I didn't want to narrow this discussion down too early. While my experience is in graphic design I wanted to hear how other fields judge applicants as well.
Though in post #6 I did say...
For a technician/engineer plain white bond paper may be quite suitable. But for a graphic designer paper is as much a part of the design as the ink that is put upon it. Any designer applying for a job should think twice before using the 20 lb. bond mom used to run through the typewriter.
In a designers world layout is content. And it all matters. It all tells a story about the applicant you're about to invite into your working life. In another thread we talked about email addresses and in this thread, paper. I've haven't even touched on portfolios, phone interviews and personal interviews.
But what I'm trying to say is that each little piece tells a part of the person's story and needs to be given proper consideration because the top candidates do. It is no accident. The people who get called in for interviews are the ones who've crossed their t's and dotted their i's and have a good portfolio and came across well over the phone.
These aren't unrealistic hurdles I'm sadistically asking people to jump over, they're the hallmark of good designers. And in a world where good jobs seem to be harder and harder to find, if you want to work in graphic design it would be wise to give yourself every advantage.
I suspect that if I applied for a job as a technician/engineer I'd probably violate 100 unwritten rules just as egregious as my paper example. Perhaps you could clue us in to what your eagle eye looks for when sizing up an applicant... besides the well maintained pocket protector.
I think you might be stretching it a bit, but that is just my honest opinion. I began my career in advertising where fonts, composition, layout balance, colors, white space are all very important components for printed collateral. I have evolved into a marketing management role, and let me tell you; however, that once you are on the other side of the fence you begin to see things differently (you begin to see the whole picture). I cannot tell you how many times I have become frustrated with agencies/designers because they produce beautiful looking pieces that do nothing for my brand or campaign.
I know the stigma from the other end is that marketing/sales people want to clutter great design with huge logos and as much copy as possible. And for that reason when I hire an agency or a designer, I look at their big picture planning, executing, and researching capabilities. I appreciate good layouts and great design, but not at the expense of big picture thinking and great ideas. Even common fonts like arial/times when being used in the right context to aid in the execution of a great idea can be successful. I strongly agree with you that someone who pays attention to details is very important, but just as important are individuals who arent too busy with details and forget the big picture and what ultimately is driving the creation of those campaigns.
Just my two cents.
