Typical questions to prepare to answer Flashcards
Where are you from? Are you single or married?
You can redirect. Ask them if they are married, single. Oh, I see you have kids. You can refuse to answer. I have never gotten this question before. Can you explain why this is relevant to the position?
Tell me about yourself
I am a senior graphic designer / creative director who uses latest technology to build visual systems for small-medium size businesses since 2004.
Do you have any reservations on my qualifications?
Try to leverage or meet expectations with positive answer. Share your plan on how you plan to become proficient, if you don’t have the qualifications.
Why should we hire you?
This is your negotiation story.
- I previously accomplished (what you are looking for)
- I am bringing this value (what you need) to the table
- This is what I need (negotiate salary, vacation, time-off, etc)
- Exceed expectations (focus on your GALLUP strengths)
- Ask for (candidate’s strengths to have) about the job
Describe a time on any job in which you were faced with stressed which tested your coping skills. What did you do?
When I worked at Moffitt Cancer Center, I was leading the creative team during a period of change and growth. It was a time that challenged my coping skills. I listened to my meditation apps with hypnosis throughout the day as it helped me to stay focused and on track with my assigned tasks.
Tell me about a time in which you had to not finish a task because of a lack of information. How did you handle it?
When I worked at Moffitt Cancer Center, I put the task on hold, in a separate job jacket and I also highlighted the traffic report in grey. My color coded key help to keep track of the status of each job. I also placed a reminder in outlook to follow up with the client and touch base about their decisions to move forward with the task.
Give an example of a time in which you had to be relatively quick in coming to a decision.
When I worked at Fourthdoor Creative Group, I had to design advertisements for multiple publications: BLU Tampa Bay, South Tampa Digests and other digests. I had to move quickly and not overthink a design solution. I learned Adobe CS programs in greater detail so I could apply shortcuts into my routine.
Relate a time in which you had to use your verbal communication skills in order to get an important point across.
When I worked at Moffitt Cancer Center, I had to simplify my speech and implement talking straight to my staff. We were going through a period of change and there was a lot of questions about organization structure and project management. I had to ensure that the information was conveyed in a clear and accurate way.
Describe a job experience in which you felt you were able to build motivation in your co-workers or subordinates?
Working on AIGA board, I help to build motivation with my peers and colleagues. We have our monthly board meetings: I have to type up an agenda and submit meeting minutes. This helps to keep them motivated and feel valued assets to be on our board.
Give me an example of a specific occasion in which you had to conform to a policy with which you did not agree.
I did not agree with Moffitt Cancer Center’s copyright policy as I was not able to put any of the creative work in my portfolio. However, I reminded myself on a daily basis to not include my work in my book. Nor could I retweet any of their Moffitt videos to internal audiences.
Describe a situation in which you felt it necessary to be very attentive and vigilant to your environment.
Whenever I work in book publishing, such as Fourthdoor creative group or fullCircle catalog design I would not be able to shift task. I require an environment with minimal distractions so that I can focus on one task at a time and follow my checklist. I also do highlight once I made the edit required on the hardcopy.
Provide an example of a time in which you had to use your fact-finding skills to gain information for solving a problem.
When I worked at Moffitt Cancer Center, I had to do a lot of fact-finding to gain all the information to complete a creative brief. I would search for files on the server, contact the client for the final specifications for each job. I developed a project management system for the workflow process for creative services to help streamline the process of the full-life cycle of each project.
Give me a time in which you had to set an important goal in the past and tell me about your success in reaching it.
I had to improve my speed working on the computer in Adobe programs for the new CS versions. I continued to take online classes on Lynda.com and I was able to improve my performance substantially and I started to blog about it. I also added my skills to my resume and Linked In profile and I received many endorsements from my peers and colleagues.
Describe the most significant piece of writing which you have had to complete.
I have done some writing for my own marketing campaigns and for my freelance business. The copywriting which I developed help to build my brand image, persona, and drive traffic to my website and other social media applications. My SEO doubled immediately after I launched my self-promotional calendar, mouse pad and other promotional items.
Tell me an example of a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty in order to get a job done.
When I worked at Moffitt Cancer Center, I had to go on campus to meet with a client of clients in addition be always on call and ready for any emergency. I would often work from various locations utilizing my iPhone as my inbox. In addition, I stayed behind to finish my to do lists and prepare for the following day. Sometimes, I worked 12-hour days for the first 3-months to ensure that I was able to convey all the information necessary to provide a detailed report to my direct reports.
Can you tell me a time when you were able to ‘effectively read another person’ and guide your actions by understanding of their individual needs or values?
Can you tell me a time when you were able to ‘effectively read another person’ and guide your actions by understanding of their individual needs or values?
Can you tell me a time when you were able to ‘effectively read another person’ and guide your actions by understanding of their individual needs or values?
