Today’s design industry is experiencing steady growth, projected to grow 3% annually over the next decade. Many designers are also moving between firms, and they all have one thing in common: the design interview.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially when interviewing for a design job. You want to impress the interviewer and showcase your skills and experience, but it’s essential to avoid making common interview mistakes that could cost you the job.
Here are some interview mistakes to avoid in your next design interview.
You don’t come across as personable.
Interviewers have seen your resume. Now they want to gauge how well you fit into the company culture, and they’re hoping you’re much more than the document reviewed by their ATS scanner. They want to know what kind of person you are.
Before your interview, take the time to research the company and the role you’re applying for. Understanding the company’s mission, values, and culture gives you a common ground to work from, and commonalities build rapport and relationships.
You may gravitate to similar projects, share the same values, or like your latte in a particular cup.
You have no self-identity.
Some people interview without any sense of self-awareness. They fail to understand who they are as individuals or what value they offer design firms.
Before the interview, think about what you bring to the design table. Your valuable skills have a worth. If you recognize these skills and their value and know how you want to improve, you will stand out among the other design candidates.
Your portfolio is part of your self-identity, so showcase your skills and experience with a well-organized portfolio that is easy to navigate. Prepare to discuss the projects you present using the STAR Portfolio method: explain the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
You rush through the interview.
Talking too much or too little is a sign of nervousness. Being nervous can cause you to rush through the interview, leaving you both with no sense of who the other party is. So is not asking questions.
Talking too much can make you seem long-winded or unfocused while talking too little and not asking questions could make it seem like you’re not interested in the job.
Instead, practice 2-minute responses consisting of a beginning, middle, and end. Make sure to answer the interviewer’s questions succinctly and provide specific examples that showcase your skills and experience.
Focus on the opportunity to meet people in the industry and enjoy the conversation. Take deep breaths and relax.
A final thought
Interviews can be stressful, but you can increase your chances of impressing the interviewer and landing your dream design job by being personable, knowing yourself, and relaxing during the process.
Good luck!
For more information on how to spot a great communicator in a design interview, please contact us here.
