Page 2 of 2
Like a first date, it can be hard to know what the other person is looking for at a job interview, so it's pretty necessary to know what you are after. If it's just 'a job' then that's the wrong attitude; save it for a coffee joint. If it's to join a dynamic team, contribute to the studio's success and learn new skills then you're getting a bit closer. It is tempting to say what you believe the other person wants to hear, to reassert points in hope of acceptance, but these are signs of nervousness. Better to be relaxed, enjoy it, and if they want clarification on what you're saying they will ask for it. Often young guys coming in to present work explain every detail but there's no need. Just the main points please, otherwise you risk boring the interviewers. Besides 1) your work should be easy to understand and 2) designers are pretty good at reading ahead and getting the gist anyway.
With design comes travel, so get ready to move. Many positions require emigration so make sure you ask about the terms - this isn't just a job, there's a whole lifestyle attached. It's important you know what you're letting yourself in for. Whether you move into one of the more industrial locations is down to you, but you won't be thanked for changing your mind when reality kicks in.
This highlights an important point: asking questions. If you're coming straight from school, it's usually just a case of 'let me in' and wanting to forego the Q&A's, but answers aren't just for your information: the questions themselves indicate your level of interest in that particular company. Ask about accommodation, ask about swapping between interior and exterior teams, ask about research trips, even ask about the canteen - just make sure you ask something at the end when they say 'do you have any questions?'.
This works both ways though; before you get your queries in you need to know your stuff too. Do research: just checking out the company on the web or flicking through CDN for the studio's recent projects will really pay off. Likewise cars in general - what do you consider a good design? What's an example of an interior you don't like? How would you get your ideas through to production? Why do you want to work for this company? - All these may come up so get savvy. And make sure you have a good answer for what your ambitions are. This can be a tricky one, but a lot will hinge on your answer as it's the clearest gauge a company will have of you. Just saying 'Chief Designer' isn't enough, it needs to be deeper than that. Describe something you think you can bring to the company, ideas you want to explore and maybe some personal points.
However it's not just your work and words that will be judged; think about what you're going to wear too. In general, if you've been invited to a studio, dress as that team might (but hold the T-shirts). No one will expect you to wear a tie, but open-necked shirts, 'suited and booted' is pretty much a safe option. Typically, if you are going in as an entry-level designer you're not going to be expected to be cloaked in fine threads (especially if you've just emerged impoverished from RCA or ACCD), so just keep it clean, smart and pressed. Finally, a note or email to HR or to a designer following your interview is often well received: it may not automatically guarantee the job but will stand you in good stead for any future positions for which you might apply.
The period after your graduation can be exciting - and frustrating. It can take some months for things to happen, but stick to it and keep pushing. You never know, perhaps one day you'll join our Designer Interview section too.
Page 2 of 2