Can you tell me a time when you were able to ‘effectively read another person’ and guide your actions by understanding of their individual needs or values?
Can you tell me a time when you were able to ‘effectively read another person’ and guide your actions by understanding of their individual needs or values?
Tell me a time when you had to carefully analyze a solution in order to be effective in guiding your actions.
What single project or task would you consider your most significant accomplishment in your career so far?
When I lived in New York City, I worked solely on a project called Ten63 as a Senior Art Director. The rebranding was my idea, put the ten62 on an angle, the grid and gatefold brochure with triangular shaped flapped was designed with the idea of the triangular shaped building in mind. I project managed the account, collaborated with the production manager, creative director, production manager and account executive including the client during installation of the sales office displays, image selections and renderings of the interior.
Can you give me a detailed overview of the accomplishment?
Yes, I took over the account from a more senior designer. The client was ready to drop us as an agency because they did not get inspired by the creative. I was asked to ‘save the account’.
Tell me about the company, your title, your position, your role, and the team involved.
I worked at Posner advertising, Senior Art Director, reported directly to Creative Director and partners of the firm. The production, studio and traffic manager were very involved with each project management. Therefore, I only had to focus on designing the best product for the client and working on a good relationship with my account executive
TEN63.
What were the actual results achieved?
The sales office display opened up in time, the client was happy enough to want to see me afterwards and congratulate me on the artwork. The condominium building was selling and the real-estate agent was able to showcase the apartments for it’s worth.
TEN63: When did it take place and how long did the project take.
In 2006, 2007 and it took almost 3 months to complete.
What were the 3-4 biggest challenges you faced and how did you deal with them?
We had miscommunications on press and they had to reprint parts of the brochure. There were some problems with the sales office display signage not being delivered on time.
Where did you go the extra mile or take the initiative?
TEN63:
I spent extra time to build a walk through floor plan, interior sides of the sales office, with a person to show the scale of the design represented. I included the measurements of each panels/signs including the story of creative development
Describe your manager’s style and whether you liked it or not.
He was very open, warm and caring. He wanted to isolate each designer so they could focus on creating their own style or voice. I reacted better to group settings as it was more of a shared environment.
Describe the technical skills needed to accomplish the objective and how they were used.
Adobe CS3, Print production and client management skills. I had to produce the cover of the brochure as a duotone in Photoshop, I picked the paper and the metallic inks with the production manager. We had a lot of discussions with the triangular flap for the floor plan inserts. The client had specific needs like to show luxury, lifestyle and diversity. I had to ensure each product included the right amount of each category in my photo selections. I had to understand budget restraints for ex: no rights managed photography were used.
Some of the biggest mistakes you made.
I used a rights managed photography and the agency had to pay out of pocket.
Aspects of the project you truly enjoyed.
I truly enjoyed to see my own creative ideas come to live and become a brand through advertisement campaigns, brochures, sales office displays, etc.
Aspects you didn’t especially care about and how you handled them.
I did not care about the product management and I incorporated a lot of correspondence with the production manager including studio manager at the time.
How you managed and influenced other, with lots of examples.
I influenced my design partner to collaborate on a project in his own spare time. We helped each other learn more about our own creative process and how we would run our own business. We had to produce, execute and sell our ideas to the creative director.
How you changed and grew as a person.
I learned a lot about my own moral beliefs including partnerships at work, mentoring and peer friendships.
What you would do differently if you could do it again.
I would communicate more openly to my Creative Director if I suspect a problem at hand
TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF
I am a versatile graphic designer with 10 years of graphic design experience. I am conceptual with experience developing visual communications for identity programs and corporate marketing campaigns. Most recently, I collaborated with Riley Animation Studios on a business management book project. In addition, I worked as a Senior Graphic Designer, designing a series of advertisements from conception to publication at Rain Publishing Group for BLU Tampa Bay Magazine.
WHY SHOULD I HIRE YOU? OR WHY DO YOU WANT TO WORK HERE?
Talk about the interesting details of the job and why it fascinates you.
I feel that my proven track record leading multi-functional projects makes me an excellent match for the job requirements. Also, the role excites me because I love the idea of helping to develop cutting-edge design concepts that I know I could start delivery results from Day 1.
WHAT IS YOUR LONG RANGE OBJECTIVE?
I plan to be working at your company’s in 5-years as the Creative Director in the department.
HOW MANY OTHER COMPANIES HAVE YOU APPROACHED?
“Several for back-up, but this is where I really want to work, this is where my hopes are”
YOU SEEM TO SWITCH A LOT OF JOBS. WHY?
Job stagnation, demotions due to down-sizing, career exploration, a short-lived personal problem, or having made a bad choices.
HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO WORK HERE?
“A long time. This is the job I’ve been hoping for.”
HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION PREPARED YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
When I was a student at MICA we studied a lot of typography and design assignments and researched a ton of concept solutions.
ARE YOU A TEAM PLAYER?
Yes. My last employer wrote a letter of recommendation about my team player skills.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CONFLICT WITH A BOSS OR PROFESSOR?
Sure, we had disagreements. But we worked well together. For example: I managed his start-up company, Tampa Bay Stock Images, during a slow period. I retouched all the photos, uploaded to the database and coordinated production with his intern.
WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE ABOUT THAT JOB?
I would have wanted more ownership in my projects as I did working at Posner Advertising. Having responsibilities and being acknowledged when the job is done right.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESSES?
I am accused of being a workaholic. I like to stay and get caught up on the odds and ends before I go home.
HAVE YOU BEEN EVER FIRED FROM A JOB? WHY?
I usually get along with everyone and my co-workers and mentors in my career told me that I am good with people. However, I couldn’t get along with my ex-manager and we were not able to make things work.
IF I WERE TO ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO DESCRIBE YOU, WHAT WOULD THEY SAY?
I am a very positive person and they miss it in the office
WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU FEEL A SUCCESSFUL MANAGER SHOULD HAVE?
Strong communication skills. A sense of transparency, coaching skills and openness.
WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?
I am good with people, versatile with a lot of tenacity.
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
I am looking for a full-time graphic design opportunity to grow and develop as a web and graphic designer. I am entrepreneurial and driven with an active interest in insurance business. I want to be part of a team that can challenge my leadership skills at every level and every opportunity. Therefore, I am seeking a position with a company that is people and technology driven with wellness initiative to become healthier.
I want to take lead on cutting-edge design projects, developing marketing strategies and manage successfully my projects with teams. I am interested in good design and quality graphics. I am looking for an opportunity to experience building and running processes for content production for websites like I did at Eurasia Group. I have always had an interest in deep business literacy and I publish my own blog about best practices with excerpts from the Harvard Business Review. In addition, I would like to integrate my project-management and time- budget estimating skills into my next job. Become a strong leader in my industry, coordinate and manage projects and presentations. Help effectively solve problems including asses situations diagnostically by evaluating my options before I make decisions.
Why do you want this job?
Because I am really good at it: I enjoy developing print collateral with experience in advancing brand strategy and implementing visual identity systems for large corporations, non profits and small businesses. I am committed to improve my own leadership, business management and communication skills. I coordinate my production for my projects from conception through implementation. I want the Graphic and Web Designer job at Bankers because I have an interests in deep business literacy in law as I publish my own blog about articles highlighted on Harvard Business Review. I find the work most stimulating because I can incorporate traditional and print formats, and provide quality control.
I have worked in-house as a graphic designer for many years and I was responsible for the operational and marketing side of how a business should run. I would like to take on more responsibilities and parse business editorial and data content into my day. I have strong communication and teaching skills. I would like to have something secure, stable in the corporate world that protects the rights of elderly.
Why are you the best person for this job?
I am the best person for this job because I am really good at it. I have excellent project management and time and budget estimating skills. I want to be part of a well-rounded company that is self-serving. I am a diagnostic problem solver and I strive to achieve distinctive and lasting client impact. I have a tremendous amount of tenacity to make a personal impact by addressing conflicting points of views and building trusting relationships. I lead people in the design industry as a board member of AIGA and I foster productive teamwork in my own profession. Because of my perseverance, stubbornness and persistence, I have the ability to successfully manage disperse team and resources across multiple projects.
What applicable experience do you have?
I have very good communication and management skills. Shortly after I graduated, I started my first job as an independent in-house graphic designer at Hospitality Services Incorporated. Here, I helped to produced schematic design proposals for an interior design firm that designed food courts at malls and airports. I successfully managed their projects on my own and I developed their creative team before I took on an opportunity at a firm in New York. I continued to work as solely in-house graphic designer at a global risk analysis firm called Eurasia Group. I produce marketing materials for their two locations including maintain and update their website during a restructuring. At Posner Advertising, I spearhead several complex projects from conception through implementation including content production for websites.
Why are you interested in this job?
I feel that my proven track record leading multi-functional projects makes me an excellent match for the job requirement. Also, the role excites me because I love the idea of helping to develop cutting-edge design concepts and I know I could start delivering results from Day 1.
I want to be part of a place that value performance, collaboration, social responsibility and trust in their organization. I can learn from some of the most influential leaders in the world of finance such as Bankers Financial Group. I have good problem solving, achieving, personal impact and leadership skills which I want to implement and improve in my day to day activities.
What can you contribute to this company?
I am a hard worker with experience to get things done efficiently. I can contribute my organization skills and ability to work well in a group. I have the experience, contacts and knowledge to contribute to the rapid growth of business.
