Looking For Work as a Graphic Artist

These days, I continue to look for a full-time position as a graphic artist. It is not an easy task. I have gone to a number of job boards, which I am told is only a small percentage of a job search. Just going to job boards make you a "jammie jobber" which is what a speaker at Career Connections called it. You also have to network, spreading out connections the way a spider plant spreads out new baby plants and those baby plants spread out baby plants and so forth. In other words, word gets around that you are a decent graphic artist and somebody who knows somebody might be able to give your name to someone who needs just the kind of job you do, which in my case, is a graphic artist. Part of the job search also entails what is called "cold calls" which entails you going to the company armed with your resume and a business card and introducing yourself to the company. Many times you get as far as the receptionist whose job it is to weed out people like you so the people in the company don't get bothered and your resume and business card will end up in the file known as the trash can. If it is a busy day, especially in advertising where there are tight deadlines to be met, the last thing they want to do is talk to some possible new recruit. The key is to talk to someone on the lower rungs who works there and maybe they can get you an "in." I have also gone to job seekers groups and am involved with a local networking group. I have 500+ connections on LinkedIn and have spread the word there that I am looking for a graphic artist position. I am doing everything I can.

Also, if you do manage to get an interview, sometimes you will have to interview with the human resources person who probably won't know the lingo of the work you do. In my case, they might not know about InDesign or Illustrator and might think that 'Dreamweaver' was an old song from the 70's, not a cool program for developing websites. You would be lucky to get an interview with an art director because that person would know the lingo and would better know your skills and how they would apply to the job.

A problem I face is that I haven't worked in an office in advertising since the mid 90's. I was a stay-at-home mom for a number of years, doing freelance work when the opportunity arose. Being a stay-at-home mom, especially one for kids with learning disabilities (both of mine have ADHD and dyslexia) entails all of the skills required for many of these jobs which includes:

Multitasking (multiple school meetings, school programs, school projects, doctor appointments, testing )

Communications (with teachers, counselors,doctors, etc.)

Quality Control (making sure your children's modifications are being met, required ARD meetings, meetings with counselors and teachers, etc.)

You have many multiple jobs, it's a great deal of responsibility. You are the one in charge of the education your children are getting, nobody else will do it for you and it's a big responsibility. Plus, I worked part-time while being a stay-at-home mom and did freelance work, so I wasn't just laying around watching soap operas. Do people even watch those things anymore?

Another obstacle I face is that I am over 50, which in some circles, is considered a "senior citizen." They don't realize that those of us in that age range have children who are grown and they don't have to leave work or miss work for sick kids. We have a lot experience and a variety of skills that some younger people haven't acquired yet.

All I need is for someone to give me a chance. I have illustration, layout and design skills that would be an asset to a company in need of a graphic artist.