How to get a design firm to hire you.

The holy grail for design students and the rest of us who’d like to move up in our jobs is “The Book.” It’s the portfolio that flings open doors, gets job offers flying, and assures us that we’ll live happily ever after (or at least until next Tuesday). But, turns out the book is only part of the equation.

So what’s the secret to getting a design job like these days? We asked the only people whose opinions truly count—the creative directors and heads of Seattle’s design firms. As part of the School of Visual Concepts’ Design Leaders Tour, the top dogs at four local studios shared their opinions, and now we share the condensed version with you.

Here, in brief, is what we heard from Jack Anderson of Hornall Anderson Design Works; John Rousseau and Marcela Barrientos of Fitch; Bob Grindeland and Dale Hart of Methodologie; and Steve Albohm, CD at Girvin.

Surprisingly, design firms don’t want designers. They want problem solvers. They want people who can answer in the affirmative to each of these questions:

1. Great creative is the price of entry, but can you think?

Can you solve a problem differently, can you help grow the client’s brand? Clients (and creative directors) want to know you are thinking about their brand and that you care as much about their brand as they do.

2. Do you embrace the three “crosses?”

Cross discipline — Design firms want generalists. They want people who can contribute to a wide variety of disciplines, including logos, interactive, and annual reports.
Cross platform — Mac and Windows. As a designer, the word “Windows” can send chills down your spine. But, the reality is that clients are often PC-based, and need versions that they too can open on their computers.
Cross cultural — The world is getting smaller, many clients are international, so work has to work cross cultures and your awareness of cultural trends is important.

3. Are you a joy to work with?

People want to work with people they can work with, and enjoy it. While a firm’s existing designers must love your work, they must also like you, and think you will be an asset to their team.

These personal qualities are clearly the tie-breaker when it comes to hiring. But what puts you into a tie in the first place? That great portfolio. So, naturally, we asked the creative gurus what goes into making one of those.
Here are their answers:

Great work. Beautiful work. Conceptual work.
At most design firms, your book is going to be the first thing they see. So make it great. Put in only your best work; nothing you need to apologize for, and nothing that you feel was compromised. Put in the kind of work you want to do.

Work you can talk about.
You need to be able to explain the concept behind your pieces. Be prepared to discuss (briefly) what you were trying to communicate and how the execution was a result of that thinking.

Work that’s presented with care.
A clean, professional, well-designed package shows you care about your work. Keep it simple and clean. Don’t over design around the work. Let your work show through. And focus on the details by making sure there are no typos, no sloppy Exacto cuts, no fading ink jet prints.

From the odds and ends department, the CDs offered these pieces of advice:
-Tailor your book by thinking about who you are going to show it to. A firm that does a lot of web sites should see a different book than a studio that specializes in identity projects.

-Do your homework–know the clients and work of the firm your visiting.

-Be interested, be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

-Be on time. Leave ultra ultra early to make room for any disasters, such as bad traffic, spilled coffee, and getting lost. (Bonus hint: Just go ahead and pay the ridiculous downtown parking lot rates rather than be late or fidgety as your meter runs low on time.)

-Be prepared. Come with printed copies of your resume and leave-behinds.

-Be aware. If the person you are meeting with seems to be in a rush, move through your book quickly (or reschedule). If they seem relaxed, take more time. Pay attention to cues of the person your host.

-Be appreciative. Someone has taken time out of their day to meet with you. Let them know you appreciate it. A thank you note is a quick way to do that.