I regularly monitor job ads. Not because I’m necessarily looking for work, but because I like to monitor what is happening within the industry. I like to see what the current Australian job market is paying, and what skills are “hot” right now. From my own experiences, the job ad alone provides enough content to tell me if a company is worth investing my time in. There are always exceptions to the rule, but the ads I’ve been seeing for the last six months or so have me questioning what exactly hiring managers think a graphic designers job role is. I’ve listed the top three things (I think) deter designers from applying for roles based on your job ad. 1 - It states: “You must also be able to write content and manage marketing campaigns” This tells me that you’re either a startup, small business or a company that is completely unorganised or doesn’t have an understanding or budget for marketing. This role requires someone to perform three different job roles, ie; graphic designer; content writer; & marketing co-ordinator/manager. I’ve worked in the industry for over 15 years and I’ve never met anyone that could fulfil these three job roles with equal talent. This request blows my mind. What degree would you even consider to be the most relevant for this role?! And if I’m being truthful, what content writer do you know that has enough design knowledge within Adobe CS to execute an entire brief? I’m not saying it’s impossible for a designer to succeed in this role, I have no doubt there are people who would prefer the challenges a role like this offer. My issue is, can you truthfully call this a graphic design role? Is it realistic or fair to except one person to cover three job roles? I challenge you to name one successful brand that has a graphic designer covering all three of these roles. 2 - It states: “You must know UX/UI design with knowledge of HTML & CSS” This tells me that you either don’t have an understanding of the role, or again, you don’t have a budget to hire people according to their correct roles. As soon as I see this pop up, I can already assume there is a portion of the role dedicated to the company/brand website. That is absolutely fine, but I’m not sure why you wouldn’t hire a web developer or UX designer directly. This may be added into some job listings on the chance you may do some basic work in this area occasionally, and if that’s the case, I appreciate the heads up. If however the role is at least 50% UX/UI related, I’ve already lost trust in this company. Statically, UX/UI designers are paid a higher hourly rate and salary over graphic designers, so this tells me that the company if looking for cheap labour and I’m not getting a great impression of your business. 3 - It states: “As a senior graphic designer with 3-4 years experience….." I don’t see this often but I’ve seen it enough for me shake my head in disbelief time and time again. Seriously though, WHAT? Four years experience makes you a senior designer, are you kidding me?! It feels like a bit of a slap in the face for those of us who have actually put in the years to work our way up to this level. When I was completing my design qualifications, we were taught you sit as a junior for the first 4-5 years before you’re considered for mid-weight roles. It is with 10+ years you move up to senior roles before making the leap to higher management positions (if that’s the direction you want to go). I’m aware this might sound like “old school” thinking because I whole heartedly agree when I say, “times have changed”. It’s the years of deadlines and design processes that provide you enough experience and knowledge to capably mentor other designers. It’s the resilience and character building skills you learn that ultimately make you a better all round designer. I’ve been in the industry long enough to know job skills cross over and sometimes, yes, I may play photographer for a day, but that in no way makes me a photographer by trade. Of course I’ve assisted in web development, it’s 2022 and kind of impossible to avoid at this point, but I’d never compare myself to a UX/UI designer, I guarantee you we have a completely different skill set. So, my advice to employers looking to hire graphic designers, make sure you have a clear vision about what you need from this role to further excel your business/company. If the role is for example 60% web development, consider hiring a web professional. Employing someone with the right skills for the right role will help both parties and you’ll have a better chance of retaining the employee. If the role needs someone to cover content, marketing and design, consider offering part time or casual roles and hiring individuals that specialise in these areas. You’re far more likely to receive better quality work and results. My advice to graphic designers looking for work, do your own independent research and background check of any company you apply for. Don’t just look at the dollar sign that comes with the role. Of course you’ll want to be paid what you’re worth, but consider taking a lesser paying role if you see potential for growth, this will also give the employer a chance to see your value.

Skimping on your business cards is the way to go.

If you're considering freelancing as a graphic designer, these might be a few things to think about before you make the leap.