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3 tips to improve your information architecture samples or portfolio

by BEN ALLEN on FEBRUARY 21, 2010 http://www.benallenblog.com/.

For all those budding IAs out there – listen up – I have a few tips for you. Perhaps it’s just 1 tip but it’s a biggie and it’s one worth discussing – including some tactics. Let’s cut to the chase here:

If you send in a portfolio along with your CV/resume make sure you add some context and explain your thinking

Simple but let me explain. I employ IAs, designers, developers and the like and it’s become standard practice to send along a portfolio with your CV/resume (I’m going to refer to this as CV from now on). With any luck I see some good CVs – short, succinct and focusing on both “soft & hard” skills. With creative folks though CVs are not enough… I guess that the idea goes that employers read these CVs but cannot really get the feel for the real creative juice of the candidate – what can one do? Enter the portfolio – a collection of ones beloved works. Show a future employer all the work that you’ve done in college, your intern-ship, your professional life. Problem solved – right? Well kind of.

When is a good portfolio bad & what can I do about it?

Just as it is easy to write a bad CV it is equally easy to write a bad portfolio – even if it’s full of the most gorgeous work you’ve ever seen in your life. I think the most common mistake made is the lack of context. While you would like to think that the “work speaks for itself” you need to make sure. Here are some ideas to make sure:

Tip 1. Group your portfolio
Break up your portfolio content into logical groups which show off different parts of your wonderful skill set (this should not be hard if you’re an IA). For example if you’ve done lots of form design work – group that. If you’ve done some nice sales/e-commerce sites – that’s another group. Mobile work, web apps, transactional sites – loads and loads of groups. The reason to do this is simple – different problems need different solutions and thinking. Good UX employers know this and they’re looking for candidates that know this too. Furthermore by grouping your saying “I do X, Y, Z” not just “I do IA“. If I’m the employer looking for an IA with transactional site experience and your portfolio has this group your portfolio is going to be screaming at me “give this gal/guy an interview”.tions
This is huge. A lot of IA portfolios I look at contain sketches and/or wireframes. Lots of boxes and arrows lovingly crafted into a web page, user flow etc. Adding annotations is crucial in explaining this craft. The boxes and arrows are essential but the thinking that goes behind it is infinitely more important. I might look at a wireframe and think “hmm… nice placement of the call to action”. Without annotations though – I don’t know for sure whether you’re a great IA who agonised over this placement, balancing against other trade-offs within the page, with respect to a pertinent research article, your analysis of Google Analytics etc. OR whether you just got lucky.

Tip 3. Walk the talk
Any IA or creative person has to walk-through their ideas. Whether your justifying your idea to the client, your boss, your manager – at some time you’ll have to open up your wonderfully annotated wireframes and take people through your thought process. It’s a massively important skill so why not show your employer how much you rock by showing them one of your own walk-throughs? This has never been easier – you can use screenr.com for free (and have an instant online library) or if you would prefer to have the content sit with you and you only you could download a free trial or buy Camtasia. Either way this approach is super-sweet because it kills 2 birds with one stone – you show your thought process AND you show off a key skill which every employer is interested in.

Tip 2. Add annota

Final thoughts

Selling yourself takes work and implementing the ideas discussed above are no exception. Great content production & the great tenacity it requires are amazing feathers to have in your cap and should be appreciated by employers – thanking you with an interview.

Over to you:

Does anyone do any of the above? Has it worked for you?
What’s the best portfolio you’ve seen & why?
Do you get an interview every time? What do you do to shine?
What’s better – a static portfolio e.g. paper/PDF or an interactive portfolio e.g. web site?

Five Ways to Turn Off Employers

Job searches, much like first dates, are about giving the other party — in this case the employer — a once-over and presenting yourself in the best possible way. Also similar to first dates, job searches give you several opportunities to make a single mistake that is a real turnoff.

