Getting the Graphic Design Job You Want
Posted by admin | Filed under Interview Tips
There are only two types of phone calls that excite me – ones that tell me I’ve won money (which never happens) or that I’ve gotten an interview. You’ve just gotten the best call of all. YOU have an interview for a graphic design job. You’ve perfected your resume, polished your portfolio, and pounded the proverbial pavement. Now what? Surely years of schooling have prepared you for this moment – not exactly. Here are a few tips to combine your personality and creativity to make you the designer that gets the job.
First, you have to do your homework. Know the company you want to work for. Know its mission, its clients, and its key players. Employers want to know that you’re actually interested in their company and that you’re not just there so you can pay the bills. Know what the desired position requires. You may think you have all the knowledge you need if you just graduated. Wrong. We never stop learning. If the position is at a sign shop, study up on sign printing. If the company does advertising for upscale clients, it might be a good idea to study their work and get an idea of who their clients are. There may be parts of the position that you aren’t familiar with. Don’t let that stop you. Take some time to fill in those gaps of knowledge. Don’t expect to become a pro in the few days before your interview, but you can build a firm base to start from.
Now that you’ve done your homework, be prepared. Think of the basic questions you’ll be asked in an interview. Two you can expect are “Tell me about yourself,” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses.” To be honest with you, I hate these questions. Where do you begin? What does an employer really want to know about you? You don’t really want to hear about my weaknesses, do you? Think about why you love graphic design. Think about what motivates you. What are your hobbies? Who knows, you might have something in common. This question gives you a chance to build a relationship with your employer. What are your strengths? Be honest. Don’t try to pump yourself up to be the design messiah. No one likes a know-it-all. If you love fonts and typography is your strength, say it! If you love designing newsletters, say it – especially if that’s a major part of what your job function will be. What are your weaknesses? Mine is production speed. I went from a job that had deadlines every two weeks to a job that has deadlines daily or weekly. Don’t be afraid to tell the truth. You can put a positive spin on it by saying “I believe that working in this type of environment will help me work harder to solve this issue.” Employers want a graphic designer that shows promise and potential.
Practice answering the questions beforehand. Write down your answers and say them out loud. The more comfortable you become with saying the answers, you more natural you’ll feel in the interview. Practice saying them in the mirror. You may feel like an idiot standing in the bathroom talking to yourself, but it works. When your facial expressions match your words, you’ll begin to feel more confident.
Always come dressed to kill. It’s popular belief that graphic designers sit around in their jeans and t-shirt all day. Even if you find out that the atmosphere of the company you’re interviewing for is casual, you need to look your best. Iron your clothes, don’t just roll out of bed and throw something on. It’s another way to show your professionalism. It’s not just your portfolio the employers are looking at. I know you’re excited, but get a good night’s sleep! Go to bed early and get up early. You can get rid of pre-interview nerves by getting up early to go over your interview questions. Now you are the Zen master of interviews. You won’t even break a sweat.
Now it’s show time! Make sure you have your portfolio and a pen and paper. I know some who’ve depended on their portfolio site to showcase their work at an interview. Make no mistake. There’s nothing like seeing printed work. Bring the pen and paper to write questions down or any pertinent information the employer may share with you. Now, off with you! Be prompt and get there 15 minutes early. It lets your potential employer know that you’re excited and serious about the interview. Walk in with a smile and a firm handshake. It only takes about 3 seconds for your interviewer to sum you up. The first impression is important. Look your interviewer in the eye, speaking clearly and confidently. If there are aspects of the job that you have little experience in, express your willingness to learn. Employers want to see that you’re excited about the company, the job, and the vocation. Graphic design isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life. At the close of the interview, make sure you leave a promotional item. I could be your business card, a notepad, or even a fold-out poster of some of your best work. Find a way to stay on the employer’s mind.
The show isn’t over yet. Send a thank you card. Do it now! Don’t wait until tomorrow, do it as soon as you get home. Your potential employer took time out of their day to see you. Make sure they know how much you appreciate it. Some send thank you emails or typed letters. I think a handwritten note speaks volumes. It shows that you care and it continues the relationship building process with the employer. Now sit back and wait. Your phone should be ringing again real soon.
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