Creative Review (2004) ‘How to get a Job’ Creative Review, Nov 2004, p37

Creative Review (2004) ‘How to get a Job’ Creative Review, Nov 2004, p37

Significantly, the article talks extensively about the use of traditional paper-based portfolios during interviews for jobs in the design sector. This goes against the other emerging idea of digital portfolios being used by graduates and employers aside of the interview period. The implication is that the physical portfolio is still seen as important; “…it is always good to include hard copies for the ‘feel factor’.”

The article also focuses on the need for graduates to tailor their portfolio for the individual company that they are aiming to gain employment with one interviewee stating that they are including information about how to do this on their website. “Candidates themselves can prepare by tailoring their portfolio to suit the job which they are up for.”

Booth, H. (2004) ‘Products of Placement’ Design Week, 18 Mar 2004, pp22-23

Booth, H. (2004) ‘Products of Placement’ Design Week, 18 Mar 2004, pp22-23

The author describes a portfolio as being a vital element in the arsenal of a graduate in their search for employment. The article describes exemplary processes from the student perspective to getting a job. Invariably this involves the development of a flexible and portable portfolio; “I wanted them to see I understood what makes a good idea.” The article also highlights the need for expression of individuality and personality in graduate portfolios, re-affirming the basis of design industries being selected themselves on their stylistic approaches.

Another student experiences also identifies peer assessment of a representational portfolio as having facilitated employment opportunities. However, the focus of the article does show that ‘reciprocal’ placement is perceived as playing a far more important role in seeking and gaining employment.

Ball, L. (2007) Electronic PDPs for Art, Design, Media and Communications. Workshop at HEA-ADM e-PDP conference, 21 May 2007, Sheffield Hallam University

Ball, L. (2007) Electronic PDPs for Art, Design, Media and Communications. Workshop at HEA-ADM e-PDP conference, 21 May 2007, Sheffield Hallam University

Workshop exploring the employer and professional perspectives towards the use of electronic PDPs for art, design, media and communications facilitated by Linda Ball. The session highlighted a number of key issues, including the crossovers between e-portfolios and PDP, essentially steering away from the constraints inherent with close-knit definition.

The data shared for the workshop provides a flavour of the feedback from employers in the fields of product design, film and media production, metalwork and jewellery, and multimedia and communication design. This information demonstrates the simliarties and divergences between recruitment processes in diverse vocational fields.