You’re on your own when it comes to finding true love, but for staying in an employer’s good graces, we’ve got you covered. So put on your best clothes, style your hair and make sure you don’t make one of these job interview gaffes that are certain to turn off an employer:

Turnoff No. 1: Arriving too early for an interview

The reason: Interviews are scheduled at specific times for a reason. Hiring managers have other meetings and responsibilities to deal with throughout the day, so they can’t interrupt their schedule just to meet with you. Also, interviews often have multiple components. If you’re scheduled to meet the hiring manager first, then have a conversation with some potential colleagues, followed by a tour of the company and finally a drug test, an early (or late) arrival disrupts everyone’s schedule.

The solution: By all means, arriving early is better than arriving late. However, from an interviewer’s perspective, arriving 45 minutes early and letting the receptionist know you’ve arrived is just as bothersome as showing up 45 minutes late. If you get to the interview location too early, go to a nearby coffee shop, take a walk around the block or sit in your car to pass the time. Checking in with the front desk five or even 15 minutes early is acceptable and shows the employer you’re punctual.

Turnoff No. 2: Letting your desperation show

The reason: Although you have been looking for a job for several months or even longer, don’t let your frustration become the interviewer’s problem. A negative attitude that causes you to vent about the hardships of being unemployed can leave you reeking of bitterness and repel employers.

The solution: Don’t get us wrong — being unemployed can be one of the worst experiences a person goes through, and anyone who has been there understands that eventually you reach a point where you want to scream. Nevertheless, do your screaming before you get to the interview.

When you’re preparing for the interview, think like an employer. Do you want to hire the person with amazing qualification, a great personality and the potential to grow with the company? Or do you want to hire the person whose primary concern is getting a paycheck, who sounds angry and who might quit the moment a better job comes along? Enthusiasm impresses an employer; desperation does not.

Turnoff No. 3: Being too aggressive with your follow-up

The reason: Employers want to see enthusiasm from job seekers, but they don’t want to be inconvenienced by said enthusiasm. Two e-mails, a handwritten note, a few phone calls and a quick visit to the office just to see how things are going will not impress a hiring manager. That approach will scare them.

The solution: Again, enthusiasm wins over desperation every time. You need to send a thank-you note, and you can send both an e-mail and a postal letter to cover your bases. Pestering employers doesn’t just make you look desperate, it also annoys them. They don’t have time for so many distractions and eventually the first thing they’ll think of when they see your name is, “Oh, that’s the one who wouldn’t leave me alone.” Prove you have common sense, which includes knowing when to stop.

Turnoff No. 4: Talking trash about anyone

The reason: You probably have plenty to say about your incompetent former boss and inept co-workers, but you know better than to say it. You’ve been told that employers hear you talk negatively about a past boss and think, “One day you’ll be talking that way about me.” You might forget that the same thoughts run through their mind when you talk about other organizations, too. If you’re interviewing with the No. 2 company in a specific industry, you shouldn’t take cheap shots at the No. 1 company every chance you get. Employers know you’re job hunting and that you’ve probably been just as unkind about them in other interviews.

The solution: Stay positive. Explain why you want to work for the company. Point out how your experience has prepared you for this move. You don’t need to pretend that your former employer is a personal hero, but you should demonstrate that you are bringing something from the company other than your 401(k). Rather than belittle the competition, promote this company. Say, “I know your competitor is doing this, and they’ve had some success, but you have the ability to do this and that to beat them.” The focus remains on this company and also on your ideas.

Turnoff No. 5: Lacking direction

The reason: Whether or not they are micromanagers, employers like to have some trust in their employees. If your résumé, cover letter or interview suggests that you have no goals, you are not an attractive candidate. If you don’t even know where you want your career to go, how can you know this job is for you? A cover letter looking for a job instead of this job implies that you’re floating from gig to gig until you get bored.

The solution: If you’re not positive what your future looks like, at least create a narrative that satisfies you. This job might not be your ideal one, but do you see yourself learning from it and putting you on a path to something better? What could you do after you spend some time working here? Figure out what that path is so you can show an employer you know where you’re going. You don’t need to promise that you’ll stay at this position forever, but you can suggest that you are eager to learn and want to move forward. Employers like ambition because these workers tend to care about their jobs and ultimately improve the business in some capacity.

