Don’t worry, it was only on screen, but it was a first. I’ve been conducting a number of interviews this past week, and it’s certainly reminded me of the value of interview skills and preparation.
First impressions
It’s really blown me away the mistakes some people insist on making during an interview even though there is a wealth of coaching available for free online even when common sense doesn’t prevail. For example, you better do your homework on the company your applying to.
When you are asked what you how you can make a contribution to the company, don’t answer a question with, “What is it you guys do exactly?”
When I pick up on this weakness immediately, and I will, and ask what you know about my company, the correct answer is not, “Well, I haven’t really spent much time on your site…”
And, please, have a good answer ready for why you want to work for [company name]. This is not the time to discuss how bad the economy is and how unemployment has affected you.
It’s a good thing the interviews I’ve been conducting this past week were all on the phone because my face has been screaming “What? Seriously?” on a too many occasions.
I guess there is a first time for everything
I can’t believe I’m even typing this, but if you’re applying to a web designer position, have a web design portfolio ready to show.
One applicant didn’t and that’s how I got a gun pulled on me. I asked for samples and was emailed during the call with a portrait of a person holding a gun at the camera with some Photoshop filters. Can’t say I’ve ever had that happen before.
Thug life
Your portfolio should as much as possible, reflect client work, not personal projects. Yes. I am interested in your pet projects and hobbies. But. I want to see your client work first. I don’t want to hear excuses about how clients ruin all your work. You need to succeed with clients, perhaps even in spite of them. That’s what you’re being hired to do. After you’ve proven you can bring the best to professional projects, then by all means, show me your photography collection or comic books you’ve drawn. I really do appreciate when people have a passion for design outside a professional setting.
In defense of the person who sent me the gun pic, they did follow up with a much more professional, online portfolio at my suggestion.
In the meantime, keep it holstered.
