What They Don't Tell You About Job Interviews

There are literally a million tidbits of advice on how to conduct one's self in a job interview. Most tips ask you to prepare for interview questions such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What are your strengths?
• What are your weaknesses?
• Do you have any questions about our company?
• Where do you expect your career to be in 5 years?
• What skills do you have that would benefit our company?
• Why did you leave your last job?

It's Not That Simple For Us
While being prepared for questions like these is a good idea, there is more to a job interview, especially for those who have majored in the liberal arts.

For graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, website designers and other creative positions, there is the added element of displaying your artistic examples with a portfolio of work.

This is not always the case with other job interviews where the job seeker merely shows his or her resume. If you are in design or media, it can be somewhat gut wrenching as your prospective employer scrutinizes your samples.

What Is The Interviewer Looking For?
What really is on the mind of the person interviewing you for a position as a graphic artist, designer, or other related field? Of course, they are looking for good talent. But sometimes the reality of the situation is quite different from theory.

Forest was looking for a job after he graduated from college with his degree in photography. He says the process of interviewing for a job was quite different than he expected.

"I interviewed for a photo job and told him my experience was only related to volunteer work, internships, and unpaid experience.

"I also told him that even if he hired me, I'd have to take several weeks off to help out at a youth camp; a previous unbreakable commitment I had made. I left and thought that was probably the last I would ever hear from him."

Forest received a phone call the following week from the supervisor and was hired. He asked why. The supervisor said that he liked his honesty and thought he would be a good match for the job and the company.

What They Don't Tell You - The Human Element
Most job interview advice says you should appear confident, self-assured, and professional. These are all helpful, but there is the intangible factor of whether you will be a good fit with the hiring firm; not just in your talent, but your personality as well.

Your words may contain all the correct answers to the interview questions, but character, amiability, and a general sense of being able to work with others is sometimes the deciding factor in being hired or not.

If you consider that there are literally hundreds of resumes that are sent in for just one position, the final factor is usually the face-to-face interview. The interviewer is not looking for just qualifications, but how you carry yourself as an individual.