Anthony Balderrama, CareerBuilder.com writer

Top 10 Resume Blunders

Resume. That one word causes a lot of different emotions in different people. Fear, loathing, despair…love?

Yeah, that’s right. Love. I love reading and writing resumes. Formatting, editing, tweaking, creating, I love it all.

However, I’ve come to realize that I’m an anomaly, and most people really despise putting this stuff together. I was perusing the interwebs the other day while trying to help a friend put a resume together, and came across a fantastic article, Avoid These 10 Resume Mistakes, written by professional resume-writer, Dr. Katharine Hansen.

http://www.quintcareers.com/resume_mistakes.html

I strongly encourage anyone who’s updating their resume to take a peek, consider the list, and revisit their work. Happy writing!

Looking for an advertising job? You’ll need this threesome.

Rarely a week goes by at SVC that we don’t interview someone who’d like to break into advertising copywriting or art direction. We’re delighted to meet them, of course, as our ad classes have been one of the mainstays of our portfolio training for umpteen years.

However, we’ve noticed lately that aspiring ad creatives seem less prepared than ever to break into the field. Why? Because advertising has changed so drastically in just the past couple of years. The old style portfolio with a dozen funny or provocative print ad concepts just doesn’t cut it any more.

So what would we do if we were in your shoes? These three things:

Read more: http://www.svcseattle.com/blog/svcthoughts/2010/01/looking-for-an-advertising-job-give-me-three/#more-155

Article posted at The School of Visual Concepts Blog: “Thought of the Hour”

Is your portfolio landing you jobs or getting lost in the shuffle?

Here are some quick portfolio tips to help us help you:

1. Is your portfolio viewable online? In many cases there may not be time for an in person meeting to show your portfolio- especially for freelance work. Be prepared to send a link to an online portfolio or at least a PDF of work samples.
2. Does your portfolio distract from your work? Your portfolio is meant to show off your work samples and your skills, and should not be over designed or cluttered. Showing creativity is good- but be careful not to tip the scale to messy or distracting.
3. Is your portfolio easy to navigate? Hiring managers will not look at your work if they have to try too hard. If they cannot navigate through your page or download your PDF than they will move on to the next candidate. If your grandmother can access your work easily you are probably safe.
4. Who is your audience? Your portfolio should be appealing to any kind of audience you will ever work with or want to work with. If it is extremely edgy or conservative you will pigeonhole yourself into one type of work. You should have a variety of your best work samples from every type of skill listed on your resume.
5. Have you paid attention to detail? Your portfolio is being looked at for design, development pieces and links working, spelling and grammar, etc- even if that is not in the job description. If you cannot pay attention to the details in your portfolio employers will assume you cannot pay attention to the details in their projects.
6. Who did what? Your portfolio should spell out what your contribution was to the project or work you are presenting and highlight your skills and strengths.

Seattle Jobs

Project Manager for Media Productions– needed ASAP
If you know video and broadcasting inside and out, and thrive in a client-facing role, we would love to speak with you! This is an ideal position for someone who wants to combine media industry experience with the ability to drive a project and interact with clients! This is an immediate contract position with potential to convert to fulltime!

Overall Job Description
•   Establish and maintain great relationships with current and potential clients and outside vendors
•   Serve as producer on things such as, but not limited to: tv spots, films, short films, tv shows, long form content for web, experiential filmed content
•   Be accountable for project planning and scope (goals, budget, schedule)
•   Maintain project calendars, traffic projects and deliver client work on budget and on schedule
•   Manage job through completion, reconcile budgets and close-out elements in storage
•   Identify areas to grow client relationships, which are favorable to client and agency
•   Assist with the development of new business for the agency, when necessary

