As an experienced graphic designer, I know how difficult it can be to find the right jobs to apply to. When I did come across an excellent opportunity, I used to feel overwhelmed. I was unsure of how to stand out from the crowd. But over time, I developed an effective system for finding and applying to design jobs.
I’ll share some of the best online creative job boards in this article. Keep an eye on them, and you’ll stay up to date on the hottest job openings for creative careers. Plus, I’ve got some handy, practical tips on preparing for job interviews and making a good impression. Follow these tips to optimize your search for the job of your dreams!
Before You Start Applying
It’s essential to know what kind of jobs you want to apply for before you start looking. The main types of work are remote (full-time or part-time), on the spot, and freelance. You are most likely to be a contracted employee when you work remotely for a company. On the spot, work refers to the gig economy. This is where you pick up jobs (often smaller, short-term jobs) and are paid for your work.
However, if you’re a freelancer, you’re the business owner. So, you work with companies and individuals rather than for them. As a freelancer, networking is vital to finding clients. Also, you’ll still need a contract to protect your and the other party’s interests.
You may take on short-term projects or develop long-term agreements with your clients. For example, you could provide ongoing design work monthly or work on projects as and when. You may work at a specific location or, more commonly, work online remotely.
Photo / Štefan Štefančík
10 Best Online Creative Job Boards
Behance
Jobs in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Remote Jobs (open worldwide)
Behance is a dynamic website for displaying your creative projects and reaching more people. You can create a profile to showcase your best work and gain traction and exposure.
But it’s also a thriving job board for creatives of all industries. Behance is user-friendly and easily navigable, with categories ranging from fashion to branding, photography, and UI. You’ll find everything from graphic design to film, illustration, and art direction opportunities.
The folks at Behance describe it as “the world’s largest creative network,” so it’s not one you want to miss.
Coroflot
Jobs in the USA and Remote Jobs
Coroflot launched in 1997 as an online job board and gallery, especially for designers. You can create a portfolio here to display your creative projects.
As it’s such a niche site, it helps you connect with the right people in your industry. Huge companies like Microsoft and Sony use Coroflot, so there are incredible opportunities to be had. And as such, it attracts a high caliber of creative freelancers and job seekers.
It’s also straightforward to use, allowing you to filter by keywords, location, company, and more. That makes it easier to narrow down the search and find suitable jobs and projects.
Dribbble
Jobs available worldwide (USA, UK, Asia, Europe)
Dribbble is a favorite site for millions of creatives worldwide. You can use it to find inspiration and connect with people in your industry.
You’ll also find opportunities from big brands that are available all over the world. Companies list jobs and freelance projects on Dribbble, so there’s plenty of flexibility. Check here when you’re looking to line up future projects.
The Dots
Jobs in the UK, USA, and Europe
The Dots is a professional networking site for all sorts of creatives. Not only can you get advice and connections, but there are tons of job listings too.
This site makes it easy to see who is hiring – including influential companies like Spotify, BBC, and Sky. You can also browse the job listings and search for full or part-time jobs, freelance projects, and internships.
CreativePool
Jobs in the UK, USA
Fancy working for Paypal, Netflix, or Apple? Big names are looking for the right people for their company on the Creativepool job board.
You’ll need to sign up for a (free) account to see job postings for all sorts of creative work on CreativePool. There are opportunities for everyone from graphic designers to copywriters and motion designers. So don’t get left behind – create yourself a profile on Creativepool now!
FlexJobs
FlexJobs is one of the best places to look if you want to work remotely. Whether you’re a digital nomad or just prefer to work at home, you’ll find thousands of opportunities on this job board.
It’s not specifically for creative jobs, but it has a whole section dedicated to Arts & Creative Careers. With lots of filtering options, you can find the perfect role for you on FlexJobs.
AIGA
Jobs in the USA and Remote Jobs
The OG of online job boards for creatives, AIGA, is well worth checking out. It’s a membership program with more than 25,000 members across the USA.
Not only can you connect, network, and find jobs on AIGA, but you can also learn from and collaborate with others in the industry. You’ll find companies hiring graphic designers but also project managers, branding specialists, and more.
If You Could
Jobs in the UK and Remote Jobs
Unlike many online job boards, you don’t need to sign up (or pay) to access If You Could. This site is designed specifically for those in creative industries. So, you’ll find jobs ranging from Art Director to Graphic Designer and Studio Manager, among many others.
Authentic Jobs
Jobs in the USA, Canada, South America, Europe, and Remote Jobs (open worldwide)
Created in 2005, this website has continued to grow and is now one of the most popular job boards for creatives.
Influential organizations like Twitter and Apple turn to Authentic Jobs to hire top talent. This job board is constantly updated with new and exciting opportunities. That makes it one of the best places to look – especially for those with marketing or design experience.
Krop
Jobs in the USA and Canada
Krop is one of the lesser-known creative job boards, but it’s one you won’t want to miss! This
site started as a newsletter and developed into a creative job board. It’s also an excellent option for building an online portfolio of your work.
Krop is ideal for making connections and lining up your next job. You can filter by location or keyword and set up an email alert so you don’t miss the best opportunities!
Art Jobs Online
Jobs in the UK and Remote Jobs
Art Jobs Online is an excellent prospect for our UK-based readers. It lists jobs from some of the most prestigious art organizations, covering all sorts of art and creative careers.
Helpful Tips for Applying to Online Creative Jobs
Photo / Glenn-Carstens-Peters
Start or Update your Portfolio/Blog/Website
In the creative careers world, a resume just won’t cut it. You need to stand out and demonstrate your skills; the best way to do that is with an outstanding portfolio. So collate your best work (or put together some example pieces if you’re just starting.) Having an eye-catching visual portfolio or website is vital. It could be the difference between a rejection email and an interview.
Research the Company You’re Applying to
There’s nothing worse than applying without knowing who the company is or what they do. You can’t tailor your answers or show off your skills if you don’t know who you’re talking to. The best candidates stand out because they show an interest in the company and a shared vision.
You’ll show resourcefulness and motivation. And you’ll know what you have to offer to help the company achieve its goals. Do thorough research first before sending out a single application!
Photo / Brooke Cagle
Prepare for the Job Interview
We all get nervous when it comes to interviews, no matter whether it’s your first or your fiftieth! So here are some practical tips to keep in mind when preparing for your next interview:
- Give yourself plenty of time to get ready and travel to your interview.
- If you have an online interview, test out all the tech beforehand.
- Know your portfolio inside out so you don’t have to search for an example.
- Spend time practicing your answers with a friend (but don’t learn them by heart. You’ll sound like a robot!)
- Be yourself and answer honestly.
- When discussing your experience, talk in a way that relates directly to the job.
Photo / Alejandro Escamilla
Relax
It goes without saying that you perform at your best when you relax. You’ll appear confident, calm, and collected in your interview. Your interviewers will quickly see what you have to offer to their company! So go in with a smile, take a deep breath, and do your best.
Photo / Co Women
Conclusion
So there you have the ultimate guide to the best creative job boards. I’ve experienced it myself, and you can, too, find amazing opportunities. You can work with a big, medium, or small companies, regardless of location. Creative job boards are the best place to find top jobs for designers and artists.
So tidy up your portfolio, brush up on those interview skills, and apply! Drop me a comment to let me know your thoughts on this article. And if you found it helpful, feel free to share it on social media!
