Graphic Designer, bilingual Korean
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Graphic Designer, Bilingual Korean
Company: Cesna Recruitment
Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Marketing & Design Operations
Date Posted: September 10, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
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Develop and execute bilingual (Korean/English) marketing and promotional collateral for retail environments, encompassing both digital and print channels.
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Design and manage private brand (PB) packaging, ensuring alignment with brand identity and market trends.
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Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to conceptualize and produce creative assets for product launches, sales campaigns, and in-store displays.
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Conduct product photography and videography, including post-production editing and retouching, to support marketing initiatives.
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Create compelling Korean-language marketing copy and visual content that resonates with target consumers and drives sales.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of creative design and go-to-market operations, focusing on translating product features into effective visual and written communication for the Korean-speaking market within a retail context. The emphasis on bilingual content creation and retail-specific materials suggests a need for strong cultural understanding and practical application of design principles in a sales-driven environment.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Design and produce a wide range of marketing and promotional materials, including posters, banners, flyers, product instruction manuals, and Point-of-Purchase (POP) displays, ensuring bilingual (Korean/English) accuracy and cultural relevance.
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Conceptualize and develop creative assets for online platforms (retail websites, Instagram posts/Reels, digital ads) and offline channels (Korean-language newspapers, in-store displays, promotional areas).
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Craft persuasive Korean-language marketing copy that highlights product features, benefits, and selling points, aligning with overall sales and promotional strategies.
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Coordinate printing and production processes with external vendors, managing timelines and ensuring quality control for all marketing collateral.
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Conduct product photography and video shoots, performing photo/video retouching, editing, and post-production to create engaging visual content.
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Analyze Korean market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor activities to inform design concepts and marketing copy for maximum impact.
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Lead the design and execution of private brand (PB) packaging renewal projects, from concept development to final artwork preparation for production.
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Collaborate closely with the Sales Department to understand campaign objectives, product categories, and target audiences for effective design solutions.
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Maintain brand consistency across all marketing materials, ensuring adherence to established visual identity guidelines.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and operational project management. The emphasis on "planned sales and weekly flyer promotions" and "in-store displays" indicates a need for rapid turnaround and a focus on driving immediate sales through visual merchandising and promotional design. The inclusion of "product photography and video shoots" suggests a hands-on approach beyond traditional graphic design software.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in graphic design, with a strong focus on marketing, advertising, retail, or promotional materials.
Required Skills:
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Advanced proficiency in graphic design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
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Fluency in both Korean and English, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills in both languages, particularly for marketing copy development.
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Strong understanding of visual branding principles, typography, layout design, and color theory.
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Proven ability to translate product features and benefits into compelling visual and written marketing messages.
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Experience in print production processes and vendor coordination.
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Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Preferred Skills:
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Experience with photography, videography, photo retouching, and video editing.
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Familiarity with digital marketing platforms and social media content creation (e.g., Instagram posts, Reels).
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Experience designing for retail environments, including POP displays and in-store signage.
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Knowledge of consumer products, housewares, beauty products, or consumer electronics markets.
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Understanding of current Korean market trends and consumer preferences.
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Experience with Asana, Trello, or similar project management tools.
📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for bilingual proficiency in Korean and English, especially for copywriting, is a critical differentiator. The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a need for someone who can work independently on projects but may still require some guidance on complex strategic elements, fitting a mid-level operations support role.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects demonstrating graphic design proficiency across marketing, advertising, and retail collateral.
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Include examples of bilingual (Korean/English) content creation, highlighting the ability to adapt messaging for different cultural nuances.
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Showcase projects involving product packaging design, illustrating the process from concept to final artwork.
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Present case studies or detailed project descriptions that outline the design challenge, your role, the process undertaken, and the measurable impact or objectives met.
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Demonstrate experience with both digital assets (web banners, social media graphics) and print materials (flyers, posters, POP displays). Process Documentation:
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Ability to document design processes, including concept development, client feedback incorporation, and final production hand-off.
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Examples of how you've managed feedback loops with stakeholders to refine designs and ensure project objectives are met.
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Showcase understanding of print production workflows, including pre-press requirements and vendor communication protocols.
📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory portfolio requirement is a crucial aspect of this role. Applicants should curate their portfolios to specifically highlight projects that align with the job description's focus on retail marketing, bilingual content, and packaging design. Demonstrating a structured approach to design projects, from brief to execution, will be key.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: An estimated annual salary range of $55,000 - $75,000 USD for a Graphic Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the East Rutherford, New Jersey area.
Benefits:
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Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
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401(k) Retirement Plan: With potential company matching contributions.
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Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous accrual for vacation and personal use.
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Sick Days: Dedicated days for personal illness or recovery.
Working Hours: Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods or for specific project deadlines.
📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for mid-level graphic designers in the New Jersey metropolitan area, considering the bilingual requirement and the retail/marketing focus. Benefits are standard for full-time roles and align with typical offerings for such positions.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Retail & Consumer Goods Distribution/Recruitment Services (Cesna Recruitment likely serves clients in these sectors).
Company Size: Information not directly provided, but Cesna Recruitment's presence on Workable suggests a structured organization, likely medium-sized or a recruitment firm with multiple clients.
Founded: Founded in 2015 (based on Workable profile).
Team Structure:
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The Graphic Designer will likely be part of a Sales or Marketing support team, working closely with sales managers and potentially brand managers.
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Reporting structure would likely be to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or Sales Director, depending on the internal organization of Cesna Recruitment or their client.
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Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close interaction with sales teams, product managers, and potentially external printing and production vendors. Methodology:
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Data-driven design: Using market research and sales performance data to inform creative decisions.
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Agile design sprints: Potentially working in iterative cycles to meet rapid retail promotion timelines.
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Collaborative feedback: Incorporating input from sales and marketing stakeholders to ensure designs meet business objectives.
Company Website: https://www.cesna.com/ (Assumed based on domain_derived)
📝 Enhancement Note: Cesna Recruitment acts as an intermediary, suggesting the Graphic Designer role might be for a specific client of Cesna, or it could be an internal role to support Cesna's own client acquisition efforts. The role's focus on product categories (kitchenware, beauty, etc.) strongly implies it's for a client in the retail or distribution sector. The company's founding date indicates it's an established entity with existing operational processes.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Graphic Designer, requiring independent execution of design tasks and some project coordination. It bridges creative skills with go-to-market operational needs.
Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Marketing Manager, Creative Director, or Sales Manager who oversees marketing collateral and campaign execution. This structure provides direct exposure to sales objectives and market-facing strategies.
Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer directly influences sales performance by creating visually appealing and culturally relevant marketing materials that drive customer engagement, promote products effectively, and enhance brand perception in the Korean market. Their work is critical for the success of sales campaigns, product launches, and retail store presence.
Growth Opportunities:
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Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in retail marketing design, packaging innovation, or digital content creation for specific product categories.
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Leadership: Potentially move into a Senior Graphic Designer role, leading design projects, mentoring junior designers, or managing external creative resources.
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Cross-functional: Transition into roles focused on marketing coordination, brand management, or even merchandising, leveraging design expertise within a broader GTM strategy.
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Skill Development: Opportunities to expand into areas like UI/UX design for e-commerce platforms or advanced video production and animation.
📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path here is strongly tied to developing specialized skills within the retail and consumer goods sectors, particularly for the Korean market. The role provides a solid foundation for a career in marketing operations or brand management within companies that target diverse demographics.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment.
Office Location(s): East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States. This location offers access to the New York metropolitan area's business and cultural resources.
Workspace Context:
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The workspace is expected to be collaborative, requiring close interaction with sales and marketing teams to gather requirements and present design concepts.
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Access to standard design software and hardware, likely including the Adobe Creative Suite, will be provided.
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Opportunities for hands-on work, such as product photography and video shoots, may require utilizing dedicated studio space or on-location setups.
Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility for occasional overtime to meet critical project deadlines, particularly for retail promotions and new product launches.
📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for direct collaboration and hands-on involvement, which is typical for roles involving physical product representation (photography) and direct interaction with sales teams for immediate campaign needs.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess design skills, bilingual proficiency, and relevant experience. Applications without a portfolio will likely be disqualified.
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Skills Assessment/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth review of the candidate's portfolio, potentially including a discussion about specific projects, design choices, and problem-solving approaches. This may involve a practical design challenge or a case study presentation.
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Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers and potentially team members to evaluate cultural fit, communication skills, and alignment with team dynamics. Questions will likely focus on design process, collaboration, and understanding of retail marketing.
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Final Round: A final interview to discuss compensation, benefits, and confirm suitability for the role and company culture.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest projects that directly align with the job description's requirements: bilingual content, retail marketing, packaging design, and digital/print collateral.
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Showcase Bilingual Skills: Clearly label and explain projects that involve Korean-English content, demonstrating your ability to tailor messaging.
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Highlight Process: For each project, explain your role, the creative brief, your design process (ideation, iteration, feedback), and the final outcome. Quantify results where possible.
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Demonstrate Retail Focus: Include examples of POP displays, flyers, social media ads, or packaging that were designed for retail environments.
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Professional Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate, whether it's a PDF or an online platform.
Challenge Preparation:
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Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve creating a marketing concept or a piece of collateral for a specific product category mentioned in the job description.
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Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly and concisely, especially for the Korean market context.