Skills/Experience
•   Bachelors degree with at least 2 years of experience in this field or a related field
•   Experience and understanding of the business of advertising and content generation
•   Knowledge and related experience with directors, editors, music houses, visual effects houses
•   Have a thorough understanding of talent usage/rights used within filmed content
•   Understanding of, and understanding of, producing TV and radio productions
•   Superior organization and communication skills
•   Proficiency with Word, Excel, MS Project, FileMaker Pro
•   Proficiency on a Mac and PC
•   Ability to learn new agency processes
•   Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
•   Excellent written and verbal communications skills
•   Excellent individual and group presentation skills
•   Strong relationship-building skills
•   Ability to assign and delegate tasks successfully
•   Ability to define, analyze and solve problems
•   Ability to lead by example and be flexible to change where necessary

USER EXPERIENCE DESIGNER with mobile experience

Location: Seattle, WA
Report to: Executive Design Director
Compensation: Salary based on experience level, (For full time benefits include, family medical, health club & commuting subsidy). 401k with Employer Match. Life Insurance, AD&D policy and relocation benefits.

Job description
This Seattle-based client is a fast-growing digital product development consultancy located. In this creative and inspiring environment new product ideas come to life. They provide business strategy, research and design consulting services to high profile clients. They design software and technology products and services that address real user needs, allow their clients to harness market opportunities, and deliver next generation user experiences.

Here is an opportunity for an entry to mid-level interaction or user experience designer with ambition, talent and a desire to work in an energetic environment. You will participate in design programs to define the next generation user experience for a wide range of products, ranging from the product and user experience design of software applications, mobile phones, games and enterprise business software. You will work closely with researchers, customers and client-side product teams to define these new product experiences expressed through different levels of prototyped output. Additionally you will solve complex interaction problems and challenges to make these experiences as usable as possible.
Experience and interest in software interaction design and solid capabilities in problem solving, visual design, and a passion and drive to make digital experiences as simple and elegant as possible is required.
You have knowledge of, and proficiency in, various design software tools for prototyping and designing visual elements. You will need to demonstrate a portfolio of work that communicates examples of creative problem solving, ideally in the realm of software user experience design, and/or visual, industrial, or web design (HTML/Flash).

Main responsibilities

– Work with user researchers to turn observational and other data into creative solutions.
– Collaboratively brainstorm and develop conceptual product ideas.
– Find ways to make complex information and interaction as simple as possible.
– Produce high quality visual user experiences to communicate a design approach.
– Build Flash, Director, HTML, or After effects prototypes to demonstrations interactive behavior.
– Develop user experience guidelines, and UI specification documentation.
– Develop navigational hierarchies and effectively visualize key concepts of site structure and user pathways.
– Create storyboards and plan activity scenarios, flow and sequences.
– Effectively communicate and collaborate with members of management and production staff.
– Demonstrable commitment to user centered design methods and research.

Qualifications

– Required: BA in Interaction Design, Visual Communication, Product Design, Industrial design or equivalent. Masters degree preferred.
– An online design portfolio showing strong creative skills, ability to generate solid design ideas, and thorough understanding of good design process.
– Ability to work under deadline pressure.
– Able to work independently and as part of a team.
– Able to accomplish objectives and possess proactive and strategic problem-solving skills.
– All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be authorized to work in the United States.
– Demonstrated proficiency with Illustrator, Photoshop, Flash, Director, and HTML/Web authoring, In-design or equivalent.

If you are interested in this full time position, please contact Ariel Fredrickson, ariel@thesmartdept.com

Instructional Designer
A Seattle-based leader in providing learning solutions to global clients, provides exciting project-based opportunities for multiple professional learning consultants for variable hours up to 40 hrs/week for a minimum of three months. Competitive compensation provided!

General Description
The Instructional Designer works as part of the Client Services team to analyze and research client programs and training needs, and design and develop courseware and learning solutions targeted primarily toward the client’s workforce. Specifically, this position designs and develops instructor-led and web-based training in support of newly identified opportunities within the client organization. Other duties include conducting needs analysis and other research to identify and validate training needs, making recommendations on training designs based on customer requirements, developing content and first level project management. This position is flexible and can include telecommuting options.

