DESIGNERS – 10 TIPS FOR INTERVIEWING

BE PREPARED!

• Research the company…more than just a google search.
• Does their mission align with your views?
• Does it seem like a culture fit?
• Do you support their values?
• Why would you want to work for them?
• Why is the company successful? What sets them apart from competitors?

Review the job description.

• Can you satisfy the job requirements?
• Can you support each task with skills or experience?
• Use the job description as an outline and give yourself notes to review.
• Review and practice with someone several times before the interview.

Know your strengths and weaknesses.

• Be prepared to answer based on your previous roles.
• How have you learned from your weaknesses?
• HAVE AN ANSWER! Don’t say you do not have any weaknesses.

PRACTICE!

• You can never practice interviewing too much.
• Opportunities multiply as they are seized.
• Interviewers recognize when you come unprepared and you lose credibility.
•  Bring a portfolio in multiple forms…in case the WIFI goes out.
• Know what to present and be concise.
• Don’t talk about EVERYTHING.
• Show you’re passionate about the things you do.
• It’s just as awkward for the interviewer when you come unprepared.
• Keep the scope of the interview focused on the job you’re interviewing for.

Phone or in-person interview?

• Phone – find a quiet, indoor space with WIFI connection for better cell service.
• There’s nothing worse than having your phone cut out when the interviewer asks a question…and you don’t know how to respond.
• Be polite and ask them to repeat the question.
• Wear headphones so you can hear them clearly, NO SPEAKER PHONE.
•  In-person – dress to impress no matter the role, you’re there to make an impression.
•  If you sweat when you’re nervous, wear a dark shirt and an undershirt.
• Shake the hand of your interviewer and repeat their name to them.
• Make eye contact when you’re talking, if there is more than one interviewer focus on one.

ALWAYS ask follow-up questions.

• More than just “why do you like working here?”
• If your interview is with a recruiter, ask company based questions rather than job specific…they tend to not know specifics about the role’s day to day details. 

Thank you!  

• Send a thank you email after your interview-optimal time is SAME DAY.
• If you send a hand written card, make sure you send it immediately after your interview so that it arrives within a day or so.
• Make your notes personal, so you connect with the interviewer.

CHECK IN.

• If the recruiter/hiring manager says they’ll get back to you by a specific date, hold them to it. Reach out to them first thing the next day, to show you’re still very interested in the role you’ve interviewed for.
• Keep up to date with the hiring process, and ask questions when you have them.
• Grab the recruiters or hiring managers emails after your interview.

Getting denied.

• If you receive an email directly from a recruiter with denial of the role, ask them what you can work on for future interviews.
• They may not respond, but it’s still good to ask…the feedback can be valuable.

SMILE.

• Smiling can be heard and felt through your voice in the phone interview.
• Smiling always lifts the vibe of the room.
• Smiling is contagious, and can always make a difference.