Web Design Forums

nixer180 · 08-09-2008, 12:54

I'd say not to worry so much about the dress code. Look nice, but don't sacrifice comfort. When I interview people I notice if they look uncomfortable or are fidget-y. A little nervous-ness is expected but you never want to look like a fish out of water. As for the hand-shaking, do what feels natural to you. And when all else fails follow the interviewers lead, they're not trying to intimidate you (in most cases haha)

oli · 08-09-2008, 13:02

Yep, shake hands to say hello and goodbye

Shiro · 08-09-2008, 13:02

Shake hands at the start and the end. It can't hurt, unless you get a germ freak who hates shaking hands, or a person born and raised in Japan.

twentysixtwelve · 08-09-2008, 13:03

Basically with interviews theres a few golden rules.

1 - dress smart.
Even if the place is casual, dressing smart shows you`re taking the interview seriously, that you have planned for it and want to make a good impression. Turning up casual could make you look cocky.. as in you`re so good you dont need to dress up.

2 - eye contact.
Don't stare, but try and make eye contact with the interviewer AS WELL as other people in the room. Its tricky when you`re trying to think of the kick ass answer, but it really helps.

3 - shake hands confidently.
If you go to half-heartedly shake hands, and the interviewer doesn't spot your limp wrist until they sit down, they get embarrassed, you get embarrassed, bad times for all. Go in, say hi, smile and shake hands confidently with the interviewer. It shows you`re confident in your decisions.

And yes, i would shake before and after.

4 - RESEARCH
Always look at the companies website. Find out what work they have done, are doing now, any major news. If you have time, go through their news archive. The worst is when they say "so what do you know about us alreadu".. and you have nothing. You might find something interesting you can use in number 5...

5 - Have some questions.
The other bad feeling is when the interviewer says "do you have any questions" and you stare blankly, and say no. You've just said, i dont really care about where i work, i just want some money. Ask how long they`ve been there, did they set up here, how did they move into design, how do they find the market around here, etc etc

6 - Dont panic.
Remember, they are finding out what sort of person you are more than what work you can do. Your portfolio is enough for that. Relax, be yourself, be happy, be interested.

7 - contact afterwards
If you dont get the job, it shows maturity and an eagerness if you contact the comany / interviewer and ask for feedback on the interview. It not only shows you were interested, it will help you next time.

Good luck.

Rik · 08-09-2008, 14:31

I can say from experience:

DO NOT SCRATCH THE BOARDROOM TABLE WITH YOUR PORTFOLIO.

At least I left a lasting impression.

That is all.

itaaa · 08-09-2008, 14:52

google says...

Interview TIPS for graphic & web designers - The Web Squeeze

fasterthanlight · 08-09-2008, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Do Gooder

I can say from experience:

DO NOT SCRATCH THE BOARDROOM TABLE WITH YOUR PORTFOLIO.

At least I left a lasting impression.

That is all.

Explain more plz

I want know how u can mak yer portfolios shrap cut desk!!

Soup Of The Day · 08-09-2008, 14:56

How about as an interviewer? I'll be interviewing at least 3 candidates this week for Graphic Design jobs at my company?

I'll just throw things at them and tell them where the door is.

allgiggles1984 · 08-09-2008, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Do Gooder

I can say from experience:

DO NOT SCRATCH THE BOARDROOM TABLE WITH YOUR PORTFOLIO.

At least I left a lasting impression.

That is all.

Haha that reminds me of what I did last week. I was walking in to the interview place and it started raining so my portfolio got wet and then I had to place it on the table for him to go through it and when I took my portfolio at the end, I left a whole massive wet patch on the glass table hahaha I felt so bad but there was no other way to avoid it haha.

keef · 09-09-2008, 06:13

if it all go's tits up, beat the interviewer to a pulp with your portfolio then jump out of the window screaming.

Coops · 09-09-2008, 06:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by fasterthanlight

I want know how u can mak yer portfolios shrap cut desk!!

steveb · 09-09-2008, 06:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by fasterthanlight

I want know how u can mak yer portfolios shrap cut desk!!

He carries his polaroids around in a rusty old biscuit tin.

allgiggles1984 · 09-09-2008, 13:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soup Of The Day

How about as an interviewer? I'll be interviewing at least 3 candidates this week for Graphic Design jobs at my company?

I'll just throw things at them and tell them where the door is.

Act like the guy on the Halifax ad. See their reactions

Soup Of The Day · 09-09-2008, 15:34

Actually the interview went very well. 3 more to go this week now.

allgiggles1984 · 09-09-2008, 15:40

After the Interview part on here:
Interview TIPS for graphic & web designers - The Web Squeeze

What do they mean, follow up email? To say thank you? Won't that seem desperado? AND a call...whoa...isn't that too much like you are wanting them to just give you the job or else!

Narate · 09-09-2008, 18:59

If you work is shit hot then you could go in wearing a kimono.
I went for my interview like I was meeting the missus's parents for the first time.

bazzle · 09-09-2008, 20:29

I go black trousers and shoes, and long sleeved collared shirt with no tie. Can't go far wrong with that.

gotnousername · 10-09-2008, 06:47

Suit is a no no I feel. Makes you look like a 6th former going for their first interview.

I have a nice pair of trousers and a minimal stylish Hugo Boss top and some nice shoes. All black.

Be confident, passionate, clear, consice, relaxed and let your personality shine.

cocknose · 10-09-2008, 07:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveb

He carries his polaroids around in a rusty old biscuit tin.

you know... thats a fucking good idea.... my new portfolio will be based on that style!

