How not to get web design to work
Every now and then, I get a web design lead from my website. I wanted to find a company that I could pass them on to. So I put an ad on an independent site. He specified the necessary programming qualifications, stated that the successful candidate should have good English and it was for business only.
The responses I got were enlightening. So much so that I made a list of things applicants did wrong. Here it is.
I should point out that I was initially prepared to give everyone a fair chance. After the first twenty emails, my attitude changed. I was looking for reasons to eliminate candidates. I just needed a successful one; with 100 responses it was getting a headache so I decided a brutal approach was needed.
1. The specification could not be read.
Many applicants were unable to write correctly in English. Many were just individuals. Result: instant deletion.
2. Failed to address specification criteria.
Applicants bragged about how cool they were. Many copy and paste standard marketing nonsense about "solutions" and "partnerships" in their emails.
To attract anyone's interest in a proposal, you need to talk less about yourself and more about the benefits to * them * of using it. One of the first things I learned about applying for a job is that you must show how you meet the criteria in the job description; see if you can find the employer's wavelength.
3. Lots of jargon.
He quickly disconnects from this. Anyone dealing with web companies is likely to get a lot from this. Applicants should talk to the client about * the client's site * and * her * needs, and avoid techno-babbling.
Write a letter of request. Short, forceful sentences, no nonsense. Talking convincingly about how you can earn the customer money would attract attention.
4th. Customer listing pages 'Coming Soon'.
He says he has worked for many clients, then puts a "coming soon" sign on the web page where his client list is supposed to be.
4b. Pages 'under construction' on your company website.
This looks bad; something you would see on a hobbyist site. Another reason to throw away your application.
4c. Only put images from the sites you have made, rather than links to the actual sites.
I would have liked to see some example sites that work. Images may be faked and do not show background programming.
4e. The URL of your main website is not mentioned.
Let's guess where your own site is (if you have one). It's more fun! Tried guessing from email address. After a while I didn't bother.
4f. No hyperlinks at all.
5. Use Yahoo.com or Hotmail.com for your email address.
A professional designer shouldn't use a free email address service. Basic web hosting costs $ 5 a month these days.
I can conceive that a web designer could use a free account for some special purpose, but his own domain name is a basic advertisement that appears in every email he sends.
6. Bad spelling and grammar.
Western civilization is doomed if the use of SMS jargon becomes the standard way of writing to people. Don't impress old folks like me, fr strtrs :( Especially if you're looking for a job where good spelling and grammar are important.
7. Front loading Flash designs.
I admit it, I don't like Flash. I suppose you could impress an ignorant customer, who does not know the financial consequences of having a site with a lot of Flash.
8. Do not call the employer.
Unless they say 'scrutiny will disqualify', 'calling the employer is a good idea. Why? Because geeks are famous for being introverts and stutterers, supposedly. So if a website designer can communicate clearly over the phone, that, coupled with a good app, puts you way ahead of the email-only applicant.
There is no need to chatter. A courteous consultation to establish contact will suffice.
9. Stay mysterious.
Emails are impersonal. It will make you more memorable. However, you don't need to jump out of a giant cake!
However, you must alsomeet all other criteria. No matter how good a guy you are, if you're a Unix man and they want Windows, forget it.
10. Leaving unclear phone messages.
One guy left a phone message in which he mentioned his site twice, but not his phone number.
11. Too far.
Most of the responses were from India, Ukraine, Romania, etc. Whoever was closer to home (the UK) stood out. I mention it simply as a criterion of winnowing.
Also, I needed someone who could get UK resident contracts; good written and oral English was important.
12. Enter your hourly rates.
Forget this. You are not a lawyer. Web design jobs can be clearly defined, in terms of time, labor, and software required. At the effective price can be agreed in advance. It's called a contract. Otherwise, you leave the customer open to escalating bills and yourself to the mission.
13. Delay the request.
The first applications were more scrutinized. After that, fatigue washed over her. After a hundred, only an applicant who looks like a real prospect will receive more than five seconds of scrutiny.