Career Services
Developing Application Materials
Design Career Services helps students develop and refine materials needed to apply for professional positions and internships. Materials should be designed as a system with consistent style, typography and color.
Resumes
Resumes quickly communicates qualifications to a potential employer for the purpose of gaining an interview. Resumes should be organized, clear and concise. You may use different versions of resumes depending on the intended audience and position. For example, resumes submitted for design positions, non-design positions, graduate school admission or galleries may vary in content.
Cover Letters & Communication
Success with your job search is largely dependent on your ability to communicate professionally and effectively by email, by telephone, in writing, and in person during interviews. Cover letters introduce your qualifications and interest related to the employer and position. The samples below are straightforward, traditional, and should be used to gain ideas for structure and content of your letter.
- Cover letter structure
- Cover letter samples
- Communication following an interview
- Accepting or declining offers
- Tips for phone conversations
References
Applicants should expect to provide 3+ professional references during the application process. References should be people who will speak positively about your work and qualifications, and should be asked their name is provided. Sharing your resume and descriptions of positions you are seeking will help them prepare to respond.
Portfolios
Students in design programs will be expected to show a portfolio or work samples when applying for positions and internships. A portfolio is a collection of work that visually communicates your design skills and experience. Your portfolio should include your strongest work and only high-quality images. Presentation should be thoughtful and clear. Formats include web sites, PDF documents, printed work in books or cases. You should be able to present your work easily in person as well as send it digitally.