Interview Skills

Interview skills are perhaps something we take for granted especially once you have undergone quite a few and have been successful. However it is good practice to re-visit skills and methods to keep ideas fresh and it is never to late for improving.

This image shows the findings within a group exercise, discussing the good and bad experiences of interviews. There were quite a few different ages within the group which led to a good and varied input. I felt that along with research and presenting yourself in a good manner, listening during an interview came out as an important point to remember.







Interview Preparation discussed with John Kiely
As part of interview skills practice, we interviewed our group tutor with questions to form a constructive picture of what to expect and how to present ourselves in the best way.
Questions and Answers:
1) What format should we use for a portfolio? (photo book or wallet etc)
Formal portfolio case - box or case also take a photo book to leave with the interviewers
2) Is a contact sheet appropriate with my contact details?
No, a book with details as mentioned above
3) What size should we print our images and how to mount, framing and mounting colour?
A3 or A4 mounted to A3 and as a rule, a black mount is standard
4) What research do we need to evidence and how to go about it - existing practitioners?
Research the job and specific jobs or projects the company have done, looking at websites they use. It is a good idea to research current billboard and adverts - who has taken them?
5) Do we need to be sequential with our portfolio?
There should be a beginning, middle and end (using GOAL POST strategy). Short collections of images are best, the whole set doesn't need to be sequenced.
6) Should we include a weak piece of work to show reflective practice?
If a weak piece is included it shouldn't be too weak and we must be able to analise it properly.
7) How smartly should we dress?
Casual smart is best, not in a suit but it does depend on the job you are going for.
Extra advice from John:
Take charge of the interview
Expect the unexpected questions 

Interview Evaluation
My own most recent experience of an interview which, was approximately two years ago, is fortunate enough to have been a successful one but also provided me with quite a learning curve. After applying online for a job at a local supermarket, I found myself attending for an interview within a few days. This didn't leave me much time to research the company and as I didn't now anybody else who worked there, I couldn't ask for advise on how best to present myself to them. The initial interview turned out to be quite a large group interview, something I haven't experienced before. It was less intimidating than a  personal one to one interview but was also quite nerve wracking in a way, knowing that you are being observed on your interactions within your designated peer group and I was very aware of not 'taking over'. I later found out during a feedback session that I had performed extremely well in this group situation and this had led to me being offered a choice of positions. The following personal interview also went well and I felt better prepared for it however on reflection I would have preferred to be better informed for any interview if only to make me feel less anxious and make it a more positive experience. Preparation before an interview not only makes you look more professional and eager but also helps to make you feel more confident in yourself, knowing you will have something constructive to say.