I’ve asked on Twitter and even included the hashtag #webdesign so it gets noticed and I’ve Googled all over and I still don’t understand - Within the Web design / development industry, what exactly is “Commercial Experience”?
My thoughts were that it’s experience in working as a Web designer / developer for money. Basically, as a job. You know, experience. What other experience would there be, besides unpaid experience or maybe voluntary experience?
I’m a freelancer so I don’t work for a particular agency or company, but when I’ve sometimes applied for freelance contracts, got so far as the interview, and then been told I don’t have enough “commercial experience” it really makes me want to scream at them - What the f**k is commercial experience?!
Yep, that’s a classic
A friend of mine when looking for his first job once told the interviewer “but how on earth will I ever get experience when you all want people with experience even for low-level entry jobs?”
And he got the job
Thanks for the replies guys. I’ve read what you’ve each said, and I’m basically processing it as working on eCommerce Websites. I have done freelance work for actual companies (where I’ve had to deal with committee members, managing directors, operation managers, etc.) before as well as individuals who have their own ventures too.
So if I want commercial experience I basically have to work on eCommerce Websites whilst working under employment of a Web agency / company…Nice…Very nice indeed.
Commercial experience is real world experience and usually paid via a commercial entity but to be honest that could mean your next door neighbour. Though typically it means employment in a web design company (employment history) working for the man. Albeit since you are a sole trader in fact you could have (most likely will) have a wider skillset that the front-end design lackey that works for the local web firm.
If anything, all they can go against is your portfolio or client base perhaps in essence they were after references from such companies. It’s because you are your ‘own entity’ you don’t always tick the boxes (safe bet) and it’s your word they have to go by not a former employer. Obviously this is taking into consideration you aren’t lacking in a specific skillset and high enough proficiency in a web technology they are specifically wanting, such as; CSS or JS, Flash or whatever?
Next time if you have any gumption; ask them to elaborate as to what they mean by ‘commercial experience’ and a bet you’ll get different answers.
Yes, yhey may mean non-volunteer work, or any work that you were paid for. But likely they mean, as was said, website experience that resulted in someone making or exchanging cash.
In other words, they’re looking for more than a blogger.
