The Job Interview
Upon your graduation from graphic design college, the next step is to look for a job.

The job interview process can be mystifying, but in this job interview series, we list pointers and tips that can help you to interview successfully.

What to Do During an Interview
In part one of Interview Tips for Graphic Artists and Designers, advice was given on what to do in preparation for a job interview in graphic arts.

But what can you do during the interview to make it go smoothly?

Here are some tips:

• Be Yourself. This bit of wisdom is rarely given but is very useful in defusing any jitters you may have during the interview. It’s OK to say, “I’m a little nervous,” to the interviewer. The human resources person or potential boss understands this. Putting on a veneer of self-confidence rarely works and is usually quite transparent, so be yourself. Your honesty will be appreciated.

• Talk. Try to be straightforward with your answers and avoid long pauses or periods of silence in your responses. Part of the interview process is to evaluate your communication skills. If you are naturally quiet, that is fine. Just be prepared to speak more than you usually do during the interview.

• Ask Questions. Although job interviews are sometimes thought of as a one-way street — the interviewer asks questions while the interviewee answers, this isn’t necessarily the best approach for job candidates to take. If a question doesn’t make sense, ask for clarification.

• Demonstrate. If your portfolio is reviewed by your interviewer during your interview, you can offer information on what role you played in designing the pieces. Was it a team project or did you produce the work on your own? The interviewer may ask you what creative processes you used to arrive at your designs.

• Technical Terms. In any job there is a specific amount of jargon you need to know and understand. Your interviewer may present questions that are technical in nature such as, “What do you think the CMYK mix for the color of a red fire engine truck would be?” Brush up on your graphic arts terminology.

The Importance of Education
Getting a chance to interview for a design job can be a very exciting and nerve racking experience.

Your artistic talents are laid out for all to see and your work stands on its own to make or break the job deal and this certainly can be a little stressful.

But along with talent is the necessity to get a well-rounded education in your specific field of design.

If you are contemplating a career as a graphic artist, illustrator or media professional, graphic design schools can be of immense help in providing the career training you need to prepare for jobs in design.

The Next Time
What sort of questions will you be asked during the interview process? Should you take the job if the company makes you an offer? What else can you do to increase your chances of landing a job? We’ll cover these topics and more in the next few sessions.