Comments on: 15 graphic design interview tips

By: Dom

Dom — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:32:28 +0000

Generally good advice. I haven’t seen a lot of students’ work recently so I can’t comment on the 80% of them being rubbish. Mind you I had a peak at the P&W site. Ironic to see so much creativity for packaging when 80% of it shoots straight off the isles into the rubbish bin. At least the other 20% wins awards.

And why a firm handshake? The article doesn’t give us any indication.

The reason I assume is the common but erroneous notion that a good grip somehow demonstrates robustness of character. I would argue it does not necessarily do so. In fact it could illustrate the contrary. A firm handshake could simply be a consequence of someone reading and believing such advice to be wise counsel. In which case I would have misgivings about the character of the individual having fallen for such a fallacious and superficial branding short cut.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:20:12 +0000

Good advice but,

‘80% of design students are crap’

incorrect.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:11:37 +0000

That makes sense, Rosalind. Don’t worry.

Glad to hear your confidence levels have improved. Being able to handle rejection is such an important trait for designers. Sometimes, no matter how talented you are, a client just won’t like what you do.

By: Rosalind Shaye

Rosalind Shaye — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:45:04 +0000

As someone who finds the interview process a hugely horrific experience, I find tip no. 16 strangely reassuring. Although I was successful at University, as soon as I graduated I had a huge problem with a loss of self confidence in myself and in my work…..and for some reason, I assumed that everyone else was better than me and having more success than me and this effected my performance when talking about my work – I often found myself coming across as rather ‘apologetic’ about my work.

….so it’s good to hear from a professional that not every student that graduates is great and that studios have to wade through a lot of mediocre CVs and portfolios…..if this makes any sense at all?

P.S. I’m a lot more confident about my work these days and can take rejection a lot better….I know that if someone doesn’t like my work it’s just not what they are looking for….I know it’s not crap.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 15:30:15 +0000

Hi Allison,

It can be appropriate to mention your personal life, as long as it relates to the job for which you’re applying. As an example, I’ve enjoyed my fair share of travelling, and instead of saying I like white sand beaches, I could say I’ve been taking an interest in graphic design from other cultures.

Good luck with your upcoming intereviews.

By: Allison

Allison — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:35:33 +0000

I too am a graphic design student, and will be hopefully preparing for interviews soon, and found the article helpful. One thing that has come up in interviews before, at least for me, is “Tell me about yourself,” to which I am never quite sure how to respond. I feel it is unnecessary to talk about the fact that I am studying graphic design, but inappropriate to talk about my personal life.

I would agree that design programs do not teach enough typography, but at the same time, a lot of knowledge can be gained from those who know better. I think those who go out of their way to learn more than is simply handed to them make up that twenty percent that aren’t crap.

By: David Airey

David Airey — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:29:59 +0000

Ray,

Not sure what you mean about mug education, but you’re right about subjectivity, and I wish you a great new year too.

By: Ray

Ray — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:25:53 +0000

Ah David. Never educate a mug. Design and creativity ….. well, its very subjective. Artistic egos often come in the way of objectivity.
Thanks for the article though. I wish you and your fans a great New Year.
As Malin our head designer always says..
Brilliant design is a little like obscenity; you can’t define it but you know it when you see it.”
Cheers. The Baldchemist

By: David Airey

David Airey — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:46:22 +0000

Bronte,

All the very best with your future graphic design studies. It’s my pleasure to present Lee’s interview tips here.

By: Bronte

Bronte — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:06:39 +0000

I am currently in my final year of high school and I am going to study graphic design next year. I’ve found this site very helpful, especially this section. I just hope that I am eventually part of that 20%, I’m a major perfectionist though so I know that I wont sleep until I reach the top. Anyway, thank you for putting the effort into creating all of these tips, it is greatly appreciated.