now that you’ve applied calls from potential a headhunter you haven’t Think of headhunters as sur- for jobs electronically, expect employers so that they contacted, be nice. If you are rogates for prospective calls from strangers. Be on can respond and act not looking for a position, employers. guard. Don’t act surprised accordingly. say so, but hear them out. when you answer the phone. • Tell young children not to You may know someone who Other Interviewing The caller may be an assistant answer the phone. qualifies for the position Technology to a hiring manager, a about which they are calling. The Internet has put a human resources person, a Telephone Demeanor Describe a job that might few new twists on interview- corporate recruiter, the per- Telephone interviewing is tempt you in the future. ing procedures. Flying a num- son doing the hiring or a a sport with its own rules. Be Build a relationship with a ber of applicants in for per- headhunter. Refer to your pleasant, upbeat and cooper- headhunter by providing sonal meetings is expensive. tracking system. The calls are ative with the caller. The names and becoming a There is software available to a natural outcome of making caller may be an assistant set- source of information. It may allow recruiters from large so many contacts using the ting up a conference call or a pay off in the future with a companies to conduct inter- Internet. human resources person call about a great opportuni- views on the Internet in real wanting to verify dates of ty that you might not have time. It also allows for broad- Preparing for Calls employment. Few potential otherwise received. cast quality video transmis- Telephone interviewing is employers are experts at tele- After you contact head- sion and, with faster connec- an increasingly important phone interviewing. hunters, they may call you to tions, a smooth flow of con- part of the qualifying Be prepared to answer ask questions, get samples or versation. Video conferencing process. If you receive a call and ask questions. See Part 5 set up an interview. If there is a reality and not overly at work and are unable to of this booklet for some are lots of questions, they expensive. > talk, say: “Thanks so much questions that may be asked. may suggest making an for calling. I really want to It is not unusual for calls appointment for the call. talk with you, but this is not from company recruiters or Exhibit the same clarity, a good time. Can we make hiring managers to last over an appointment to talk an hour. Ask about the com- later?” If you get a call at pany and position, especially home at an inconvenient if the caller doesn’t sound time, make the same like an experienced tele- response. phone interviewer. You don’t When you are job hunt- want to take off two days ing: from work to fly across the • Remove silly messages country for an interview to from your voicemail. find the job is not a good fit • Put a message on your for you or to be asked the voicemail noting the best unexpected. Be enthusiastic, days, times and numbers responsive, articulate, courte- to call in order to reach ous and good humored. If you. after the call you are very • Answer each call as if it interested in the position and were from a prospective the company, say so and try employer. to convince the caller to • Have paper and pen near meet you. At the end of the the phone to take interview, find out the next messages. step in the process. • Have easy access to your job search tracking system.
33 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB Interviewing with Real example, arrange for the last In Concluding this that job should have;” “The and Virtual Portfolios item in your portfolio to Series stuff he showed us was too The promise of seamless require discussion while you After reading the articles conservative; he’s probably technology is still a promise. set up the media presenta- in this six-part series, several got the talent to do what we The most reliable form of tion. Select each form of friends asked me: “Why are need, but he isn’t showing it portfolio is still the “regular” media for its intrinsic abilities you giving away your in his portfolio and we can’t one, as described in Part 4 of to present different aspects secrets? You’ll put yourself take any chances.” Much of this booklet. Sketch books of your work. out of business.” Wanna bet? the information in these arti- are best shown in person, as I believe my business and cles is common sense. Yet are large-scale images or a To Be Continued… track record of successful many designers self-destruct set of drawings. In the November 22, matchmaking will significant- in interviews because no one 1999, issue of Fortune, ly improve if you use the ever explained positive inter- “Mixed Media” Warren Buffett noted that information in these articles. viewing behavior to them. Presentations in the early 1900s there were In my work, there is little In the job market, by If you plan to do a over 2,000 US companies time to coach candidates on showcasing your unique abili- “mixed media” presentation that made cars and trucks, self-assessment, interviewing ties you can demonstrate during the interview, call all of which had names behavior and fixing up port- rather than explain how, as ahead to find out what followed by ’Motors.’ folios. Many of the matches an industrial designer, you equipment is available. If Similarly, today, most career- I try to make are thwarted by can make the world a better what you need isn’t avail- related sites, search engines such reasons as: “She showed place. I am happy to provide able, bring it with you or and e-mail and music up for the interview in a you with the information arrange to get it there. Keep providers and shopping sites pants suit and that simply necessary to gain a competi- in mind that something can are followed by ’.com.’ That isn’t done around here;” “He tive edge in this profession. always go wrong during a said, by the time you read just doesn’t have the energy Use it well, and good luck. presentation of this type, so this, the sites recommended level we think a person in be sure to print out some might be gone, but there screen captures to have on will be others to take their hand. Make sure to rehearse places. As you discover good your presentation. career-related information If you are planning to use sources on the Internet, a mixed media presentation, share them with IDSA. IDSA make it interesting. will post them on its Web Orchestrate the down time site. when you “jump media.” For
GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB 34 iDSA is dedicated to communicating the value of industrial design to society, business and government. IDSA provides leadership to and promotes dialog between practice and education. As a professional association, it serves its diverse membership by recognizing excellence, promoting the exchange of information and fostering innovation.