Job Requirements/Responsibilities:

Course design and development – analysis, design, development, delivery and/or management based on need of target audience.
Experience in performing consulting and, presentations, front-end assessments in a corporate training environment while representing the company to prospective clients.
Experience in developing, and producing e-learning courseware on a variety of subjects: courseware on highly-technical subjects, such as computer software and hardware or complex processes, is highly desired.
Attend Client Services team planning discussions and team functions in order to keep apprised of other client projects and other company developments.
Work on internal projects, as requested, that support the development of the company or the Client Services team.
Strong “people” skills, including interpersonal, organizational, facilitation, coaching, and presentation skills.
Experience with or working knowledge of Web-based technologies , such as Flash, HTML, and XML a definite plus.
Experience with Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS), such as Aspen or TotalLCMS, is highly desired.
Demonstrated ability to execute initiatives on time and on budget and ability to manage personal time in a fast-paced environment.
Project management skills and experience in working on and delivering multiple initiatives.
Ability to consult with and guide customers to solutions.
Strong attention to detail and ability to work with ambiguity and constant change.
Comfortable with an iterative approach and client ownership of materials (collaborative development.)

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Masters Degree preferred (emphasis in training and organizational development)

Chicago Jobs

Sr. Copy writer
As a Sr. Copywriter for our client you are responsible for the conception and execution of innovative copy for integrated, cross channel initiatives including large web initiatives, online advertising, digital marketing, print advertising and/or direct mail. You should possess sharp writing skills and have the ability to understand more than one voice; adapting your writing skills as necessary to long form or headlines. You should be able to partner with art directors and designers to ensure the art direction supports the concept.

You must be able to create a range of concepts for each project, be self-motivated with a positive attitude and have strong communications skills. Copywriters at our client must have at least 6+ years of professional writing experience in an advertising or interactive agency.

You must also have strong experience working on large cross channel and/or direct marketing initiatives including rich media, web, direct and print. Experience with online and offline media is preferred. Experience with online media is a must.

Freelance Information Architect (city/north suburbs)
Responsibilities:
Design the UI architecture, interface, interaction flow and aesthetics of web applications and web sites
Develop conceptual diagrams, wireframes, prototypes, visual mockups and graphic assets Develop and maintain detailed user-interface specifications
Build upon and expand established style guides and UI patterns
Present design work to product and executive teams for review and feedback
Promote usability best practices

Qualifications:
Experience as a user experience designer, interaction designer, user interface designer, information architect, or similar role
An online portfolio or samples of work demonstrating related experience
Experience working in a collaborative team and working directly with developers for implementation of designs
Fluency in best practices for web-based information architecture and design, as well as strong knowledge of usability principles and techniques
Familiarity with the technical considerations needed when designing for dynamic AJAX-based web 2.0 applications
Visual design expertise demonstrated through mockups and style guides
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in a variety of design tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Fireworks, Visio, and Dreamweaver
Ability to prototype in HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and/or Flash is strong plus
Ability to create illustrations for stylized graphic artwork and icons is a strong plus
Demonstrated history of acquiring user data (e.g., conducting usability studies, performing user research)

Freelance/Full Time Flash Developer (city/northwest suburbs)
This position will develop lightweight multimedia/video applications for the web using object oriented Actionscript 3. Familiarity with 3rd party libraries such as Tweenlite and Bulkloader would be highly beneficial. Maintain a knowledge base on Flash-based technologies and solutions in the market. Indirectly manage the different team members activities to ensure the project success

Requirements:
Strong understanding of object oriented programming in AS3 using Flash or Flex
At least 4 full years professional work experience programming applications with AS3

