Critique of sorts needed.

[Shazmataz]

I'm currently job hunting and to be honest its not going well. I've been applying to dozens of jobs for a few months with no response. I've had recruitment companies contact me with a view to getting me interviews but so far nothing. Well I've had one interview for a job that was frankly insulting.

The thing is, I've worked at the same place for YEARS. So I haven't much experience at this job hunting lark. In my entire life I've had 2 job interviews (including the one I just mentioned). So I suppose what I'm asking is, is this normal? Is it really this difficult or do prospective employers think I'm not up to much?

Would you guys mind critiqueing a few of my portfolio designs and tell me what you think?

That may sound like I merely want my ego massaging but I promise it isn't. I just want my portfolio to look its best so if anyone has a moment to take a look and give me any feedback I'd really appreciate it.

Let me know if you'd rather I posted links to the images here or just the website link. I'm easy! :)

Shaz x

[blueocto]

Nah I think job hunting is haarrdd!!
No-one rarely responds unless you've got past the CV stage... it can be quite disheartening, but try and direct your CV / portfolio towards each given company so as to not sound like you've sent the same thing to everyone.

[Toon]

I'll keep my eye for you, there's alot of studio jobs floating about but many aren't design jobs, more pre-press

[Cwilk]

Nothing wrong with prepress experience. That's where I started. : )

[Shazmataz]

Originally Posted by Toon

I'll keep my eye for you, there's alot of studio jobs floating about but many aren't design jobs, more pre-press

Thanks Toon! Keeping an eye would be brilliant.

A bit of good news. A recruitment agency is currently putting me forward for a job that sounds really good. Design job, great pay and a senior position (eek!). Since when am I a senior? It all sounds far too grown up but I'm willing to go for it :P

Crossing everything that I get to interview stage!

This is my portfolio. If anyone spots any gaffs, spelling mistakes, anything awful or has suggestions to improve it?

[Toon]

which company?

[Shazmataz]

Originally Posted by Toon

which company?

No idea which company at this stage. I've found a lot of recruiters keep that info to themselves until they get you an interview. They don't want people contacting the companies direct and cutting them out of the equasion I suppose.

[Toon]

You'll have to let me know

[Shazmataz]

Originally Posted by Toon

You'll have to let me know

Will do. The guy said he'd get back to me next week. Meanwhile I shall keep sending out those applications. Jobs in the north of England are a bit thin on the ground aren't they?

[Shazmataz]

Heard from the recruitment agency today and I didn't get the interview. The one where I was supposedly in the agency guy's top 2 candidates. Apparently the client said I "didn't have the skills". The polite way to say you're not good enough. Absolutely gutted! Talk about a kick in the teeth.

I'm beginning to think my portfilio is more of a hindrance than a help. I'm well aware I'm not the most cutting edge designer in the world. I'm a jobbing designer who works in a print shop. I don't get to work on big exciting projects. I design for local businesses and get given rigid time frames to produce artwork. I don't have the luxury of spending hours on flashy peices. I have a horrible feeling I'm getting laughed at.

Four months I've been at this now. Its bloody demoralising! I even got rejected by Kall Kwik. What does that tell you? I'm seriously thinking of packing it all in