IDSA communicates the • serving as the primary • funding and administrat- • establishing and keeping IDSA mission & values value of design by: information resource for ing both undergraduate and current a professional Code • publishing Innovation, the national newspapers, maga- graduate scholarships; of Ethics and Ethical Practice; professional journal of indus- zines and television net- • maintaining a national • maintaining member trial design practice and edu- works; network of student IDSA groups focused on specialized cation in America; • acting as a clearinghouse chapters and faculty advisers practice and broader issues, • organizing a national con- for design information at accredited schools; such as ecological responsibil- ference each year, the largest requested by the general • sustaining an on-going ity, human factors and user gathering of industrial public; and roster of volunteer profes- interface; designers, educators and • maintaining a regularly sional designers as student • recognizing outstanding business executives in the US; updated World Wide Web mentors; contributions to design • organizing a national site at www.idsa.org. • providing a substantial through the Fellowship, education conference, held in base of information specifi- Education, Personal different regions each year, IDSA provides leadership to cally for students and educa- Recognition and Special attracting the largest gather- and promotes dialog between tors on its World Wide Web Awards; ing of industrial design edu- practice and education by: site; • serving as the central cators anywhere in the US.; • providing definitive guid- • producing and distribut- national source for design • conducting the annual ance regarding curricula ing to all schools an annual information, including gov- Industrial Design Excellence structure and essential com- student informational poster ernment and business activi- Awards (IDEA) under the petencies for professional about IDSA resources; and ties, employment opportuni- sponsorship of Business Week education through its mem- • providing copies of the ties and design competitions; magazine, and distributing bership in the National Asso- “Getting an ID Job” book to • maintaining a substantial information on the winners ciation of Schools of Art and all graduating seniors at no presence on the World Wide to the business, general and Design (NASAD); charge. Web; and international design press; • organizing five annual • performing as a vital • providing statistical district conferences in IDSA serves its members by: member of the International research studies on profes- concert with the education • revising and publishing Council of Societies of sional practice and the struc- community; the annual Directory of Industrial Design (ICSID) and ture and financing of consult- • sponsoring the annual Industrial Designers; fostering international mem- ing and corporate design Student Merit Awards for the • supporting a network of bership in a dialog with IDSA. organizations; outstanding graduating 27 active chapters located in • speaking for the industrial senior from each industrial cities across the US; design community to federal design program; • distributing Design Pers- agencies and state govern- • conducting annual pectives, the monthly ments, and testifying before Student Chapter Officer newsletter to members; Congress on design-related Orientation Programs • organizing the annual issues; (SCOOPs) in each of the dis- national and district confer- tricts; ences, prime venues for net- working and information exchange;
35 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB special student discounts 2000 IDSA Directory of 1998 Compensation Study Innovation: Design Perspectives: Industrial Designers The tenth in a biennial series IDSA’s Quarterly IDSA’s Monthly Newsletter This quintessential network- of these surveys, the 1998 Dedicated to expanding the Chock full of the latest ing and business referral tool edition of the IDSA body of knowledge about design news, views and is always in demand by mem- Compensation Study contains industrial design, Innovation employment listings, this 16- bers, non-members, students, the information everyone is the profession’s only juried page resource is published 12 vendors and clients. Last needs to know. How does journal. It includes the annu- times per year. year over 150 potential your compensation compare al IDEA case studies issue, Student Subscription $20.00 clients seeking to hire to your colleagues? How can plus insightful and practical (a $15 discount) designers purchased the you convince the corporate articles on usability, design directory. In addition to big shots to review their management, the environ- design firm advertising, the salary policies? The informa- ment and more! directory lists members tion you need to make your Student Subscription $30.00 alphabetically, by employer, case is in here. (a $20 discount) by specialty and by location. Students $25.00 These are easily cross-refer- Members 75.00 enced so you can find just Non-members 150.00 the contact you need.
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39 GETTING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN JOB