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- Have a vision for where you want to be, and sketch out a strategic roadmap for how you think you can get there.
- Identify and research the top 5 companies or agencies you would love to work for.
- Create the right portfolio by using your network of friends, friends-of-friends, school connections, etc., to engage with people that make hiring decisions at companies like the ones you would like to work for. Have a simple list of three or four questions you can ask them about what they look for in a portfolio. Make sure you design your portfolio to demonstrate your design and organizational skills.
- Craft a portfolio that tells your story to your audience. Make sure it addresses their needs, goals, and desires from their perspective. The portfolio should be concise and easily understandable. It should ideally show the challenge or problem and how your work addressed it. Your portfolio represents you solving problems, making something usable, easy and clear.
- Plan for every eventuality and choose the best tools with which to tell your story. Never rely on an Internet connection when you finally meet with the hiring manager—make both print and web versions. Make them downloadable. Send your entire story to hiring managers when they ask for a resume. This helps the interview become a conversation focused on the two most important questions: Are you a good fit? How you will make their lives easier?