Creative Futures Week Part1

Creative Futures Week

Day 1

On the first day of Creative Futures Week I attended two of the lectures; the first of which was "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity! (Applications and Interviews)" by Glen Bertram, who works at the BBC. I find interviews incredibly nerve racking, and it is a constant worry of mine that my lack of confidence will severally impact on my prospects of getting a job. So I felt it was really necessary to attend in the hopes that I'd learn something that could help me bolster my confidence.

Mr.Bertram's talk was incredibly helpful, and really set things straight with how unforgiving the application and interview process can be. He didn't go so far as to deliver a crushing blow to the confidence of those who attended, but Rather painted a realistic picture of how the real world will be. He gave us some really valuable advice on how to improve our prospects of getting an interview, and how to make yourself stand out.

The most valuable piece of information I feel he gave us was about stating experiences on our CV's. Instead of just stating "I am a reliable person", you should always give an example of why that is so. For example "I am a reliable person, and this was illustrated when I took the initiative and opened the shop I worked at when the member of staff responsible for opening failed to turn up." It's an awful example, because I can't remember the one that Mr.Bertram gave, but you get the idea.

You should try and do all you can to sell yourself to your prospective employer, and always avoid negatives. If you don't have any experience in a certain field, don't mention it.

Another really good piece of advice he gave us was to display confidence in an interview, but to remain neutral. If you get the job then you can be yourself. Most people whether they like it or not have prejudices, and if you remain as neutral as possible then you are less likely to offend those prejudices.

Always research the company you're applying to, but don't give them a 20 minute speech about the history of their company.

Practice in front of a mirror, practice in front of other people. Just constantly practicing will improve the flow of your speech and help you gain confidence.

Showing confidence in an interview can often show an employer that you'll work well with other people, and adjust quickly.

Ask questions such as "what do you think my steepest learning curve will be?" Or ask a question about something you've researched, i.e. "I see that you are planning on expanding to Europe. What kind of impact do you think that will have on your employee's?"

Most of the time there will be multiple interviewers on a panel, and you must look at all of them. Sit up straight, display good body language, smile, etc.

Take a bottle of water with you, or accept a glass of water if you're offered one. Take a sip will allow you a moment to compose your thoughts if a difficult question is asked.

A huge factore that Mr.Bertram stressed on was sorting out your CV before you apply to any jobs. That way you don't need to rush around, become stressed, and possibly make an error. Always update your CV with new experiences. When filling out an application form, make sure you state what you can offer them, and make sure they know you understand what they are asking for.

And the obvious one; dress appropriately for what ever kind of interview you attend.

Although I already knew a lot of this information to a certain extend, Mr.Bertram really expanded on things and helped us understand the process that companies go through when chosen possible candidates for interviews.

The second lecture I attended was "Showreel, portfolio and CV: advice for finding work" by Harriet Buckley. I attended this talk for the same reasons as the first one, and yet again was given some fantastic advice, especially bits that were aimed specifically for the art industry. Although Ms.Buckley's talk was primarily aimed at animators, I still found a lot of her advice incredibly useful.

Firstly she stated that you should have: business cards, a physical portfolio, an online portfolio, possible a blog, and a showreel if you're an animator.

Ms.Buckley stated that you should always find out who you should send an application to, instead of just sending it to the company. This way it ends up on someones desk, and is more likely to be looked at. Do follow up if you don't hear anything back, but don't go to extremes.

You should read the job description carefully, and taylor your CV to fit it. Show that you can diversify, but focus primarily on what that specific company wants.

For animators: Keep your show reel short and sweet. You can leave links to longer films at the end, and if they like your work then they may take it upon themselves to look at more of your stuff.

Online portfolios are more easily access able, and you can leave a link at the end of your CV, but make sure it's all sent. At the same time, a physical demonstration of your work will act as a reminder to the employer. If sending a dvd, then design an eye catching cover that will spark their interest.

Include life drawing in your portfolio, as this will show them that you can draw anatomy. Never leave out hands and feet, as this will show that you are a competent and confident artist.
Show examples that you understand anatomy and perspective.

A4 is a good size for portfolios. Always ask first before sending large resolution images via email. Don't include any weak work, or work that you need to explain. State if an image was for a client, but keep written info on all pieces brief.

Respect recruiters time; a CV should be no more than 2 sides of A4, and the covering letter no more than 1 A4. Don't overload them with information, and focus on the most impressive aspects about yourself and experience. If you have one, take a really strong sketchbook with you to an interview.

Say what you can offer their company, and never as what they can offer you. Don't say anywhere "I feel as though working at your company will allow me to develop as an artist", and don't ever make it sound like you'll up and leave at the first offer of something better. Make them sound like the best.

Flatter to a certain extent, but make sure it's subtle and not over the top.

Ms.Buckley also gave us some good examples of websites and online portfolios for us to have a look at. Wesley Louis (an animator), and Adam Oliver- who's website is a good example of what is effective. A really good piece of advice that she gave was to study other peoples websites and 'folios and analyse what's good and what not, and then apply it to your own. I'll be looking into the two she mentioned and will evaluate them on this blog.

Over all I found the first day to be incredibly helpful, and in their own ways a little reassuring. I feel that knowing as much as possible about the application and interview process may help my prospects of even getting an interview, and if I'm lucky, job.