The next two weeks will be dedicated purely to refining, completing and submitting all your submittables for the semester. You will be receiving feedback on your final project this week. Please review this feedback and work on addressing any issues that might have been noted. This feedback is meant to help you create the best best final product possible.
Objectives
Complete and submit Blog
Revise, complete and submit final project portfolio Website
Career Coach is designed to help you find a good career by providing the most current local data on wages, employment, job postings, and associated education and training.
Final Project Submission Area
Upload your work to the wcet3 server Upload your work to an external server (i.e. www.yourname.com). Submit both links to the discussion board Attach your design document to your discussion post Provide feedback to at least two other students.
Due: 11:59pm, May 7th
Blog Submission Area
Submit the blog you have been working on over the course of the semester to the assigned discussion area. You will be holistically graded on relevance, quality and quantity of your posts. Review and reply to the submissions of at least two others.
This week, we will cover website Linkedin for promoting yourself. We will also be discussion options for hosting for your portfolio. While the wcet site is wonderful for our usage in this course, it will unfortunately not be available to you once your graduate. In this vein, finding good, reliable hosting that suits your needs is important. Furthermore, having a domain named after yourself or your business to present your work is infinitely more professional looking than having a hosted domain name on another company’s website.
Determine the online location where your portfolio will be hosted
Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Network with others in the class
To be completed
To be completed:
Review this week’s links
Complete the this week’s assignment
Participate in this week’s discussion
Continue working on your blog
Continue working on your final project
L12 | Discussion Board
After this class is over, you will unfortunately no longer have access the school’s server. This means you will need to host your site with an external service. With this in mind, part of your final project will be to have your site uploaded to an external hosting service. Go online and research the options available for Web hosting. Choose a company that fulfills your requirements (be they technical, economical, etc.) and a specific hosting package you are interested in (you are welcome to, but not required to sign up with them at this time).
Paste a link to the site and/or package that works for you in hosting your site and describe the reason you chose it. Describe the criteria you used in both searching for and determining your choice as the best one out there for you. Remember to consider all your technical requirements if your are using advanced Web programming that requires php, a database server, or the like. While free hosting is certainly an available option for this assignment, remember that your final project will be graded on its professionalism. If the hosting site adds advertisement or appends its own name to your domain name, this will be considered in your final grade.
L12 | Assignment
Go to LinkedIn (Opens in new window) URL: https://www.linkedin.com/ and create an account if you don’t already have one.
Follow the guides and suggestions in the linked documentation above to optimize your portfolio to be the best representation of you possible.
Be sure to complete your profile to the best of your abilities, including your relevant work and educational experience.
Post your LinkedIn profile in the discussion area with a brief description of your additions / changes.
Reply to and make LinkedIn connections with at least two others in the class.
There will also be a Virtual Guest Speaker, Mark Caron, an Associate Manager at Red Hat in Raleigh, NC will have time slots available for an interview. There is schedule Q/As for the Best Time Availability via Survey.
Responsive Web Design
When it comes to Web Design, we are at the cusp of a major transition. There once was a time when all one needed to do to begin a new site was to simply look up the most common screen resolution, build a container box of this size and begin filling out canvas with images and content.
When mobile devices came about, things changed a little as designers had to accommodate screens 480 pixels across as well as standard monitors. To overcome this issue, many developers began creating mobile versions of their sites, redirecting users to a mobile site with the m. prefix appended to it. While this worked for a while, soon more mobile devices began to appear, and more and more fragmentation began to occur. Tablets, retina screens, phablets, iPhone-minis and every flavor of Android device imaginable soon made it impossible to design a separate site for every possible screen resolution. Even on a desktop or laptop computer, there is a wide range of common screen resolutions, with 10% of the population using a 1024px screen resolution on the low-end and a virtually equal 11% of the population browsing with a resolution of 1920px. Simply setting a container to 750 or 900px is no longer an acceptable solution. Here enters responsive design.
Responsive design is a shift in thinking from ‘traditional’ design. Traditionally, a content box is created and then area painted like a canvas with every element neatly placed in its desired location. With responsive design, our content box is simply a container that is filled with content. The shape and size of this container will be dependent on the screen it is being displayed on.
