When to look for a Job?

[DesignIO]

hi everyone, i just have started a few weeks ago to lean html code. Now i think i can handle html a-z, im just learning CSS and ill be studying javascript and asp as soon as im done with CSS.

My question is, when can i look for a good job? do i need to learn more code? or am i in good "shape"(i dont know how to write it xD) of knowledge to get an decent job?

i just dont want to go and get embarrased, when ill say "I know html, i can make websites" u know what i mean.

thx in advance.

[kaled]

I'd say you'd be in far better shape if you also learned to punctuate properly and do without silly abbreviations. Without a doubt, your CV is likely to be binned if it isn't written properly (always assuming the reader knows how to punctuate, etc.).

That aside, it sounds like you are (going to be) self-taught. If you don't have relevant qualifications, as an absolute minimum, you'll need to have created at least one website that demonstrates your skills and you'll need to be able to confidently discuss those skills and also, to a lesser extent, you should be able to discuss (not bluff) the skills that you don't yet have. In other words, you need to know what knowledge is required to solve a problem even if you don't have that knowledge already.

Of course, there is also the "don't ask, don't get" philosophy, so it may be worth applying for jobs even before you feel you're quite ready. You may get lucky, or you may just gain some practice at interviews (if you get that far).

Kaled.

[edited by: kaled at 3:39 pm (utc) on Sep. 24, 2008]

[HugeNerd]

I would suggest you make a few websites, even if they are pro-bono sites for friends, anything to get a portfolio going. You can walk into any office and claim whatever you wish -- they will want to SEE and USE your sites unless they call you first or are trying to steal you from another company.

Making a few sites will also help you determine your own skill level...try to find some sites you like and consider to be well designed and interesting and duplicate them (I don't mean steal code, but rather integrate features into your portfolio sites). That way, you aren't just saying "I can make websites," 'cause you actually can make them, and have made them. Let your work speak for itself and you'll never be embarassed.

Best of luck to you, DesignIO!

[DesignIO]

Than you very much guys, and sorry about my awful english, im still learning english, so, im trying to do my best. Now its time to do some websites for my school and some friends that i know a website coul be very helpful for them, thanks again.

P.S.

[wolfadeus]

Generally, I think there are so many professionals out there by now that (at least in Western countries) skills alone won't get you a job unless you are really good. Employers usually expect some sort of standardised training - be it a school, appreticeship, university degree. This varys from country to country.

Since you seem to study by yourself, I also recommend to built up a portfolio of work and apply with that.

Good luck and happy webbing!

[visca]

When I am searching for people to fill web design positions, knowing HTML is just a given. Unless an ass-kickingly good portfolio accompanies the resume, it goes in the random sorter bin (garbage).

That being said, I am not nessesarily looking for prior works with handfuls of blue chip companies - if your portfolio is an assortment of sites you've built for youself and / or concept sites, that's alright. As long as they can demonstrate inspired thinking, creativity and show a good grasp of web related technologies.

There are just too many designers out there that "know HTML", you need to bring something to the table that you can do better; usually by having a keener sense of creativity and originality than other candidates, which is often severely lacking. Anyone can brush up their HTML skills, but making commercially viable creative use of HTML and the related graphics packages needed is a whole other ball game.