Job Research – Instructions

Complete the following research assignment

1. First, we’ll review indeed.com and westerntc.joinhandshake.com as a class.

2. Individually, find 5 real graphic design job openings using Indeed.

3. Search “graphic design” (include the quotes) in the state you claim in class (just call it out).

4. Carefully read the 5 graphic design job openings you find and fill out this online survey/form 5 times: Job Opening Research – Spring 2025 (https://forms.gle/k1wi86X9DX9sX5tc6)

The survey will have you answer four questions:

  1. What software do you need to know?
  2. What will you need to design (marketing pieces)?
  3. What soft skills do you need to know?
  4. Other skills requested

5. We’ll review your findings in class. This research will create a snapshot of what an employer wants you to know when you apply for a graphic design job. You’ll use this information when creating your job search marketing material (resume, cover letters, portfolios) and preparing to answer interview questions.

Think of this research often as you

  • Create your Behance online portfolio
  • Answer your interview questions
  • Create your resume and cover letter
  • Create your printed portfolio
  • Present your portfolios

Craft your job search marketing materials with these employer needs in mind. During a job interview, you must tell, show, and convince potential employers that you can do most of what they ask for in their job postings. You have to believe that you can do them, too.

Spring 2025 – Job Opening Research Results

Graphic design students researched 115 real graphic design job openings in 21 states.
(TX, MT, IL, WA, NC, KS, NY, CA, CO, WI, NJ, MN, HI, ND, MI, IA, ID, OH, ME, NV, FL)

1b. Other software not listed above (3 or fewer mentions)

2b. Other things to design not listed above (5 or fewer mentions)

Spring 2022

Students researched 171 real graphic design jobs in 17 states.