WEB DESIGN JOBS

• Specialise in one skill or technology - there are very few web design vacancies for all-rounders. If you're better at programming than at graphic design, forget Flash and learn PHP or ASP.
• Excel in that skill or technology - you'll stand a much greater chance of finding employment if you have one strong skill than 20 weak skills.
• Understand the different web technologies and how they are used. You don't need to be an expert in all areas of web design and development, but you do need an understanding when or how a database or shopping cart can be used.
• Demonstrate your skills and knowledge with several examples. You don't need to create fully-functioning web sites: graphic web designs can be presented as .jpg "screenshots"; programmers can create a functioning web site without graphics. Remember you are demonstrating your main skills.
• Qualifications are helpful, but you must choose the right qualifications:
  • A Degree (BSc / BA) in a relevant subject (esp. I.T. / Computing) is almost essential and demonstrates an ability to learn the technologies required and an ability to transfer skills and knowledge to new technologies.
  • NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications) demonstrate that you have worked in the industry in a relevant field, albeit for a short period of time. This can be useful, especially if the NVQ is at a higher level and if example work is provided, but no substitute for a degree.
  • Certified Webmaster Courses are (generally) of very little use. They tend to cover a broad range of technologies in a short period of time, but focus on specific software and specific methods which may be rarely used in real world web design and development. Skills and knowledge gained are too specific to be easily transferable.
  • Home Study Courses are great for the person wishing to build their first home page, but of little use to an employer. They simply don't cover enough technologies in enough detail.
  Remember that qualifications alone will not get you a job: you must still demonstrate your skills and knowledge.