But how would one go about creating such a container and still have it look good? The solution is two-fold. First, get into the habit of working in percentages and ’em’s instead of pixels. Unlike pixels, ems and percentages are relative measurements. This means that if the letter ‘m’ looks smaller on a device’s screen, this sizing will be reflected in other elements on the page as well. Next, use CSS3 media queries. Resize your browser window and shrink it until your page ‘breaks.’ Make note of this size and set a media query to this resolution. Use CSS to ‘fix’ your page at this size and keep working your way down to lower resolutions until it ‘breaks’ again, ‘fixing’ it will media queries and CSS until it finally looks good across all resolutions.
The links below provide more insights and instructions on how to accomplish this process. Review the links below and apply what you’ve learned to your design.
CSS layouts are becoming less of a puzzle. After decades of hacking CSS to make multicolumn layouts, the CSS Grid Layout module makes page layout predictable. In this course, take a step back from traditional layout models, and learn how to take full advantage of the new capabilities of CSS Grid to build interfaces that are attractive, accessible, and responsive. Join Morten Rand-Hendriksen as he walks through how to create full-bleed layouts, multicolumn layouts, and advanced card-based layouts. He demonstrates how to create dynamic responsive grids that adjust to their available viewport space.
Your final projects are due on Week 15, however you will be asked to submit a nearly-complete version of your project in Week 13 in order to receive another round of feedback before your final submission.
We have secured industry professionals in Web design and development to review projects for this class. It is possible that one of these industry professionals will be reviewing your site! Plan accordingly and make a good impression!
INSTRUCTIONS:
Based on your midterm prototype and subsequent feedback:
Design and build a full and complete self-promotional responsive web-portfolio showcasing your own work.
Include a brief design document providing background and rational for your site.
You are required to include links to the following within your site:
An introduction of yourself and/or your company/business
A minimum of three portfolio pieces** (you can rework or polish these if necessary).
** With the exception of external websites, all portfolio pieces should incorporate seamlessly into the overall design of your site (no pop-ups to old html files or direct links to .jpg files)
Contact Information (this will be a real, live site, so post only information you are comfortable showcasing to the world)
Your resume (see note about contact info)
A link to your blog
In addition, I will also be looking for the presence of the following technical requirements:
Appropriately titled pages and SEO best practices applied
Appropriate usage of CSS throughout your site
Effective organization of content using a responsive navigation
Accessibility and appropriate use of Alt tags
Effective and well organized back-end file architecture
Appropriate use of optimized gif/jpeg/png, video, and/or audio
**Be sure to verify your site on all major browsers (i.e Edge, Firefox, Chrome).**
In addition to the requirements above, your site will be graded on its overall design including responsiveness; your site should look good and be functional across all screen sizes. Your design will also be graded on how well it accomplishes the goals set in your final design document; you are designing with purpose, with your target audience in mind.
Deliverables:
Upload your work to the wcet3 server
Upload your work to an external server
(i.e. www.yourname.com)
Attach your design document to your discussion post
Submit both links to the discussion board
Provide feedback to at least two other students.
Grading Rubric:
Website Content Deliverables:
Introduction, Contact Info, Resume, Link to Blog, Complete site
Page Titling / SEO, Appropriate CSS & HTML usage / Best Practice
/10
Graphics / Optimization, Alt text / Accessibility
/15
User Experience:
Site Organization / Usability, Responsive / Mobile friendly, Overall Design
/25
Other Project Requirements:
Uploaded / link to wcet3
/2
Uploaded / link to your url .com
/5
Design Document
/3
Total:
/100
GRADE: This counts for 25% of your final grade.
PROJECT NOTES:
1. Whereas I will accept projects that have been started prior to this course, I am expecting to see elements taught in this course in the project. Hence, I will be expecting to see redesigns of web sites that already exist and your project MUST include a link to the original site so that I may see the steps taken to redesign the site. Please keep in mind, handing in work that has already been submitted/created for another course or for other purposes without significant alteration is considered plagiarism and will warrant an F on the final project in its entirety.
