How to prepare for your interview.
Simon Hamilton
How to get prepared for your interview and make it fun
Simon Hamilton talks through his best tips on how to prepare for an interview in the design industry, and how to make the often nerve-wracking situation, a fun and positive experience.
Planning your attendance
When getting ready for your interview, it’s important to be organized so that you can get the best from it and enjoy yourself.
If you are having an online interview, it’s still important to be presentable and ready to talk about yourself and your experience. Try to get things ready at least 1 or 2 days before.
If you are going to a design office or studio, do your research. Find out exactly where you are going and the travel options. Will the bus be better than the underground or train, or should you book a taxi instead? Check Google maps, TfL and any other websites for updates. Also check the weather forecast in case it’s going to be bad weather, and find out about any parking cots or restrictions if you are driving.
Choosing what to wear
Getting your clothes ready can be fun. Just think about what you might wear for a special occasion and you are nearly there. For example, you don’t need to be as formal as choosing a wedding outfit, but perhaps choose a similar outfit to what you might wear for a birthday lunch in a posh restaurant.
Presentable clothes that reflect your personality. It's the chance to look smart and professional. Avoid wearing lots of jewellery or visible piercings as they can be distracting.
If you’re not used to wearing a suit or a dress, then don’t. It’s much better to be yourself and wear a combination that suits you. I like to wear strong colours like orange, bright yellow and sky blue, as these reflect my personality and make me feel happy and positive. However, I always make sure they suit me and the colours coordinate together. After all, you are a creative person, so this can be expressed in your clothing.
I will often mix a smart dark blue or dark green suit with an open white shirt, no tie and a bright patterned pocket square. I finish my outfit off with a pair of bright yellow, clean and smart trainers. Sometimes I wear polished black shoes with plain dark coloured socks. I also make sure to wear a simple coat that will keep me warm or prevent me from getting wet.
Avoid anything that is worn out, doesn’t fit you or makes you feel uncomfortable. Wear footwear that is clean, comfortable and smart. Don’t wear brand new shoes as they might be a little tight or need wearing in. Take a smart case or bag with you for your belongings, laptop or iPad, portfolio and your printed CVs. This will give a very good first impression and keep everything to hand and accessible.
Getting prepared
If going out for an interview to an office or studio, then make sure you know where you are going and whom you are meeting. Check their name and position before you go to the interview. I have often been seen by someone who is not the person that I applied to because they are in a meeting and will join in, if possible, later on.
I always arrive at least 15 minutes before an interview, so that I can be sure I am relaxed and not hot from traveling. I take a look in a mirror or at my phone and make sure I look presentable.
Knowing what to do when the unexpected happens
Sometimes things happen which are out of your control. There may be transport problems or bad weather issues. That is life. Please do your best to be on time and allow enough time to arrive, relax, and check your clothes before you go into the building, venue or meeting place. If you are delayed then call, email or message the company. Try to communicate somehow as soon as possible. Or phone ahead to apologise.
In the past I have called reception to say that “Hello its Simon Hamilton here. I have a meeting with such and such, but unfortunately, I am delayed. Please could you pass on my apologies.”
I reassured them that I was on the way and gave an estimated time of arrival or ETA for short. That way they knew that I was still coming and they were much more sympathetic.
What to take
It may seem obvious, but take your portfolio with you, as a PDF, so you don’t have to download it or rely on an internet connection in the interview. Always take 2 copies of your CV, printed on good quality paper. The interviewer may not have your CV to hand, so help them to know who you are. It’s a good place for them to write notes about you during your interview.
Don’t forget to take your proof of identity and a bottle of water with you too!
During the interview
I like to have a few questions ready which shows that I am interested and have done my research.
You can ask about the company, the type of projects, culture, responsibilities, staff training, social activities, the team structure and the rough timescale to hear back.
How often do the teams get together to review workload and what is happening in the business?
How often do junior staff get an opportunity to contribute and what other incentives do you offer?
What is the potential for career development and growth within the company and how do you demonstrate this?
If they have covered most of your questions then ask them something. e.g. “What does the next stage of the interview process involve?” - which means they will know you are interested. This can make the difference between being just another candidate or the person they remember.
Feel free to contact Simon Hamilton and his team via email if you have any questions about the information above.