ASK HR: I don’t have samples of previous tasks, will this affect my interview outcome?
I do not have samples of my previous works in graphics design. I am worried that this could affect my interview. PHOTO| FOTOSEARCH
What you need to know:
- Do a background check of the potential employer through employees who work there or on their website.
- Most companies will display their values online and this will give you an idea of the expectation from you in terms of value system.
Do you have a question? Send it to our team: [email protected]
Q.I have been working as a freelance graphics designer for the past one year. I get my clients from online sites. As such, I don't get credits for the design work and I don't even know on which platforms they are used. Recently, I applied for a graphics designer job with a tile manufacturing company and I have been invited for an interview next week. I don't have any samples of published art work due to my nature of work. Kindly guide me on how to approach the question.
Well done for taking the initiative to use your skills to earn a living as you search for formal employment. This demonstrates that you are a natural fit for the profession you chose to pursue.
Candidates mostly focus on their technical competencies when preparing for interviews. What they don’t consider is other aspects of the interview. The technical competency is also assessed and the advantage you have is that your profession is applied, therefore most probably they will conduct a practical interview.
It is also an opportunity for the employer to assess if your personality will be a fit into the culture and value system of the organisation as well as to check your attitude and work ethics.
Do a background check of the potential employer through employees who work there or on their website. Most companies will display their values online. This will give you an idea of the expectation from you in terms of value system.
Relax, you already have a portfolio of the work you have been working on for the online clients. Print the work and create a physical and online portfolio. You can also consider opening a blog which is free for your work or a website. During the interview direct the interviewer to check online.
You can also request your online clients to direct you to the digital platform your work was used for the interview process. They should oblige. It would also be of great advantage to you if you understand the nature of graphics that you will be required to work on.
In my experience interviewing Graphic Designers, the ones who have impressed the panel are those who already understand media requirement and even have ideas on how to improve on our current designs.
Therefore, if possible look for the current designs used by your potential employer, so that during the interview you can give improvement ideas. This will definitely give you a competitive edge over other candidates.
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Do you have a question? Send it to our team: [email protected]
