How to land a job at Block Zero
All the secrets
We try to be transparent in how we review our applicants and what it is we look for, so that you have the best chance possible to show us what you're really good at. So we put together a little helper so that you know all the tricks of making a good impression on us.
And before we get started, we're an international company so make sure your application is in English.
CV
Have a good looking, simple CV or resume in an easy to read format (pdf or a clear section for your portfolio site) that lists your work experience and education in chronological order. The first thing we look for is what relevant experience and education you have, so make sure that's easy to grasp on the first page.
- If you have gaps in your timeline we will probably wonder about it. You decide what you want to share, but consider what you can write there to make it clearer.
- We all want to fill out our CV's with as much content as possible, but sometimes it takes the focus away from what's important. If you have work experience that you think is irrelevant for this job, just leave it out with a comment, for example "Worked at several cafés while studying".
Cover Letter
We're not only looking for the right competence and experience, but also for a good team member. We really want to get to know you, your interests and what made you apply to Block Zero.
Submit a short and easy to read cover letter in a pdf, or as plain text in the application form. Talk about your motivations, interests and the skills that aren't shown in your CV.
Portfolio
When applying for a designer position, your portfolio is crucial. Think of it as a presentation rather than just a collection of case studies. Submit it as one clickable link or a PDF. Here's what we're looking for:
- Showing and Telling
If you find yourself writing more than a couple of sentences to explain a part of your process, consider including a visual. Let images drive home your points and keep the text concise. - Your Presentation Skills
Can you present your work clearly and effectively? This includes the overall structure, graphical design, and content quantity. Innovative presentation methods are welcome, but ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate. - Your Role
Be very clear about your roles and responsibilities when presenting a project. Specify your contributions, especially in team projects, to avoid any confusion. - The Early and Ugly Side of Your Process
Don’t hesitate to include early sketches, wireframes, and workshop planning. These elements, though not always pretty, are essential for understanding your process. - Your Process
We want to see your thought process, not just the results. Keep descriptions short, concise, and to the point. Avoid lengthy case studies; visuals and brief explanations are more effective. - Your End Result
We appreciate a high standard of design quality in your final deliverables. Focus on showcasing your best work, whether it’s a polished mockup, prototype or another aspect of the design process.
We understand that different design roles and levels of experience will present varied strengths. For example, UI designers may emphasize visual details, while UX designers might highlight their conceptual thinking. We consider these differences and will assess junior and senior applicants accordingly.
Finally...
When you've put together your application, do a quality check.
Run a spell checker, and let a friend read it through. We don't care about mistakes, we all make those. And not everyone has English as their first language, for example me. But we do care about a good sense of quality, and often that just means getting a pair of second set of eyes on things.