Candidate Case Study - Stephanie Thompson

Stephanie Thompson recently contacted The Candidate ready for a new challenge and we were able to hook her up with a top role in the creative department at Handl Communications.
Stephanie has kindly taken some time to give us an inside scoop into what her position entails, why she loves it and even some tips on how as an aspiring or experienced graphic designer, you too can succeed in the industry!

What attracted you to your new role and what has been the best part?
I was initially attracted to the fact that it was a middleweight designer position, which is the move I needed to make to progress in my career. The salary then played an important part as one of my main reasons for looking for a new job was a higher salary to help towards my cost of living. After my first interview I was delighted to hear the prospect of the company becoming a stand-alone design agency and the purpose of them hiring a middleweight graphic designer was to expand the team. Also, how I’d be working on brand development was a big sell for me because I’ve always wanted to do it!

What were you looking for in a new role?
More responsibilities, a higher salary and a more dynamic and bigger work load.

What interests you most about the industry you work in?
It’s something I’ve always been good at. I knew my career goal from the age of 12. I achieved my first graphic designer role when I was 18 and I’ve been working my way up since then. I believe in the process of working your way up to reach your status and to become well known for what you do…I was headhunted for this job!

Being in graphics, there is such a diverse range of companies in the industry to work for. No day is the same.

What type of person excels in this type of role?
Someone who is good at what they do, and is confident about it. You have to be highly skilled and efficient while willing to progress those skills in training. I also think the person has got to be willing to accept criticism; feedback helps you grow. Being a graphic designer requires a thick skin, great communication skills, intelligence, intuition, creativity and technical skill.

What are the highlights of your job?
Bringing clients ideas to life and putting my own stamp on designs I do.

What are the challenges of your role?
The biggest challenge we face is creating design that stands out from the rest…and SELLS! Marketing/Advertising is such a saturated market and the biggest decision is to either choose to follow the crowd or run out ahead of the herd.

What added value did you get from job hunting with a recruitment agency such as us here at The Candidate?
The regular contact with Emily was great!

Will you contact a recruitment agency again for any future career change
Absolutely.

What are your top 5 Tips for securing a job in the graphic design industry.

1. Having a stand out design portfolio.
2. A great looking CV…you’re a graphic designer, so DESIGN it!
3. Experience - gain as much experience as you can, even as a freelancer.
4. Continuous development in your skills.
5. Good communication skills, never be afraid to ask questions or even admit that you’re struggling!

A huge thanks to Stephanie for sharing this information with us, we wish you the best of luck in your new role! If you're interested in a similar role, check out our Creative Jobs page!

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