A design graduate’s guide to making a great first impression

Top 4 tips for overcoming interview hurdles

1. Get ready: Review your portfolioQUALITY NOT QUANTITY:

Only your top eight to ten projects should make it – you won’t have time to talk about any more.

BEST PIECE FIRST: First impressions count. Don’t leave the best till last,

it might never get seen.

SHOW ADDITIONAL SKILLS: Creative Suite skills are a given.

What other skills can you bring to the party?

2. Get set: Do a little researchPREPARE SOME QUESTIONS:

Have something to say. Asking questions shows you’ve taken time to research your potential employers.

BE PREPARED FOR CRITICISM: Take on board constructive criticism. Take it on the

chin, change for next time and use it to your advantage.

THINK COMMERCIALLY: Be aware that what makes a good college solution,

may not hack it in the real world.

3. Go, go, go: Interview etiquetteDON’T BE LATE:

Time is what we sell. If you get held up, call – we’re in the communication business.

DRESS SENSE: Be smart. It’s all about presentation, but don’t wear a

suit if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

LISTEN, CONSIDER, ANSWER: Don’t rush your answers. Relate them to your

experience and portfolio if you can.

4. Making an internship work for you MAKE AN IMPRESSION:

Doing good work isn’t enough. Make yourself available, ask to be involved in projects.

MAKE YOURSELF INDISPENSABLE: Become part of the team. Talk to everyone – from the

lowliest artworker to the boss.

LITTLE THINGS COUNT: Make the teas and coffees, even if you don’t drink them.

Be in on time and don’t leave on the dot.

Design interns this summer We’ve all been students and know how hard it is to

get that first bit of real world, hands-on design experience.

Are 2nd year design student or graduate? Have you got the skills, the thinking, the personality

and the stamina to immerse yourself in a busy studio environment?

Then we’d love to hear from you.

satellitecreative.com | dave@satellitecreative.com