I wanted to get people’s opinion on this. I’m a fresh college graduate out of the BFA ID program at RISD, and I’m currently interning at NASA down in Houston for the summer. I’ve been looking for jobs / another internship starting in September, but most open positions advertised ask for 2-3 years or even more experience.
As a fresh grad, do you think it is worth applying for these? I know it can’t hurt to try and I probably will anyway, but I’d just like to know if there’s even a chance of getting one of these jobs. I heard that looking at experience levels is the one of the first cuts companies make in looking at resumes.
I do have 3 design internships on my resume, and a bunch more work experience.
I think there are always exceptions, as well when companies are writing those up they are shooting for the ideal scenario.
Even if you don’t get it, your at least putting your name out there. Maybe they see your resume and think “hmm this guy is not perfect for this position, but maybe I will offer him___ instead” or the person hiring might know of a colleague that needs someone with your skill set and/or experience.
When applying for these jobs, should I explain why I would be suitable despite my lack of experience, or just apply the same way and basically not mention my lack of experience?
I think you can make your case without calling yourself out.
Chances are it will be screened by HR anyways so because of the lack of experience it may get axed there… I say go for it, it doesn’t hurt to try, but don’t call yourself out (lack of experience) and spend the rest of the cover letter “recovering”
Chances are it will be screened by HR anyways so because of the lack of experience it may get axed there…
Maybe they see your resume and think "hmm this guy is not perfect for this position,
… or maybe, HR will eventually read that you do not have 2-3 years experience, think that you did not comprehend the requirements of the position, and have wasted their time?
I’d say that unless you explicitly mention why you are applying when you don’t fit the requirement, it will come off as you didn’t read the postings and will quickly get filed under G (garbage).
If HR is reviewing it it will be more difficult to make your case (HR is usually notorious for just looking at dates and numbers of years and ignoring anything else), but if a deign director and you have a super hot portfolio and maybe other relevant experience or skills, you might have a chance.
You need to realize though that there is usually a reason they are looking for someone with experience. Look at it from their perspective and you might have a better chance to overcome it.
Doesn’t sound like very good odds for me. Nobody really seems to be looking for junior staff…so I guess I’ll be applying for these listings anyway but not expecting a reply.
Speaking of networking do you know anyone at this studio who might be able to give you some pointer? Or know of an event where someone from that company will be there for you to network at?