2. The content of the site cannot be deemed ‘inappropriate’ by any stretch of the imagination. I will not accept sites that contain content or links to pornography, adult content, violence, drugs, etc. It is better to err on the side of caution. If you are unsure, ask me – do not wait until AFTER you have designed the site to ask.
Design Document Deliverables
Link to the “Design Document”
One of the deliverables for your final project submission is the inclusion of a Design Document. Below are the expectations for this document:
1. Background to the Project
Please include a brief background of your skills and the specific skills (i.e. design, programming, etc) you’re seeking to showcase for your audience.
If you are doing a redesign, you must include a link to the original site here, as well as information related to the redesign (when was it originally created, by whom, why the redesign, etc.).
2. Goals
I am looking for answers to your basic set of questions here, such as:
What is the goal or purpose of your site? (i.e. Advertising yourself online, show potential employers, showcase specific programming skills, showcase design skills, etc.)
Who are the intended audiences?
Who are your potential employers? A large company? Small businesses?
Who within the company might be visiting your site?
Will you need to demonstrate your skills to a techie person or non-techie? How might you address this?
Why specifically will people come to your site?
3. Audience Definition
Includes but may not be limited to such information as:
WHO are the users (tip: refer back to your intended audiences list),
What are their goals and objectives,
What technology they will use to access the site.
4. Flowchart
Include an architectural flowchart for your site, breaking down the site’s organizational scheme.
5. Features List
Describe some of the site’s features/element that draw attention/showcase your abilities.
Make sure to send a thank you letter to all the people you interviewed with. Additionally, send your letters within twenty-four hours of your interview. After completing an interview, make sure the follow up with a thank-you letter. The letter is not optional. It is expected and a major part of the interviewing process. If the job selection comes down to two candidates, the job will most likely go to the person who followed up with a letter. In addition to making a great impression, the thank you letter serves several purposes:
It reminds the employer that you are a great candidate and reiterates your capabilities.
It demonstrates your strong communication skills and writing ability.
It provides follow up with any information you told the interviewer you would get back to them on.
It redresses any questions that you did not answer fully and clearly or would like to elaborate on.
The format of the cover letter should follow a standard business letter style and include the following information:
Top of your letter:
Contact information
Date
Company’s address
Greeting
Opening Paragraph:
Thank the interviewer for their time
Remind the interviewer of the date and the position you interviewed for
Reiterate your interest in the position
Second Paragraph:
This paragraph should contain information specific to your interview and how you fit the job. Consider one of the following for the paragraph:
Discuss a point that you forgot to mention of did not cover well in the interview and relate it to the job requirements.
Bring up something (job related) discussed during the interview and share your enthusiasm for the topic.
Discuss the strong rapport you felt with the interviewer or team (be confident that the feeling is mutual before discussing this).
Discuss your ability to fill the company’s immediate needs.
Last Paragraph:
Sum up your letter by showing appreciation for the employers time, reiterating your interest in the position, and indicating that you look forward to hearing from them.
Signature:
Make sure to sign the letter with either a ‘Thank you’ or ‘Sincerely.’ If mailing the letter, type your name and sign above your type-written name. If emailing, it is not necessary to physically sign it, however be sure to include your name and maintain a professional business format.
You’ve been called into a job interview. An interviewer has expressed interest your resume and cover letter and would now like to interview you. What do you do to ace the interview? The first thing is to research the company and figure out how you fit into the company’s needs. Some information you should know includes:
What is the company’s specialty?
Who are their clients (past and present)?
What is their target market?
What is there to know about the department you will be working in?
Who are the company’s competitors and what are their strengths and weaknesses?
Your Appearance
Whether we like it or not, we are often judged by our appearance, and we do not get a second chance to make a first impression It is important to dress appropriately for a job interview. Knowing how to dress in a creative field can be tricky. As creative people, many employers expect some eccentricity, however you should still try to fit into the corporate culture. When in doubt, it’s better in overdress than under-dress You will never lose a job for overdressing. A suit and tie in a casual environment will demonstrate that you’re serious about the job. Being under dressed however, will suggest that you’re not serious about the job.
Things to Bring to an Interview
Resume: Bring several extra copies of your resume as there may be several people interviewing you.
