Interview Advice
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Interviews are your chance to make a personal impression on potential employers so here's some advice from Paul Wilkes, the Recruitment Director at Escape Studios, for graduates without much interview experience. Be prepared Research the company you’re going to visit. What work has the company done and what are they doing now? The more you know about them, the more fluid the interview will be, putting you in a position to ask questions and find out what they are like. How are you going to get there? It might seem like a no-brainer, but work out exactly how you are going to get there and how long it will take. Allow time for hold-ups too. It is far better to be early and walk around the block a few times than it is to turn up late. Who are you meeting? Find out exactly who you will be talking to, their job title and what they do. It can be very daunting to turn up and find out you are going to be interviewed by four people. Also, are they going to test you? If so, on what? What do you need to take with you? Obviously if you are an artist, you should take your portfolio. Find out if there’s anything specific they would like to see, and make sure it is easy to get at. It is generally a good idea to take sketch books and other supporting work with you even if it is not requested. What should you wear? Generally you’ll be in a creative studio environment and as such a suit will make you stick out like a sore thumb. However, it’s worth going a little smarter than you might normally. It shows professionalism and that you're serious about the job. What is the exact role you are being considered for? This can be difficult, as sometimes companies have a number of positions available and interview for more than one at a time without telling you. Any information you can get about the job is useful. Get there early We’ve said it before, but it warrants repetition: do not be late. Also, try and double check the date and time – we have known people turn up a day early. Be keen Enthusiasm is no bad thing. You should be pleased to be there, friendly, and interested in what they are doing. They are going to be looking for someone who can join an existing team. Concentrate on your strengths When talking about yourself, focus on your strong points in terms of skills and character. Be prepared to be asked about your negative points too. Keep your response upbeat and show how you have overcome them (if you have any). Sell yourself You need to have something extra to beat the competition – a Unique Selling Point. Work out what it is, and when you tell them, believe it yourself! Know your limitations Do not be over confident. Know-it-alls never go down well at interview. Most people want to see someone who knows their limits, is not afraid to ask questions or work hard, and with an enthusiasm for learning and a can-do attitude. Ask questions Prepare some questions and add to them during the interview if you think of anything else. Most interviews finish with a “and do you have anything you want to ask us?” but it is always useful to have some up your sleeve in case there is a lull in conversation.
[Images- Top Right: Lionhead, Bottom Right: Uniform]
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