IxD302 – Week 4 – Interview skills

Potential Questions and preparing answers…

This week we began discussing the vital topic of interviews, very important for us at the minute, as we need to start preparing ourselves for the potential placement interviews. Today’s lecture was a great way of getting us started and motivated. Interviews are tricky, because no matter how well you prepare, you never really know what could happen on the day. The best way to get better at interviews, is by doing them.

In the past, I have not had very much experience with interviews, nothing extremely formal, or with someone that I have never met before. This is why I am feeling a little nervous about them, however if I take a positive mindset towards them, practise and know my worth, I will begin to feel less nervous.

Interviews are mostly, the first impression the employer will get from you. That’s why it is so important to make a good one. In my interviews, I need to show all of my best core values, that align with that of the company…

Core Values

• Willing to learn
• Pushing the boundaries
• Be a team player
• Personality (Enthusiasm and passion)
• User-centred approach
• Hardworking
• Motivated
• Responsible
• Respectable
• Good time management

I want to show that I understand the role I am hoping to undertake. I should be able to speak about design process and make every experience I have count. I think it’s a positive thing to talk about past mistakes and how problem solving skills have helped you overcome things. It is also important to mention your motivations and aspirations, what I could bring to the team. Daniel mentioned the importance of body language and if they ask a question, always answer it, even if that means redirecting it. It’s good to share speaking points and stories, and remember that the interviewer is human too!

I am there to sell myself, show my worth and what I can do! Tell them why you want to work there! I will be confident, in a good way. Remember to try bring it back to why I would be the best person for the role. And always remember to use examples to back up my claims.

Having a portfolio, readily available to show them is essential, if meeting in person, bringing hard copies of sketchbooks would allow you to articulate conversation about particular projects and processes.

It is important to also have questions ready to ask at the end of the interview, just so they know you’re interested in the role.

Examples of question topics you could conclude on…

• The working environment
• Working practices – Variety, Creativity and Flexibility
• Team
• Salary and Benefits
• Opportunities and challenges
• Travel and Location
• A dog or pet (?)

Class Task – 

Today during class, Daniel put us into pairs and gave us a list of potential interview questions. Myself and Sarah paired together. Once we began interviewing each other, I noticed how nervous I was at the start. I was thrown in at the deep end and there were questions on there which  I didn’t necessarily think would be the type asked to me before. I realise also that I need to work on my awareness of the use of works… I need to work on cutting down on the “Like…” and “UMMM?”. I know this will also improve as the nerves disappear. This was a really good exercise to perform and I plan to use my sister to interview me to practice for the real things in the coming weeks. It was also interesting to hear Sarah’s approach to different questions. They have also inspired me and I now know what the best things to say would be, from noting Sarah’s feedback on my performance.

Reflection – 

I am nervous, however also still looking forward to the interview process. I know the steps I must take to prepare, I just have to have the belief in myself and understand that not every interview will go perfect, but that’s the best way for me to learn. I will keep my blog updated with little exercises I will be performing in order to get myself prepared for my interviews, so keep the eyes peeled…