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Prepare to discuss how you would approach developing bilingual marketing copy and ensuring its cultural appropriateness.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount. Candidates should view the portfolio not just as a collection of work, but as a narrative of their design capabilities and problem-solving skills, specifically tailored to the needs of a retail-focused, bilingual role.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign are essential for graphic design and layout.
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Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint for general document creation, presentations, and internal communications.
Analytics & Reporting:
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Basic understanding of analytics for digital platforms (e.g., Instagram insights) to inform content creation.
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Familiarity with reporting on campaign performance metrics related to design collateral. CRM & Automation:
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While not a primary CRM role, understanding how design assets integrate with marketing automation platforms or CRM-driven campaigns might be beneficial.
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Familiarity with project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for workflow tracking and vendor coordination.
📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. While this isn't a data analyst role, an understanding of how design impacts key marketing metrics will be valuable. Familiarity with project management tools is important for efficient workflow and collaboration.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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Customer Focus: Designing with the end consumer (particularly Korean consumers) in mind, ensuring materials are appealing and informative.
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Collaboration: Working effectively with sales, marketing, and external partners to achieve shared objectives.
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Efficiency: Producing high-quality work within tight deadlines, especially for retail promotions.
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Creativity & Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas to marketing collateral and packaging design.
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Bilingual & Bicultural Fluency: Valuing and leveraging the ability to communicate effectively across Korean and English-speaking audiences.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional Integration: Actively participating in team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and feedback loops with sales and marketing departments.
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Vendor Partnership: Building strong working relationships with printers and production houses to ensure successful execution of design projects.
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Open Communication: Fostering an environment where design ideas can be shared, discussed, and refined constructively.
📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a results-oriented approach, where design directly contributes to sales performance. The bilingual aspect is a core competency that will be highly valued and integrated into daily operations.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Creative Vision with Sales Objectives: Ensuring that artistic integrity is maintained while meeting the specific, often urgent, needs of sales campaigns and promotions.
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Cultural Nuance in Bilingual Content: Accurately translating not just words, but cultural context and marketing tone for the Korean market.
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Rapid Turnaround Times: Meeting the demands of retail promotions and product launches which often have tight deadlines.
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Managing Multiple Product Categories: Adapting design style and messaging across diverse product lines such as kitchenware, beauty, and electronics.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Specialized Design Workshops: Attending courses focused on packaging design, retail merchandising visuals, or digital marketing content creation.
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Industry Conferences: Participating in design or retail industry events to stay abreast of trends and network.
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Mentorship: Learning from senior marketing or sales professionals about strategic campaign planning and consumer behavior.
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Software Proficiency: Expanding skills in newer design software or animation tools.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to hone skills in a fast-paced retail environment, specifically targeting a key demographic. The challenges are inherent to GTM operations where creativity meets commercial objectives under time pressure.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to create marketing collateral for a specific demographic or cultural group. What was your approach, and what were the results?" (Focus on bilingual/Korean market experience)
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"How do you balance creative design principles with the commercial objectives of a sales promotion or product launch?" (Demonstrate understanding of GTM operations)
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"Walk us through your process for creating a piece of retail marketing material, from initial brief to final production." (Highlight your design workflow and project management) Company & Culture Questions:
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"What interests you about Cesna Recruitment and this specific role, particularly our focus on retail and bilingual marketing?" (Show research and genuine interest)
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"How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if it comes from multiple stakeholders with differing opinions?" (Assess collaboration and adaptability)
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"How do you stay updated on current design trends and Korean market consumer preferences?" (Gauge proactive learning and market awareness) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a progression from concept to execution.
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Storytelling: For each project, tell a compelling story. What was the problem? What was your solution? What was the impact? Use visuals effectively.
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Highlight Bilingual Aspect: Explicitly point out projects where Korean-English content was developed and explain your strategy for each language.
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Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, successful promotion, positive feedback) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
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Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on your most relevant projects and articulate your points clearly and succinctly.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only has strong design skills but also understands the practical application of design in a sales and marketing context, with a specific focus on the nuances of the Korean market. Your portfolio should be your primary tool to demonstrate this.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
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Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
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Portfolio Customization: Ensure your submitted portfolio prominently features projects showcasing bilingual (Korean/English) marketing collateral, retail POS materials, and packaging design. Tailor your selection to highlight strengths relevant to the product categories mentioned.
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Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly list your proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and your fluency in Korean and English. Quantify achievements wherever possible, especially those related to marketing campaign success or efficiency improvements in design processes.
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Prepare Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving, and the impact of your work, particularly for the target demographic.
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Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Cesna Recruitment and, if possible, the types of clients they serve within the retail and consumer goods sectors. Understand their mission and how this role contributes to their clients' success.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must possess strong graphic design skills and be proficient in both Korean and English. Experience in photography, video production, and retail marketing is preferred, along with a mandatory portfolio submission.