Applying for a job at a printers. Any advice?

[Paul Murray]

Currently I'm in the process of updating my CV for an application for a part-time position at a local printer.

I don't have any official experience in printing (which according to the job description is fine), so this would be an excellent opportunity for me being a design student and all, plus it's 10 minutes down the road and the hours are negotiable (again, excellent for me with my uni work).

Basically I'm wondering if anybody has any advice for me? I'm pretty confident with job interviews (I've been for enough) but this will be my first taste of applying for something 'professionally creative'.

How creative should my CV be? What should I include/leave off etc?

Any advice will be massively helpful.

[Minuteman Press]

They'll be pondering:

Are you capable
Motivated
Fit in

Be positive, do not discuss weaknesses, be flexible, do not ask immediately about money!

[Paul Murray]

Sounds like a standard interview then? My main concern is getting my foot in that proverbial door. Any advice regarding CV design and layout? Would you expect something creative?

[Minuteman Press]

A standard interview probably - standard interviewee - never seen one!

CV - clear, free of errors, creative. Looking for attention to detail with creative flair.

[Paul Murray]

Thanks a lot, much appreciated. Fingers crossed the jobs not gone already. It's actually a branch of Minuteman I'm applying for!

[spottypenguin]

Also make sure you have a pretty good understanding of bleeds, quiet zone, ink limits and that kinda output stuff. I know from my own post-student days that it was something we just weren't really taught and I was caught out in a couple of interviews with my lack of knowledge in that department.

Good luck :icon_thumbup:

[bigdave]

It helps if during the interview you can make it seem like this is your dream job and you've never wanted to do anything else! Know about the business, their client base and what sort of print they produce.

[Corrosive]

It's actually a branch of Minuteman I'm applying for!

Sadly not the Bristol branch though I guess? Shame, Peter does great coffee and even better advice in one sitting

[squeezee]

CV - clear and easy to read, don't get too creative there! Beautiful design tends to obscure the message.
I would be looking for the ability to learn new tasks/programmes.

[Paul Murray]

Thanks everyone. I've sent off my CV and cover letter (email). Hopefully the position hasn't been filled and I'll get an interview.

Since experience isn't required (it's predominately a finishing/designing/customer service position) I made sure to highlight all my relevant experience and skills. I was surprised how many transferable skills I've actually got!