I've had jobs in agencies, freelance, contract jobs... usually these are because somehow a network connection or recruiter approached me with the job/interview. I don't have a large network and lack schmoozing ability, but even when I try to reach out to send a note along with a job application, I'm met with crickets. I've been told my portfolio has good work, and use keywords to customize my resume per application. How do I stand out in an anonymous pool of candidates at places where I have no connections?

I've been doing graphic design for 5 years as an in-house designer for retail. I was laid off earlier this year due to restructuring. While I was in shock of the news I was also genuinely burnt out from working there. I didn't like the work I was doing but I felt like I didn't have the skills to get another job. My portfolio feels like it hasn't even improved since I graduated college. I really doubted my own design abilities and wondered if I'm even good enough.

I studied Media Communications so I didn't necessarily get proper graphic design education, but I'm considering going back to school for an actual diploma in design. I’ve been learning on my own time but everything feels unstructured and inconsistent. I know it's not necessary to have a degree but I think having that education will put me back on track and boost my confidence.

Do you think I should go back to school or continue with my independent learning?

Curious how to build a portfolio that looks professional.

(This is one of a series of questions I received on Instagram prior to Portfolio Review Night 6)

There seems to be a shortage of agency positions for junior designers right now.

(This is one of a series of questions I received on Instagram prior to Portfolio Review Night 6)

I hate how the job market is right now, any tips on climbing up the ladder from intermediate designer to senior?

(This is one of a series of questions I received on Instagram prior to Portfolio Review Night 6)

I've been jumping around internship jobs because I don't know if I can get anything after grad.

(This is one of a series of questions I received on Instagram prior to Portfolio Review Night 6) 

As a creative, I’m always making things after work hours. What is a pro tip on balancing this and avoiding burnout? It’s hard to “turn off” and I often find myself not doing enough. I know there isn't an absolute answer, but I think in a culture where content is king on social media, it feels like burnout is always on the horizon.

‍I work in a field I do not have formal education in, so I try to prove my credibility by pumping as much work out as possible. A lot of the work is just personal projects, and my job doesn’t see any of it. My current job is not my ideal one and not where I want to be in 10 years; it’s 10-20% design work, and 80-90% project management. I want to do work where it’s a bit more even and there’s more variety. I work on powerpoint reports and that is very limiting in what is possible. The personal work is to learn and develop my style, I don’t have a formal education so I try my best to learn and practice on my own time.

Over the past 18 months, I've been looking for a job and despite making it through some initial screenings and early interview rounds, I've not been able to secure a role. I've gone to career fairs and portfolio reviews and tried my best to network (like getting in touch with hiring managers and creative directors). But after getting feedback on my work, all I hear is "your work seems great, but you don't have agency experience" or "your work is too polished for an entry-level position, but you don't have enough experience for mid-level" (tbh, I wasn't only applying for agency jobs). This has been really discouraging, and I’m at a point where I don't know what to do next. I kind of feel like giving up. What should I do?

I graduated from my program 3 years ago in advertising and graphic design while also having a previous diploma in business management. I’ve been struggling to find employment in my field. I tried reaching out, networking while applying online, however haven't received any response nor offers. I need advice on any available programs or opportunities I can do that will hopefully lead me to work. I’m part of the RGD and did a mentorship program and managed to fix my resume and portfolio. I also attended your Portfolio Review Night for extra assistance however, so far it hasn’t lead to any offers.

Are there any places that help you find jobs within design and advertising? I tried using Creative Circle and they weren’t able to find a position available in my field. I’m using Acces Employment now but they weren’t able to find any jobs and didn’t have any opportunities in the field of creative.

Honestly I need help and I'm struggling to find any job opportunities for me as a junior graphic designer. I do have experience working as a graphic design intern for a startup. I’ve used LinkedIn and Indeed and other job sites; however, the majority of them didn’t respond back and I’ve been constantly applying and checking. I need help and advice on what my next step should be.