As I was searching for topics to
blog about I came across ASID’s “Tips for Interior Design Graduates: What
Employees are Looking For.” ASID surveyed over 500 practicing interior
designers on two different occasions once in 2007 than a second time in 2011.
Their respondents answered a detailed and lengthy questionnaire concerning
their expectations and preferences when considering new graduates for positions
in their firms. Some of their comments, along with the most frequently provided
responses, are included in this packet.
The packet starts off with a
general overview of what employers are typically looking for in ideal
candidates. They list skills, personality traits, and experiences that are
preferred. It then switches to the portfolio and the many different options and
ways to go about displaying our work. These two topics are ones I feel we have
a good grasp on but I recommend looking over the recommendations listed anyways;
you might catch something you never considered before.
Although I found the section
covering resumes and cover letters very informative, I feel I got the most out
of “The Interview” section. They did a great job detailing possible interview
questions and ones we should prepare for:
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Why do you want to work here?
• What do you bring to the firm?
• What are your goals?
• What has been your biggest mistake/challenge so far and
what did you
learn?
• What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
Design Questions
• Describe your design process. Where do you begin?
• Why are you an interior designer?
• Tell me about your marketing skills. Business skills.
• What were your least favorite projects in school and
why?
• What sets you apart from other designers? Interpersonal
Questions:
• How would you handle a difficult client?
• Tell me about your people skills.
• Describe your work ethic.
• Do you feel comfortable presenting a project in a room
full of strangers?
• Is there work that you prefer not to do or would
consider beneath you to
do?
(www.totaljobs.com)
I think that acknowledging your challenges and failures as well as your successes is an important skill to master before interviewing. Sometimes learning from your mistakes is the best way to learn something new! I think that these tips are very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tara, and think acknowledging your failures is important! What stood out to me was the business and marketing skills. As a design major, I have never taken a business related course AT ALL at Purdue, which seems crazy. I really need to take the time to think about this question, because it will was through experiences that I have gained business skills, not education.
ReplyDeleteThis blog was a perfect blog to post, since its pertains to all of us starting to look for jobs. The questions that potential employers would ask us are questions i have never really though about and think its important to reflect on and take some time to think them out. It will only be a step closer in helping us in find out where we want to go in life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this Mackenzie! I think that often times the most daunting part of an interview is the unknown, like what kind of questions they are going to ask you. Obtaining a sample list and preparing answers to those questions is a really great way to feel more prepared, and I am definitely going to use that list from ASID to help myself practice.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great list to go over before and interview so you know how you'll want to respond to similarly worded questions. You don't want to be in an interview and taken off guard because you weren't expecting a similar type of question.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great post for all of us especially at a time when we are all job hunting and could potentially be sitting at an interview any time now. I think the questions in the article definitely push you to ask yourself who you are and what your strengths are.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, Mackenzie! Considering where we all our professionally, this is extremely helpful in order to push ourselves in the job market. It is always best to prepare before an interview and I definitely think you've provided a great start and insight into that.
ReplyDelete