... i always go in a cardie, jeans and a pair of Converse High-Tops.

steveb · 10-09-2008, 08:35

An old shoe box held together with crusty drying sellotape can serve as well if you can't get hold of a biscuit tin.

08-09-2008, 13:02	#22 (permalink)
oli Rack off, ya dag™ Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Manchester, England.™ Posts: 11,818	Yep, shake hands to say hello and goodbye __________________ Linked In :: Last.fm :: Twitter :: Flavors :: Flukle :: Gowalla :: Posterous

08-09-2008, 13:02	#23 (permalink)
Shiro Whitey Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 7,324	Shake hands at the start and the end. It can't hurt, unless you get a germ freak who hates shaking hands, or a person born and raised in Japan. __________________ This space for rent. After Hours Japan

10-09-2008, 08:35	#40 (permalink)
steveb Contains nuts Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Järvenpää, Finland Posts: 9,926	An old shoe box held together with crusty drying sellotape can serve as well if you can't get hold of a biscuit tin. __________________ My free fonts www.utfi.net

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08-09-2008, 12:54	#21 (permalink)
nixer180 Me Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 12	I'd say not to worry so much about the dress code. Look nice, but don't sacrifice comfort. When I interview people I notice if they look uncomfortable or are fidget-y. A little nervous-ness is expected but you never want to look like a fish out of water. As for the hand-shaking, do what feels natural to you. And when all else fails follow the interviewers lead, they're not trying to intimidate you (in most cases haha)

08-09-2008, 13:03	#24 (permalink)
twentysixtwelve css is cool m'kay Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Currently Vancouver, Canada Posts: 396	Basically with interviews theres a few golden rules. 1 - dress smart. Even if the place is casual, dressing smart shows you`re taking the interview seriously, that you have planned for it and want to make a good impression. Turning up casual could make you look cocky.. as in you`re so good you dont need to dress up. 2 - eye contact. Don't stare, but try and make eye contact with the interviewer AS WELL as other people in the room. Its tricky when you`re trying to think of the kick ass answer, but it really helps. 3 - shake hands confidently. If you go to half-heartedly shake hands, and the interviewer doesn't spot your limp wrist until they sit down, they get embarrassed, you get embarrassed, bad times for all. Go in, say hi, smile and shake hands confidently with the interviewer. It shows you`re confident in your decisions. And yes, i would shake before and after. 4 - RESEARCH Always look at the companies website. Find out what work they have done, are doing now, any major news. If you have time, go through their news archive. The worst is when they say "so what do you know about us alreadu".. and you have nothing. You might find something interesting you can use in number 5... 5 - Have some questions. The other bad feeling is when the interviewer says "do you have any questions" and you stare blankly, and say no. You've just said, i dont really care about where i work, i just want some money. Ask how long they`ve been there, did they set up here, how did they move into design, how do they find the market around here, etc etc 6 - Dont panic. Remember, they are finding out what sort of person you are more than what work you can do. Your portfolio is enough for that. Relax, be yourself, be happy, be interested. 7 - contact afterwards If you dont get the job, it shows maturity and an eagerness if you contact the comany / interviewer and ask for feedback on the interview. It not only shows you were interested, it will help you next time. Good luck.

08-09-2008, 14:31	#25 (permalink)
Rik Join Date: May 2007 Location: Huntly Gardens Posts: 8,625	I can say from experience: DO NOT SCRATCH THE BOARDROOM TABLE WITH YOUR PORTFOLIO. At least I left a lasting impression. That is all.

08-09-2008, 14:52	#26 (permalink)
itaaa ab. user. Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: washington, dc Posts: 1,007	google says... Interview TIPS for graphic & web designers - The Web Squeeze

08-09-2008, 14:56	#28 (permalink)
Soup Of The Day Non Stop Pop Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 1,036	How about as an interviewer? I'll be interviewing at least 3 candidates this week for Graphic Design jobs at my company? I'll just throw things at them and tell them where the door is.

09-09-2008, 06:13	#30 (permalink)
keef Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Manchester Posts: 204	if it all go's tits up, beat the interviewer to a pulp with your portfolio then jump out of the window screaming.

09-09-2008, 15:34	#34 (permalink)
Soup Of The Day Non Stop Pop Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 1,036	Actually the interview went very well. 3 more to go this week now.

09-09-2008, 15:40	#35 (permalink)
allgiggles1984 curious Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Manchester (UK) Posts: 749	After the Interview part on here: Interview TIPS for graphic & web designers - The Web Squeeze What do they mean, follow up email? To say thank you? Won't that seem desperado? AND a call...whoa...isn't that too much like you are wanting them to just give you the job or else!

09-09-2008, 18:59	#36 (permalink)
Narate Royalty™ Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Manchester (UK) Posts: 3,349	If you work is shit hot then you could go in wearing a kimono. I went for my interview like I was meeting the missus's parents for the first time.

09-09-2008, 20:29	#37 (permalink)
bazzle Don't touch my tea! Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,727	I go black trousers and shoes, and long sleeved collared shirt with no tie. Can't go far wrong with that.

10-09-2008, 06:47	#38 (permalink)
gotnousername Chavtastic Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 2,658	Suit is a no no I feel. Makes you look like a 6th former going for their first interview. I have a nice pair of trousers and a minimal stylish Hugo Boss top and some nice shoes. All black. Be confident, passionate, clear, consice, relaxed and let your personality shine.

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