Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Dressing appropriately doesn't mean that you should show up clad in a corpo-
rate uniform. Clients expect a creative person to “look” creative. Sharp, good-quality
clothes that telegraph a personal style are very acceptable for professionals in the arts.
Presentation do's
There are too many topics and job sites that offer hints on interviewing well to
list them here. One whose style and approach I like is
The Interview Rehearsal Book
(Berkley Trade, 1999), by Deb Gottesman. However, you don't need to read 100 pages
to make it through an interview without embarrassment. These commonsense hints
will help you support your portfolio with the presentation it deserves.
•
Face your audience.
Be familiar enough with your material that you can
concentrate on the people you'll be presenting to, not your screen. Avoid
turning your back while you present.
•
Speak up.
If people ask you to repeat what you've said, you are probably
talking too softly or quickly.
•
Make eye contact.
If you want to know whether you can work with them—
as well as whether they can work with you—try to catch your interviewers'
eyes occasionally as you speak.
•
Show interest and enthusiasm.
Energy and good humor can be infectious.
So can whining. Don't complain about your previous experiences, talk about
how hard it's been to find a job, or introduce any negative topics about your
past work experience.
•
Be proud of your portfolio.
Above all, never apologize for your work. You
can discuss design, financial or branding constraints, your client's specific
requirements, or problems and solutions, but never point out what's wrong
with a piece or with your skills. That isn't perfectionism—it's suicide.
Besides, by this time you should have eliminated from your portfolio any-
thing that doesn't reflect well on you.
•
Hand out a leave-behind.
Whether it be a disc copy of a portion of your
work, a PDF extract, or a small, printed sample that evokes one of your most
impressive projects, you are more likely to be remembered at the end of a
series of interviews if there is something tangible in your wake. Come pre-
pared with multiple copies...you never know who might have missed the pre-
sentation and might appreciate the chance to see what everyone else in the
office is talking about.