At least 4+ years experience hand-coding Flash
• Experience with Rich Internet Applications, Macromedia Flash, particularly technical and coding aspects such as Object Oriented Action Script 2/3, Flash Remoting, Data Binding, Components, etc. required. Flex or Lazlo experience a plus
• Must have extensive knowledge of Action Script 2.0/3.0, Script Based Animation, Object-Oriented Programming, Flash Video (Progressive or Streaming), Event Driven Programming and XML
• Experience with Design Patterns, Advanced Object-Oriented Programming, MVC Architecture such as Cairngorm, Web Services, Flex and Backend/External System Integration a plus.
• Experience version control systems
• Experience with Analytics Solutions (Omniture, WebSideStory, WebTrends)
• Image production techniques using Fireworks or Image Ready
• User Interface Design, Information Architecture, graphic design experience a plus
• Understanding of good design principles and ability to adhere to complex design specifications during implementation
• Demonstrated ability to accurately estimate and scope development work
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong written & oral communication as well as presentation skills.
• Team management skills.

Beneficial skills
Tweenlite
Video Technologies
OOP Design Patterns
HTML/CSS
JSON
XML
Firebug
Javascript
Server Side Languages (ASP.NET)

Direct Hire: Sr. Internet Designer (north suburbs)
Job Functions:
1.   Collaborate with Senior Internet Art Director and website team (Editorial, Internet Business team, Information Architecture, Internet Marketing and Merchandising, MIS) to determine company’s ongoing website design goals and initiatives.
2.   Based on initiatives, identify specific projects and project priorities.
3.   Assess full scope of any project by procuring information from all relevant departments. (Such as Merchandising, Direct Marketing, MIS, etc.)
4.   Determine appropriate design approach for projects based on objectives, information gathered, available timeframe/budget, and current known leading themes in advertising, catalogue, stores, etc.
5.   Present design recommendations (visual and content) to Senior Internet Art Director for feedback, further collaboration, or approval.
6.   Develop website work schedules with internal and external project teams.
7.   Manage the design implementation process, collaborating with internal web production group, or external sources where necessary (i.e. writers, photographers, producers, etc.).
8.   Ensure that new design programs are produced at standards that uphold/elevate the company’s brand identity.
9.   Communicate the status of projects to Senior Internet Art Director and internal teams.
10. Manage design projects within known budget.
11. Maintain an awareness of the housewares industry, competitors and cultural trends that affect both.
12. Provide excellent service to both internal and external customers whether through direct contact, over the phone or through written communications.
13. Maintain an awareness of loss prevention, security and safety following the guidelines provided by the Human Resources Department.

Web Designer
Looking for a talented Interactive/UI Designer. Requirements for the position MUST include:

Interactive Designer w/UI Experience
High Proficiency:
-Adobe CS (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
-Adobe Flash
-Handwritten HTML & CSS
-Experience creating Information Architecture as it applies to web design
and to application design (especially wireframing)

Some Profiency:
-Experience developing in a .Net environment
-JavaScript (and JavaScript libraries such as jQuery)
-ActionScript 2 & 3
-Adobe After Effects

Requirements
-Bachelor’s Degree
-Agency and large brand experience necessary

About smartdept

3 tips to improve your information architecture samples or portfolio

Five Ways to Turn Off Employers

Top 10 Resume Blunders

Looking for an advertising job? You’ll need this threesome.

Is your portfolio landing you jobs or getting lost in the shuffle?

Seattle Jobs

Chicago Jobs

Ready to get smart? Give us a ring.

Sure, you can email us to introduce yourself. But why not pick up the phone?
To get a relationship going, there’s nothing like one person talking to another. Conversations make us smart!

About smartdept

3 tips to improve your information architecture samples or portfolio

Five Ways to Turn Off Employers

Top 10 Resume Blunders

Looking for an advertising job? You’ll need this threesome.

Is your portfolio landing you jobs or getting lost in the shuffle?

Seattle Jobs

Chicago Jobs

Ready to get smart? Give us a ring.

Sure, you can email us to introduce yourself. But why not pick up the phone?To get a relationship going, there’s nothing like one person talking to another. Conversations make us smart!

Sure, you can email us to introduce yourself. But why not pick up the phone?
To get a relationship going, there’s nothing like one person talking to another. Conversations make us smart!