preparing for an interview

Interviews are an integral part of the job search process, and rather than a stressful experience they should be viewed as a forum to exchange information in an interactive conversational manner.

Interviews are somewhat like giving a presentation: if it is to be informative and successful, you must be prepared - and arriving with a composed, self-confident, enthusiastic attitude can help you show the employer your readiness to do the job.

Here are some tips on how to win the role:

Do your research about the company

Never walk into an interview without knowing about the products and services provided by the company.  There are a numerous ways to research this information (eg. company website, store visits, published materials, industry contacts, your recruiter, etc).  Find out about its corporate culture and future projects so that you can demonstrate how you can contribute to the company as it continues to grow.  Have a solid understanding about its mission and values so that you can inquire about the company's aims.

Be knowledgeable about the industry segment the company serves.  Research news, developments and competitors.  If you are, for example, going to an interview at a swimwear company, you should know who the other key players are in that market.

It shows hiring managers that you have done your homework well before you came to the interview and therefore you will do your projects well if you are hired.

Plan your schedule

Find out the exact location of the office where you will be interviewed and make plans to arrive at least 5 minutes before the interview.  If you must, look up bus & train schedules or plan alternate routes if you anticipate traffic jams.  It is impossible to recover from a late arrival at your interview, so avoid being late altogether.  If you are delayed call and let them know, - ask if it is still convenient.  Late arrival or a ‘no show’ is inexcusable.

Dress stylishly & appropriate to the company
 
Remember, if you are working in the fashion industry (or planning to), it is important to look the part.  Dress in a way that represents your style, but is in keeping with the company’s culture.  A rule of thumb is to dress a notch above your normal work attire.
 
In this industry corporate environments are few & far between (& really only apply to the major wholesale & retail groups).  However in these instances when going for an interview, both men and women should wear a suit – albeit a stylish one.

Alternatively, if you are a fashion student your own personal look is as much a part of selling yourself as your portfolio and credentials.  For the interview, take care to dress in a look similar to that of the brand or manufacturer.  You don't have to dress in its label or at the same price range, but do try to capture the look.  If you have designed and produced the garment you are wearing, you have one more example with which to sell yourself.

Rehearse 

Prepare a list of interview questions you can expect to be asked at an interview.  Know what you are going to say before the interview.  To be best prepared, write down your answers, and go over the information several times the day before the interview. 

Ask a friend or relative to assist as you practice answering those questions in a mock interview.

For some examples of Behavioural Interview Questions click here >>

Despite all the practice, however, always anticipate questions you did not expect to be asked. Such questions help to demonstrate your adaptability and ability to think on the spot.

Prepare

If you are going through a recruiter, then make sure you get a detailed job description on the role.  Read through it carefully & be clear on how your own experience relates to the role.

Go over your own resume thoroughly and prepare to be asked for a brief run down on your work history. 

Prepare two or three questions to ask the interviewer.  The questions should seek some specific information about the responsibilities of the job, future projects, and organisational structure.

Make sure you:

• Don’t answer questions by simply saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’.  Explain wherever possible & tell them things about yourself which relates to the position.
• Don’t ramble.  If you are person who likes to talk a lot, stick to the point & be sincere.
• Don’t ever make derogatory remarks about your former or present employers or companies.
• Don’t give away confidential information about previous companies.
• Don’t talk salary, holidays, etc on your first interview unless you are directly asked.
• Don’t leave your mobile phone on.  Always turn it OFF.  It is extremely distracting and shows that you are not paying respect and attention to the job at hand.

Portfolios

Traditionally, portfolios are used by designers when going for interviews.  A portfolio is simply a collection of work that displays your breadth of skills.
 
When showing your recruitment agent you should bring a wide variety of work to give them a broad overview of your skills.  When going for employer interviews, you should gear your portfolio according to what is relevant for the role & their area of the market.

Some companies may also set a small project with creative roles for those on the short-list, to further assess your suitability for the position and understanding of their market.

Increasingly, for ‘non creative’ roles portfolios can also be used to assist in presenting to future employers.  In this case they are professional looking documents that illustrate and substantiate your work experience, accomplishments, and educational training. These documents can include projects, photos, reports, awards, letters of thanks, and transcripts.

Practice showing your portfolio.  Make sure you can open it or set it up with ease. Be prepared to talk your way through the presentation of its contents.  Plan to leave a copy of an excellent design sample with the interviewer.

Closing the Interview

• Always conduct yourself as if you’re determined to get the job you are discussing.  Never close the doors on an opportunity.  You never know, you may be offered a better position than the one you are discussing – it’s happened before.  Leave the interviewer with a good impression regardless.
• Ask (if you haven’t been told) what the process will be after the interview has been completed.
• If you are interested in the position – Ask for it!  Ask for the next interview time if the position demands it.
• If the position is offered to you & you want it – accept on the spot.  If you want time to think it over be courteous and tactful in asking.  A safe guide for reply is within 24 hours.
• If you feel the interview is not going well or that the interviewer is painting a dreadful picture of the position – don’t be discouraged.  Sometimes interviewers do this to test your reaction.
• Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration of you.

After the Interview

• If you are going through a recruiter, then call them straight after the interview with your feedback.  They need to speak with you before they follow up with the employer.
• If you have applied directly to the company then follow up with a thank you letter / email.

If you don’t get the job – chalk it up to experience and move on to the next job opportunity.  Don’t let it set you back.  Interview skills are learned and developed through experience, so don’t dwell on your failures – but do learn from them!