Job Application Information: You may be asked to fill in a job interviewer so bring any relevant information including graduation dates, work start and end dates, etc.
List of references: Bring at least three references. Make sure the people listed know you will be listing them. Make sure they are professional references and not friends and family.
Pen and Paper: You may need to take notes.
Portfolio / Demo DVD: Bring a bring version of your portfolio, mounted properly and cleanly. If your work is dynamic (i.e websites, programming, games, etc.), bring a copy of your digital portfolio.
List of questions: Prepare a list of questions to cover during the interview if you have any.
The Interview
Your first impression will set the tone for your interview, therefore, you must present yourself as a professional.
Arrive the to fifteen minutes early.
Be courteous.
Be patient (make sure your cell phone is off).
Presentation (be prepared and look organized. Keep an organizer with your resume, references, etc.)
Etiquette (be prepared for a handshake, but let the interviewer extend their hand first.)
Respect (Address the interviewer by their last name (Mr. or Ms.). Wait to be asked to sit.
During the interview:
Let the interviewer set the tone.
Keep your answers direct and to the point.
Provide examples o your experience (relate interview scenarios to previous experience).
Ask questions when given the opportunity.
End the interview with the same respect as you started with.
Send a thank you letter.
Follow up. Send a courteous and but brief followup if you have not heard back withing 10 business days.
Appearance. Keep the appearance of your cover letter clean and concise. Make sure you use the same type of high quality paper for your cover letter and resume. Keep the formatting consistent and break important sections into separate paragraphs. Use a simple font that is ready to read with a type size of at least then points, but not larger than twelve points.
The addressee. It is always a good idea to target your resume to the person who will be reading it. Writing “to Whom It May Concern,” is not as effective as writing to the head of the department directly. Call the company and ask who to address the letter to. Also make sure to get correct spelling and the title of the individual. The only exception to this rule is if the job specifically directs you to specify a department or specifies ‘”no phone calls.”
The opening. Make sure to state the title or position you are applying for and how you heard of the job in the opening of the cover letter.
Keep it simple and direct. Keep your wording concise and to the point. State your qualities and how they will benefit the employer Directly address their job requirement listed in the job description. You may bullet your top three to five qualities as and itemized list. This helps draw attention to the top qualities that you want the employer to focus on. Keep your letter to less than a page and make sure to sign it at the bottom.
Focus on the company. Make sure to focus your cover letter on the company’s needs. When speaking of your qualities and asses, express them as a means of satisfying their requirements for the position. The employer is interested in what you can do for them. Researching their company will give you insight to the type of clients they work with. This will help focus the cover letter.
Grammar and spelling. Employers are looking for effective communicators. Your cover letter is the first communication they are going to read from you. If your cover letter is filled with spelling and grammatical errors, they will probably not call. Use spelling and grammar check on your word processor.
Honesty. Do not lie or exaggerate in your letter. If you misrepresent yourself, the employer will figure it out during the interview. Overstating your qualifications may prohibit you from ever being considered for another position with that company.
Different Types of Cover Letters
Advertisement Response Letter. This letter is in response to a job advertisement. An advertisement response letter gives you the opportunity to directly respond to a specific set of criteria that the employer is looking for. The employer will list the qualifications including skill level, education, and work experience that they are seeking. Use your cover letter to address each point in their advertisement Point out how your training and background address their point-by-point needs. In your opening paragraph, be sure to state what position you are applying for and where you learned of the available position.
Reference letter. One of the most effective ways of obtaining a job is through networking. Referrals from existing employees or companies that have a relationship with the employer will give you an advantage over other applicants. A recommendation from a respected employee gives credibility to your application . Make sure to mention the person referring you.
Cold letter. A cold letter is a general letter of inquiry and is not in response to a specific vacancy. Often people who have an interest in working for a specific company will send a general letter expressing interest in working for that company. This type of letter is can be effective if written well an accompanied by a strong resume.
Give Your Work Context – Include a small description of your role on the project and how the work you did ultimately helped your client grow their business. Ask yourself these questions when writing a description of your work:
Your logo is your brand; your tagline is who you are. Make the logo representative of your design style and personality, and make the tagline short and descriptive of the value you can give to a potential client.
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