So, you have done all
your preparation, ready for your interview. You have prepared for your presentation,
carefully thought out answers to a range of possible questions, and got a good
list of questions to ask, now it's time to attend the interview. Now the design
interview can be a big challenge to overcome, and tough to get through. You
will be tested, and you will be judged. In my experience, I have had good
interviews, and I have had bad interviews. I find the more you do, the better
it gets. Now if you're new to the industry, you may not have much interview
experience. So, in this, I'm going to share some of my experiences, and offer
some tips you can keep in mind to help you have a successful interview. Now
every interviewer, or agency, will have their own unique method for conducting'
an interview. In my experience, I have attended lots and none are ever the
same. However, there is one thing that you can be sure of. No matter how
different the role, no matter what the agency, everyone will be judging you on
two main things, one your character, and two your ability. Remember, they will
be looking' for someone who can be part of their team, just as much as the
ability to do the job? So, for this, I'm going to separate my tips into four
sections, character tips, presentation tips, essential dos, and essential
don'ts.
So here are a number of
character tips you can consider, when undertaking' an interview. So, lets'
start from the beginning. So, my first tip is, show up exactly on time, not
early, or not late. If you arrive 10 minutes early wait outside. Chances are,
you will either be interviewed after someone else, or the interviewer will be
taking time out of their workday to see you. So, stick to the time, you don't
want to rush anyone, or be late.
Next tip, memorize the
names of the people that you will be meeting before you arrive. The last thing
you want to do, is forget the names of the people who are about to interview
you. When you arrive, you'll want to greet them by their names, and talk to
them throughout the interview. This will make a good impression.
Next tip, give a good
firm handshake. First impressions are everything. Show you mean business and
you're confident with a good handshake.
Next tip, eye contact
with everyone. So be prepared to be interviewed by more than just one person. Now
this is generally done, so after your interview, the people who interviewed you
can compare notes. In my experience, you will often get one that asks all the
questions, and one that just sits quietly and observes, or maybe asks a few
questions every now and then. Don't just talk at the person who addresses you. When
you're asked a question, deliver your answer to everyone in the room. When you
talk and give your answer make sure to make eye contact with everyone. This
will give off a good impression and demonstrate good presentation and people
skills. You'll seem confident, considerate, and likable.
Next tip, take your time
answering questions. Now if there is ever a time you need your wits about you it's
at an interview. Be prepared to answer lots of questions. You may find some a
real challenge to answer, and this could catch you off guard. Remember to take
your time, even if you have to pause for a second to think, take your time. If
you cannot think of an answer, ask if you can come back to the question later,
while you have a chance
to think.
Next tip, where you lack
experience, make up for in eagerness to learn. Now depending on your level, and
what job you are going for, you will be tested on your experience. If you do
not have a lot of experience to answer some tough questions, don't be afraid to
admit that you don't have that experience. Be ready to confront it with a
positive response. Here you can reply by saying what you might do to overcome
that challenge, and what you would hope to learn. This will display a good
attitude and willingness to learn. So, these are a few character tips. Try and
keep these in mind, as they will help you make a good impression. So, once you
and the interviewer are settled in, it will come the time to showcase your
work.
Here are some tips to
present your portfolio. So, my first tip is, stand up and present. Now this may
seem obvious to some, but you would be surprised how many times I have been told
that people don't do this. Now remember, your interview is a presentation, but
it can also be a performance. When asked to talk about your work, don't just
talk about it, stand up and present it. If your interviewers are sitting down, here
you have a chance to take control. Stand up and present your work. You will
also find that by standing up,
you will be able to
speak more clear, and breathe more clearly, which will hopefully make you feel a
little bit more at ease. This will say a lot about your character, you're
confident, you can take control, and you can present well, impressionable
qualities that they will remember.
So next tip, start on a
high. Be sure to kick off your portfolio presentation with one of your most interesting'
and impressive projects. By starting with one of your most impressive projects,
you will start with confidence. And by the time you're done talking' about your
first project you will be nicely warmed up, settled in, and good to carry on. This
will also make for a good first impression of your work.
