Assuming that you’ve sent in a CV (See tips archive for CV advice) and got an interview. Here are a some tips for getting your first job at a creative agency.
Do your research.
Wherever it is that you’re going? Find out about the company / people / their work, before you go. Otherwise how do you know if you’re going to like what you’ll be doing when you get there? Worse still, they ask you, “So what do you know about the company?”, you answer, “errrr- I was going to ask you”. Wrong answer, a little research goes a long way. It demonstrates your interest in the company and the fact that you want to work there. Plus, employers like nothing better than a little bit of flannel when it comes to their company, so ham it up!
Whatever happens, don’t be late!
If you can’t arrive on time for the interview, are you going to be in work on time?
Dress code?
Don’t overdress if you don’t have to, especially if you’re not comfortable wearing a suit, as you probably won’t have to wear one at work. You won’t feel comfortable in the interview and arguably won’t make the right impression. Check the form with the interviewer before you go, usually smart casual is fine.
Big isn’t always best
There are no hard n’ fast rules about this, but I think that big portfolios are cumbersome, bloody heavy and hard to work your way around when you’re in front of an interviewer. They put an uncomfortable space between you and the interviewer making it more difficult to really connect with each other and the interviewer engage in presentation of your work. Plus the weight of an A2 / A1 sleeve with mount board and the visual in it, usually means that when you open up your folio, the binder mechanism has opened and your sleeves fall all over the table. You start fumbling with it in a desperate attempt to hold it together, your sleeves are out of order, you’re flustered - not a great way to start.
A3 portfolios are more than big enough - you could even go to A4 if you’re brave enough.
Easier said than done
Try not to be nervous! If you’ve made it to interview, its a safe bet they like what you’ve sent them and its all done to whether you’re the right fit for the team.
Sell yourself!
Your ideas are your currency and we want to see you demonstrate this. It’s your work, you should be able to speak confidently about it. Sell the work as though you’re pitching it in to a client. As we’re looking to see whether you can present the work as well as produce it.
Good luck
