This article will discuss how to get a graphic design job without a degree.

If you already have a degree in graphic design, then I will not discuss any differences in the field because, the biggest difference is between a degree and an education.

(This is not meant to discourage you, just to tell you that there are many employers out there that do not want to waste your time and money on college.)

Note: Not all the examples below are entirely accurate, but they are used for illustration purposes only.

Case #1: Identify your employers

What are the employers you are targeting? Where will you be working? Find out as much as possible about the companies in your area and in your desired field.

What if you cannot find any graphic design jobs on employment websites? I would then try social media. Facebook is my personal favorite social media, especially because you can tailor your ad to what the demographic of the employer is looking for.

If you want to learn more about your potential employers, Google them. Do some basic Google searches about them and find out more information.

You can also do Google image searches of the company and the job listings to get a better idea of the tone of the company and what they expect from their employees.

Also, a quick Google search of the company name and “buy from us” will usually give you a list of the top companies who sell their goods or services. Or, you can use LinkedIn.

Lets get specific. I would recommend being very specific when searching for job listings for the following graphic design jobs:

• The work experience section will tell you more about your career goals and the job description will tell you what type of graphic designer the company is looking for.
• In your cover letter, keep in mind that graphic designers typically work with a team of designers. Be sure to attach a sample portfolio. If you are not sure what kind of portfolio is appropriate for your position, make it up.
• When emailing, do not rely on “We’re looking for someone with design experience”.
• Ask for a telephone or in-person interview.
• The company might say “Yes”. Or, they might say “No”. Either way, you are doing a great thing!

Say you applied to the graphic design position at “Company XYZ” and they replied with “We don’t have a graphic designer”, then you would have to say “Why don’t you consider giving me a chance to show you what I can do?”

You might be rejected. But you’ll never know if you don’t try.

Expect rejection. That’s ok.

Unless you are an extremely confident person, you might feel rejected at first. Or, you might be rejected after writing hundreds of cover letters and perfecting your portfolio.

Don’t be discouraged by the rejection! We’re talking about getting a job in a field where there are many people looking for work, not hundreds of companies looking for designers.

Case #2: Don’t be afraid to network

Online graphic design companies are very valuable because, if you can get in with them, you can develop a relationship with their designers and sometimes, some of them may even refer you on.

If you do not have a graphic design degree or any experience, one of the most important skills you need to acquire is networking.

Do not wait for someone to refer you. Be proactive and be sure to build your network.

You can start by telling everyone you know that you are looking for graphic design jobs and link them to my website.

Ask your friends to have you meet their friends. People might be willing to refer you if you are the right person.

I’ve had friends refer me because they knew I was a good designer. Others didn’t know anything about me and saw my portfolio online and said “I want to help you”.

If your friends and family are not interested in helping you, you can still try contacting recruiters.

Recruiters and companies are interested in people who already have a good reputation.

Companies will go out of their way to send emails to recruiters asking them to help them find their next employee.

If you have a good relationship with a recruiter, they may ask you for a portfolio. I usually send out several resumes at a time to several recruiters.

I’ll send them my resume and they can contact me if they are interested in my work. If they are interested, I can receive interviews and more opportunities.

If you have a portfolio, they might also send you job listings.

Once you’ve made some connections, the next step is to build a relationship with the recruiter.

Ask for referrals. Send them one of your designs. Ask them to have you meet their friends.

The person might not be able to recommend you to a company right away. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Sometimes it’s just the right person who can introduce you to the right company.

I met one person in an HR recruiter position who eventually referred me to a position with a company who offered me a position.

If you are not having luck contacting recruiters and their friends, it’s time to ask someone in a position where you can have a relationship with the person, like a recruiter.

Finally, if you are still having trouble finding a position, there is a chance it’s you. You can figure that out by looking at your design portfolio. If it’s a good portfolio but you are not getting calls back, it might be you.

While design companies typically won’t hire someone with no experience, they are usually willing to hire someone with experience.

At the end of the day, if you follow these basic steps, you will eventually find a job!