Interview Advice for Design Graduates

Posted by on Friday, January 30th, 2009 at 12:32 pm.

One of my most daunting memories when I was nearing the end of my degree was my growing anxiety about being interviewed for a job. Right up until the end of my course at my ‘Degree Show’, where we showcased our portfolios to family, friends and unknowingly the area’s local design companies, I was still unsure as to how I would even begin looking for a job.

Being in the industry now for several years, I sit-in on several interviews for junior designers at our studio. One of the things that strikes me the most when we are sifting through applicant’s CVs, is the variety of quality. A CV in the design industry is THE FIRST INTERVIEW. I would strongly recommend reading my older blog about writing & designing a good CV.

During The Interview

Essentially, just be yourself. If you are a good designer, have a good work ethic, a thirst for knowledge and a good personality then you will be fine. Sound interested in the company that you are being interviewed by, ask questions and do your research. I’ve met several applicants who didn’t even know our domain name, let alone seen any of our company web-sites.

Be punctual, smart and professional. Design studio environments vary considerably from people playing pool with music playing, to suited regimented desks in windowless studios. I wouldn’t recommend that you bring up the subject of salary, working hours or benefits. In the design industry, a junior designer has to prove them-self. If the interviewers bring this topic up, then answer questions honestly and ask your own questions carefully.

Taking a Portfolio to an interview:

With regards to taking a portfolio, there are several things that I would recommend considering:

Present your work in a smart, professional folder, no larger than A3. A great place to buy cheap but very professional folders is MUJI.
Companies are impressed if you have a small A4 portfolio that you can leave with them. If you do leave one, make sure it has your CV in it.
Print your work on good quality paper. Photo-Glossy paper isn’t always recommended. I would use a good quality matt-gloss paper.
Take in consideration that you may be interviewed by more than one person.
Choose a cross section of projects in your portfolio. A ten page portfolio with 6 pages on 1 project suggests that you haven’t done anything else that you are proud of.
Include any quality freelance work that you have done to demonstrate your professional awareness.

Here are my TOP 10 TIPS for a Junior Web/Graphic Designer Interview:

Design companies come to Degree Shows, take your Degree Show seriously and treat it as an interview.
Your CV is your first interview – Read My Blog About CV Writing.
Look at your personal presentation, it is better to be overdressed than under-dressed.
Don’t bring a portfolio with more than 10 pages.
Choose a variety of projects for your portfolio from web to graphics.
If you are graphics trained but keen to move into web-design and develop in the industry, talk about this. Designers can learn to code, but coders can’t always learn to design.
Look at the companies’ web-site in detail.
Get there on time. The design industry is built on deadlines. If you are worried about being late, go there a day before, and make sure you know where you have to go.
Ask questions about the company, their history, present and future.
Do not mention salary, working hours, benefits unless the interviewers bring these subjects up.

One other important thing to consider when looking for a job, is that most Graphics/Web Design agencies are always looking for exceptional people that stand out.

To find out if Creare are recruiting, click here.