Web Design Forums

Mandy Moo · 17-09-2010, 16:13

I've got a really important interview next week. To put it frankly, it's my dream job. So I need to make sure I'm the best I can be on the day. I've downsized my folio to A3, bought a nice new book to present it in, work will be printed tomorrow. Pretty much all set.

Anyone have any last minute advice on questions they might ask me so I can prepare? One question that pops up everytime is the 'so tell me abit about yourself'. What do you normally go through? Previously I've mentioned I graduated with a BA(hons) in Graphic Design in 2003, a little bit about my 1st job, 2nd job and current job. The end. Is that right? Is that what they wanted to know when they ask that question?

Anymore advice?

LittleMick · 17-09-2010, 16:16

Be prepared for the old "What is your biggest weakness?"

It is always a hard one to get right.

jamblo · 17-09-2010, 16:32

And make sure that biggest weakness is actually a strength... i.e. "I am a complete perfectionist..."

Mandy Moo · 17-09-2010, 16:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by LittleMick

Be prepared for the old "What is your biggest weakness?"

It is always a hard one to get right.

Honesty? My biggest weakness is that I need a lot of mental stimulation. I've been so used to working under a lot of pressure that when I was made redundant a year and a half ago and I worked in a factory for 6 months, I couldn't cope with the lack of metal stimulation. I was so bored I got frustrated and because I didn't have to use my head so much my short term memory became poor and at night my brain would go into overdrive so I couldn't sleep. This is also the reason why I excel when working under pressure. Is that a bad one to say as a weakness?

Klang · 17-09-2010, 16:33

No, they've already read your CV. Tell them a bit about yourself.

Mandy Moo · 17-09-2010, 16:37

What like hobbies and interest?

Anxious · 17-09-2010, 16:39

Someone sent me a list of the typical HR questions you might get asked. I'll dig them out and get them to you. It's the usual stuff 'why should I hire you?' 'are you a team player?', 'what's the worst thing you've ever done?', 'you're in a situation where a team member is being a prick, what do you do?' etc.

It can be quite handy.

I'll get that to you if I can find it.

And congratulations on landing an interview for your dream job! They don't come around often.

Klang · 17-09-2010, 16:39

Yeah and stuff about where you are in life. Half the interview is about who you are as much as what you can do and if you'll be a good fit personality wise in the office.

slate · 17-09-2010, 16:40

Be every bit yourself, don't try to over impress.

ALWAYS go in with background knowledge of the company. So look into past projects, dig a little deeper and bring them up if the change arises. "I really loved the typography on that poster series you did for blah blah blah..."

Business owners love that shit, they want to know they did a good job, and it shows that you are knowledgable not only about design but already know the company background.

If its an interview with a few people, use google to your advantage, find out a bit about each person and try to work that information into answers. Someone might really love football, so if you play football in your spare time, mention it, it will strike a conversation with that person helping establish that original bond.

If you do get the job, always do a little extra at the beginning. If something isn't in your job title and have some extra time, try to get it done.

Mandy Moo · 17-09-2010, 16:52

Thanks everyone. Been really useful so far. Keep em coming!

17-09-2010, 16:13	#1 (permalink)
Mandy Moo Graphic Developer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: UK Posts: 2,062	Interview tips I've got a really important interview next week. To put it frankly, it's my dream job. So I need to make sure I'm the best I can be on the day. I've downsized my folio to A3, bought a nice new book to present it in, work will be printed tomorrow. Pretty much all set. Anyone have any last minute advice on questions they might ask me so I can prepare? One question that pops up everytime is the 'so tell me abit about yourself'. What do you normally go through? Previously I've mentioned I graduated with a BA(hons) in Graphic Design in 2003, a little bit about my 1st job, 2nd job and current job. The end. Is that right? Is that what they wanted to know when they ask that question? Anymore advice?

17-09-2010, 16:16	#2 (permalink)
LittleMick 忍者シ& Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Busy Brighton Posts: 5,464	Be prepared for the old "What is your biggest weakness?" It is always a hard one to get right. __________________ I'm Steveb. Racism is part of my culture.

17-09-2010, 16:32	#3 (permalink)
jamblo Tea Snob Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3,310	And make sure that biggest weakness is actually a strength... i.e. "I am a complete perfectionist..." __________________ Good UK based hosting

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

17-09-2010, 16:33	#5 (permalink)
Klang Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 9,758	No, they've already read your CV. Tell them a bit about yourself.

17-09-2010, 16:37	#6 (permalink)
Mandy Moo Graphic Developer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: UK Posts: 2,062	What like hobbies and interest?

17-09-2010, 16:39	#7 (permalink)
Anxious ' Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 7,060	Someone sent me a list of the typical HR questions you might get asked. I'll dig them out and get them to you. It's the usual stuff 'why should I hire you?' 'are you a team player?', 'what's the worst thing you've ever done?', 'you're in a situation where a team member is being a prick, what do you do?' etc. It can be quite handy. I'll get that to you if I can find it. And congratulations on landing an interview for your dream job! They don't come around often.

17-09-2010, 16:39	#8 (permalink)
Klang Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 9,758	Yeah and stuff about where you are in life. Half the interview is about who you are as much as what you can do and if you'll be a good fit personality wise in the office.

17-09-2010, 16:40	#9 (permalink)
slate Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 3,972	Be every bit yourself, don't try to over impress. ALWAYS go in with background knowledge of the company. So look into past projects, dig a little deeper and bring them up if the change arises. "I really loved the typography on that poster series you did for blah blah blah..." Business owners love that shit, they want to know they did a good job, and it shows that you are knowledgable not only about design but already know the company background. If its an interview with a few people, use google to your advantage, find out a bit about each person and try to work that information into answers. Someone might really love football, so if you play football in your spare time, mention it, it will strike a conversation with that person helping establish that original bond. If you do get the job, always do a little extra at the beginning. If something isn't in your job title and have some extra time, try to get it done.

17-09-2010, 16:52	#10 (permalink)
Mandy Moo Graphic Developer Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: UK Posts: 2,062	Thanks everyone. Been really useful so far. Keep em coming!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)