Hello all!!

 

My name is Jonathan, basically I'm a young designer. With no "Commercial Experience" - Bah I hate saying that.. makes me feel a bit queezy!

 

This is where I need some advice from some people in the know.. Im a new member, I have been passing my eye over this forum for a few weeks now and have seen that you all seem like a close community and would hope you could share some of your wisdom with me?

 

I was wondering if anyone would know or have the opportunity for a young designer/developer within an organization? I am more than capable of producing valid XHTML, CSS, W3C compliant pages and my skills pass way over into advanced photoshop techniques and graphics design within programs such as photoshop, dreamweaver and flash + many more.

 

Im based around the area of Crewe.. 40 minutes south of Manchester. I'm looking for some kind of apprenticeship or Junior position (hahaha and every other graduate under the sun!) The thing is... Im just getting no where with anyone... Im sending emails.. Im getting calls from recruiters and I have even had interviews.. who say "Yea you did great.. you just were beaten by someone who is closer to us!" In my area there just aren't people taking people on! Credit crunch I know.

 

So if anyone has any opportunities ... contacts.. advice etc.. just hit me with it. Its the whole.. eurgh.. Commercial Experience area that really is shafting me.

 

If anyone wants a copy of my CV and thinks it could be put to good use just ask! I will send it to you with bells, whistles, party poppers and maybe a piece of cake if you think I could get a job out of it!!!!

 

So many people so little jobs. I need a chance but recruiters do what they think they will get the most money for. Which for a junior certainly isn't me.

 

Thanks in advance for any response! I am ridiculously frustrated you have no idea!

 

 

Regards to all,

 

Jonathan.

 

 

 

P.S let me know what kinda Cake :-)

I have also recently started out. My advice to you would be to look at small businesses in your local area. What I'm currently doing is calling up all the restaurants, small shops, etc in my local area and offering my services.

 

Make a list of about 20 local businesses that do not have a website or have a website which you can improve on easily.

Split that list into groups of 4, so you have 4 businesses in a section, and therefore 5 sections.

 

Contact the first 4 businesses, and see what sort of response you get. Based on the response you get, adjust the approach for the next 4 businesses.

 

So for exmaple, you have business A, B, C and D.

You call A, B, C and D and say something like 'I'm a web designer in the local area and thought I could provide my services to you for a small fee, as I'm starting out. You're getting the best deal and the lowest price.'

 

or

 

'I'm a web designer in the local area and came across your website yesterday. I think I can improve on what you curerntly have and have done a mock-up for you to take a look at if you're interested. Maybe we can arrange an appointment...'

 

If you get more no's then yes's then review what you're saying and change your approach.

If you get more yes's then no's then carry on and make the most of it.

 

 

Hope this helps you and if you have any questions either post back here or PM me.