Does anyone think it a good idea to send a portfolio sample sheet into a job ad if they are not asking for it? Does it give you an edge? Or is it better to stay within the lines and follow instructions? --Thanks.
why not? as long as it’s not ridiculously huge or if it’s a website link it should do no harm.
Its a brilliant idea and it works. By this we can show our quality work and interest. 
Or you can be viewed as not being able to follow simple directions… Remember many people hiring even when looking for ID people still start solely with the resume (resume is easier to check for truth and work experience then a portfolio). And base the next round of approvals off of what they see in it. By sending them things that they don’t ask for or want, can annoy them. And when receiving hundreds of applications you would be surprised with what get your items put into the scrap bin.
But it is a double edge sword and you can’t say the same for everyone hiring, make sure you read the request for information clearly, place in your resume (portfolio samples available upon request).
You may also want to look at it from another angle… if the company is looking to hire ID and they don’t even know to look at a portfolio do you want to work for them?
I agree with chevisw. While design is sometimes about not following the rules, employment is very much about following the rules. Send what they ask for.
My question is why would an employer not ask to see samples of a designer?
A good middle ground would be to include a link to an online portfolio on the resume and in the email. I never send samples, always a link.
Usually when samples are not asked for the search is being handles by an HR person. These people are:
- Usually not knowledgeable about design.
- Over inundated with submissions.
- Not always the brightest match in the box.
Because of #2 they use any means necessary to reduce the number of submissions they have to process. Eliminating people who do not follow the rules is a well used method to thin the herd.
To add to Tim, these are usually larger corporations were ID may not be a strong or large dept within the company, thus they treat the hiring process in the early stages the same as they would for any opening. Kohler is a great example were in you just submit your resume on line and cannot upload anything other then a word document less the 200k.
It’s not to say these are bad companies but it provides you with insight on how they judge talent and skill…
I see many product design jobs where they don’t ask for a portfolio. Maybe they’re testing to see if one can follow directions and communicate just as a business professional before a design professional.
idguy: Really? Where? Most of the ones on Coroflot ask for a PDF or link… Although admittedly there aren’t many ID jobs period.
I think you are reading too much into it.
- sorry, ignore this post. cannot delete
that’s my art school training kicking in - lol