Next tip, talk in detail
about your work. Now chances are, the interviewer will have already seen your
work, and you got the interview because they liked what they saw. Here the
interviewer will be expecting you to talk about your work. They will be looking
to get a good idea of your involvement in the work, and will be taking a note
of your presentation skills. As you talk about each project, be sure to touch
on some of the following. Say what you did, your involvement in the project. If
you worked in a team, talk about who was involved. Talk about the challenges
you faced. Talk about your inspirations. If you can, show your design process, and
talk about your research method. Explain your design decisions. Talk about how
long it took to develop. Explain how it satisfied the brief. Did you exceed
expectations? And finally, finish with any success stories.
So, my next tip is, talk
calmly and anticipate questions. As you talk about your work, you will trigger
questions. Remember to take your time, and allow the interviewer to ask you
questions. When asked a question, try and give a clear and direct answer.
Next tip, show print and
digital examples. If you have any print examples to go with your portfolio, be
sure to have them ready to show. As much as in situ shots can look great in
your portfolio, interviewers love seeing the work up close and in their hands. Give
something for the interviewer to hold and look at.
Next tip, end on a high.
When an interviewer tries to recall you after an interview, they will either
remember your first impression, or how you ended. Be sure to end on a high. When
closing your portfolio presentation, be sure to put one of your best projects
at the end. This will wrap up the presentation on the highest note, and
hopefully leave a lasting impression. So those are some presentation tips. Try
and keep these in mind as they will help you deliver a good presentation.
So, the next list of
tips are essential dos. These are the things; you really should do at an interview.
So, the first tip is, ask questions. Make an effort to be engaged in the
interview. Whenever possible try and ask questions. This will show good
communication skills. You will have the opportunity to ask some questions at
the end. Be sure to have at least six good ones that will show the interviewer
you have a genuine interest in the role and the agency.
Next tip, pull out a
notepad, or sketchbook. Appear engaged and organized. Take notes and
references.
Next tip, ask for a
business card. Towards the end of the interview, before you leave, be sure to
ask for their business cards. This will show a genuine interest in the role and
the people you have been talking to.
So, the last tip is,
leave your business card, or something interesting behind. Be sure to have
something prepared to give them before you leave. Now this could be as simple
as a business card, or something a little more creative. Be sure it is well
thought out, memorable, and unique. Perhaps it incorporates your personal
brand. Think tactile, think surprise, think alternative. People love surprise,
and wrapping, and being presented with something hands on. By leaving something
behind, you will stand out, and show you are willing to go the extra mile. If its
good quality, chances are the person receiving' it will not want to throw it
away, and you will remain in their presence, to be seen again later. So, by
being creative, and making something a little more unique, you can make a
lasting impression.
So, the last list of
tips here is essential don'ts. These are some things you really should try and
avoid doing, when at an interview. Don't criticize your last job, or people you
worked with. This is a big one. Even if you had a really bad experience at your
previous job, or you did not enjoy working with someone, do not express it. If
you did have a tough time, then explain the challenges you faced, and the
creative differences you had. There are always two sides to each story, and
they will not know the other. Do not moan, or criticize, because it will be a
show of bad character, appear negative, and can put off your potential
employer. If you did have a bad experience, you can use it as an example to
show how you dealt with a tough situation. If you can display understanding,
determination, and maturity, this will work well to impress your employer.
Next tip, don't talk about
money. Only talk about money if they bring it up first. If you bring up the
subject of money, it will come across like you're more interested in getting
paid, than focusing' on producing great work. It will come across
unprofessional.
Next tip, don't talk
about holiday. So, this is the same reason as why you should not talk about
money, unless of course, they bring it up first. An interviewer will want
someone who is passionate about their craft, motivated, and focused. Talking
about holiday, before you even have the job, will come across unprofessional.
So, the last tip here
is, don't appear desperate for the job. If you really like the sound of the
job, be sure to show enthusiasm. An interviewer will see this as a very
positive sign. But the key here is to reinforce this with good reason, as this
will strike confidence into the interviewer. Don't just say, I really want this
job. Say something more like, I would love this opportunity because, and touch
on some reasons. State your interest in the kind of work they do. Compliment
their work, and explain how you would like to aspire to produce work of the
same quality. State how you would be inspired in their agency to produce great
work, and how much you would like to work with the creative people and the
team. If you can show genuine interest with good reason, then you will not come
across as desperate. Try and be cool, calm, and considered.
So those are some tips to
help you get a graphic design interview.
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