Reply To: What’s your favorite Job Interview Question?

Well, Lao, I sort of disagree with you here.

Unless maybe you’re responding to an AD – that posts the salary range…..I don’t believe “money” should come up in the FIRST interview.  But, in the SECOND interview for sure.  Two interviews before you get an “offer” is not all that uncommon.

I remember many years ago, when my Dad owned his own Advertising Art firm.  He told me that he’d get young University graduates come interview with him for a job.  And, that the first things that some of them would ASK….were, how much vacation time do I get and how much will I get paid?  Those questions really put him off.  He was wanting to see their art portfolios and look for “potential”.  He wasn’t even all that concerned about their University grades or GPA, he wanted to know “if they could draw”.

I responded above……to Edward’s question.  I highly recommend the job interview book “HIRE ME” authored by Patricia Drain.  She’s an expert on job interviewing.  I was amazed at some of the things I learned in her book.  For instance….she said, that EMPLOYERS will decide whether or not to hire you within “6 seconds” after they first lay eyes on you. So, I think the author is saying….YES, First Impression very much matter!  Also, in her book, she discusses how to shake hands, how to and not dress, things to say and not say, mannerisms, sample job interview questions (in the back of the book), etc., etc.  She goes over everything you need to know.

Like I mentioned to Edward………EVERY LA Graduate should have a copy of “HIRE ME”…..because, you really have to “nail” those interviews….if you expect to have any chance for a job offer. 

And, if at all possible…..if an LA graduate manages to get a job interview in a fairly large city.  You might make some calls to other LA firms in the area….let them know you will be in the city on a certain date for an LA job interview…..and that you would very much like to interview with their firm too…..if possible, while you are in town.  This way, you save yourself “travel expenses”….and increase your chances of getting a “job offer”.  I believe, in most cases, entry level or fairly inexperienced LA’s…..normally pay their own travel expenses to and from a job interview.  Senior LA’s (often times) will have their travel expenses taken care of by the LA firm who is interested in them.  I had a situation like that several yrs. ago with EDSA…well, didn’t get the offer as another very experienced LA (with major Resort Hotel design experience got that job offer)…..but, EDSA flew me to Ft. Lauderdale twice – at their expense.  I still remember how great they treated me – very nice accommodations – round trip from Dallas….and I learned a lot just from those job interviews.

One last thing about “job interviews”.  The design “portfolio”. I don’t recall if the author of “HIRE ME” addressed this issue…..but, for designers (LA’s, Architects, Interior Designers, etc.), the portfolio is, I believe, a very important part of the job interview process!  It’s important to have a variety of outstanding “samples”…..of both computer software drawings & hand sketches or drawings.  But, ONLY include samples of your very best work…if the samples are NOT outstanding….they don’t belong in your portfolio.  This goes to the old saying “always put your best foot forward”.  LA firm Owners are searching for “potential”….and it seems like, these days, they are going after “the best of the best”.

The problem for an LA candidate answering the question “What is your expected salary?”…is, if you don’t give the “appropriate response”, it could cost you the JOB.  This is a difficult issue, but I think an employer will (hopefully) make a candidate an “offer”…..and they would have to decide if they were OK with the “salary”.  I think I would tell a prospective Employer, “I’m not focused on the salary as much as I am on learning, getting professional experience and contributing to the firm in any way I can”.  Put a positive spin on it. 

Kind Regards,

Bob