Getting ready for an interview ...

First thing is first. Do your research on the company you're interviewing with. Find out what kinda clients they currently have and which media they use for deliverables (e.g. print, interactive, broadcast, etc.)

Portfolio
Align your portfolio to their needs. You may be great at creating magazine print ads, but the design agency may be heavy in direct mail or web advertising. Organize your portfolio in such a way that your strongest samples reflect their business needs. (Never glue things in your portfolio.) Point is, they don't care if you're a great photographer if they're looking for an illustrator. Put the unrelated samples in the back of your book -- better yet, take em' out! (If you're just starting out, don't go in with an empty book. Create spec work to show your competencies.)

Resume
Your a designer, everything you hand off should show your talent. Last thing you need is a smashing portfolio and a frumpy resume. Resumes from creative folks have come in all sizes, shapes and materials. Yeah, you should have an 8.5" x 11" resume for faxing and e-mailing. But if you're gonna mail or do it person, get remembered and come up with something off the wall! (Later on they may ask you for 8.5" x 11" but that means you've already got your foot in.)

Separate yourself from the swarm of applicants come those graduation months. (Just make sure whatever you do is smart and easy to read)

Do yourself a favor, be sure that your 8.5" x 11" resume is on white paper with dark text, no smaller than 10 point size.

Business Cards
You're selling yourself at every opportunity. Why the heck don't you have your own business cards? Not many designers have their own cards, extremely surprising. All creatives should have their own, personalized business cards (designed by you, not some online generator like vistaprint). You'll know it's a good card when you get compliments on it, or when they stare at it for 5 seconds or longer. Great, inexpensive advertising tip.

During an interview - be sure to exchange business cards with each person you meet (even front desk). Don't leave until they have your business card! (This is what I mean by networking.)


Wardrobe
Graphic designers have a reputation of being ear-pierced, tattooed, purple-haired, torn jean geniuses. Yeah, well that's great and all, but definitely not for an interview. Dress professionally (men) with suit and tie, (ladies) with nice business suit. Carry your portfolio in your left hand, so you can shake hands with your right. Scope out the environment on how people dress and act. Usually creative workplaces are very casual in dress, attitude and yes, their language. Better to dress professionally than too casually. Don't forget to visualize what your competition will dress like.

What things have you gone through on your interview that you wish you were more prepared for? Have any stories to tell? Select the "comments" link below to post your response.