Once you have received an opportunity for an interview, there are some basic prep activities we recommend you do.
They are: 1.) research the company, 2.) have a general understanding of who they are, 3.) what they do and the clientele they have; 4.) as well as the customers their clients serve.
This might garner the phrase or at the very least the feeling that you’ve really done your homework. Look into and study a few recent and key client projects the agency or studio has worked on and memorize a few deliverables or unique tactics you can reference if asked, “What do you know about the potential employer’s clients”?
Get a sense of the overall company size, creative team size, scale of operations, locations, structure depth of service offerings, etc. Only knowing the name of the company and a desire for a paycheck won’t cut it. Here’s a Captain Obvious statement but still great to keep in mind: you’re interviewing with people, it’s the people that do the hiring and people want to feel seen and be known. Not only will this make for a great interview, but you’ll be able to confidently walk in knowing you are prepared to make a connection.
Let’s get you prepared for interview day — if you feel these steps are overkill, feel free to use the parts you like and ditch the ones you don’t. However, we want to be ready for anything. You can only control what happens within your four walls.
Once you step out of your home, you no longer control things (CTA, traffic, parking, weather, etc). Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before; wake up early; eat a good healthy breakfast; iron your clothes; lint roll those fur babies; leave early enough so you don’t have to break a sweat; make sure your laptop or tablet is fully charged; when you arrive, ask the receptionist for the wifi name/pass so you get connected before you are called into the interview.
One tidbit we particularly enjoy sharing is when they bring you in and get you situated — they will usually ask you if you’d like anything to drink…like water. We recommend you always say yes. Water is an excellent prop with purpose and will help you appear to be relaxed. You will be talking, so a glass of water might come in handy. If you get a little nervous or your confidence gets shaken, drinking water during the interview not only hydrates but also puts you in control of the pace, creates mini pauses to collect your thoughts when taking a few sips, and helps you come across as more personal and tempered.
Finally, regarding the actual interview — listen more than you speak. You have two ears and one mouth: use them in that ratio.
By being early, polite, relaxed, seemingly comfortable, and ready, you have already made an impression.
Let the interviewer set the tone/pace/topics for the conversation. Wait until they ask to see your work before you show it. As they ask questions, they will most likely ask you if you have any questions. Have a handful of questions prepared or at least the general subjects of a few on the ready. They should be specifically related to the position, processes, the team, the culture, the company, etc.
Never ask personal questions, even if the interviewer does. Keep it about the role at hand. If the interviewer asks a question that is too personal (beyond trying to gauge outside interests and hobbies), feel free to diplomatically question its relevance to the position. You can discuss salary, benefits, frequency and method of payment. Is there profit sharing? If you bring in new business, are there finders fees? What is the vacation policy, sick day allowance, etc?
These are not always easy to discuss, but they are necessary to bring up to best understand the position, pay, policies, and perks. Any interviewer who refuses to answer and/or sidesteps these topics should send a red flag to you that there is something out of the norm here.
Lastly, when the interview is almost over, you should inquire when the company is looking to fill the position. This will give you a sense of timing. You can also ask if it’s ok to send a follow up email the following week and simply check in. Most interviewers welcome such due diligence and inquiries to keep the lines of communication open. It shows thoroughness and attention to the job search process, which, in turn, will reflect kindly on you in the potential future employer’s eyes.
Sending a “thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and learn more about the position” email — is a must. Either later that day or early the next. Make it short and personable. You can include any further follow-up questions you may have forgotten to ask in the interview. Do not bombard the interviewer or company with calls, multiple emails, stopping by if you’re in the area, etc. This can come across as pushy, tactless, and in general a bit odd. Respect the time it takes for organizations to decide on whom they wish to hire. It’s not easy looking for work, it’s equally as difficult hiring for these roles.
Side Note —
Many of the above interview tips and practices can also be applied to online/Zoom-type interviews, so feel free to modify them accordingly to such experiences (re: prep, don’t be late, professional dialogue, informed questions, listening more, etc.). These are common traits that position you positively in an interviewer’s eyes regardless of how the interview is conducted.
Even after you have gone on a few interviews (or hopefully many more than a few), do not stop looking, applying, and seeking new opportunities. Your job-seeking duties are not finished until you are in that new full-time role.
Stay positive, always moving forward.
SINCERELY,
Sean Fermoyle
Graphic Designer/Art Director
SEANFERMOYLE.COM
Robert Robbins
Creative Director
ROBERTWROBBINS.COM