I have vision. I am experienced in the areas the company needs to grow and my ability to plan ahead with facilitate that growth.
I bring many years of in-house design experience. Calm under pressure with strong communication skills. I can wear many hats. I have a lot of experience with brand management. I am connected in the design community. My strong leadership skills and ability to successfully manage a team and resources across multiple projects. I show a lot of initiative in a deadline driven environment. I am familiar with Eloqua and MarkeTo which I can study to implement into my daily routine.
What do you know about this company?
Founded in
CEO’s story
XXXX employees.
Private or public.
Mission statement
Tagline
Service or product
Why do you want to work for this company?
This is not only a fine opportunity but it is a place where my qualifications can make a difference. I see this position as made to order for me. It contains a challenge to keep me on my toes which I look forward to when I get up in the morning. The team I will work with looks terrific. I want to be part of a company that is family based, people driven company with cultural openness. I would like to integrate my thirst for learning about risk analysis and business language in my spare time and turn my hobby of writing about investment decisions and integrate into my day. The work I find very stimulating because it includes my writing in business with design management.
Describe a stressful situation where you demonstrated coping skills.
If it is a stressful situation that you need resolved immediately, I will usually stop everything, grab my notepad and ask you diagnostic questions like why do we have to do this, what is the problem, what is the realistic goal, do we have everything in place to get this done on time. I would implement a strategy and a follow-up with you about what did occur and what problems or concerns we have at that point. And how we can solve the problems and move forward.
Tell me about a challenge you have faced and how you approached it.
I moved from Durham to Tampa to be closer to my family. I spent four months looking for work when I started working at Fourthdoor the owner of the company requested to keep good track of my time as he had to bill the client based on our time. I noticed I was a bit slow on the computer and I started taking online classes on Lynda.com to increase my speed. It helped me to change my behavior and I continued studying my classes, during my time of unemployment, reconnect and distribute PDF files to other peer designers, it is personal goal to review my shortcuts and brushen up on illustrator, photoshop, in design before I start my next job
Give me an example of how you have set goals and achieved them.
When I worked at Fourthdoor Creative Group I had to do a lot of photo retouching and produce a website and simultaneously worked on advertisements for their publication. Everytime I would stop to do another action I would write down my time. It was required to track your time and I became really good at taking notes of what I was doing at every minute during the day.
At the GSUSA, we were hired as freelance designers to come on board during a restructure. It was very stressful because we were between SVP of marketing. But we were given a lot of creative freedom and we were able to collaborate with all departments to create a modern logo for their convention to create a stir within the organization for the council members. The convention created the shift or tipping point for their rebranding. We had to come together as freelance graphic designers and working together as a team to produce all the elements for their advertisement campaign for their convention. It was quite successful. They were able to rebrand themselves quickly and smoothly.
Tell me about a time you have disagreed with someone and how you have handled it.
Well when I worked in NY it was valued to work in an organization and speak up. Because I worked in-house it was crucial to address any conflict before we could design print media. I usually had to educate why it is important to have a lot of white space. If I worked with a client I would tell him: “Professionally speaking, I do not think this is good for your visual identity and it will fragment your brand. But I will make this edit for you. However, I do recommend a simpler solution and tell them this is the solution you are looking for”
In advertising: He asked your opinion everyday. I might not always know the best solution but I will perhaps let you know if there is a better solution.
Tell me about a time you showed an imitative
Well, I was unemployed for a year and I started to show initiate in developing my interest in the arts. I started volunteering as a graphic designer at Straz Performing Art Center; I volunteered at the Gasparilla Art Festival and I am now on their t-shirt committee. I also started to write about what inspires me as a designer and I am now the director of marketing on AIGA in Tampa. I have found everything I have done during my transition is what I want to do in my next job.
Describe your best experiences working in a team:
I worked as a Senior Art Director at Posner Advertising. What was really great was my Creative Director was very open, supportive with creative staff and he mentored us during conception and implementation in production materials. He made sure everyone could play well together. He also taught us about how good communication skills can save the day and your project. It was why I received a gold star during my performing review and I was always involved in the client meetings, invited to the photoshoots. He wanted to introduce the person behind the talent and creative materials.
Describe the worse experience with a colleague:
Show how you tried to get along with colleague
When I worked at Fourthdoor Creative Group they were going through a transition. I worked with a few disgruntle employee and we also had a new operational manager that caused a lot of office politics and gossip. I tried to stay focused and I tried to get along with the negative people. I coached them through the day because they were my neighbors.
Tell me about a time you persuaded and motivated someone:
When I worked at Fourthdoor Creative Group and fullCircle I was working with a team of two designers. I motiviated both teams to perhaps work with each other and they were very inspired and the designer at fullCircle might actually work with Fourthdoor.
How do you work best on a team?
Management and graphic design, printed and digital. I am a strong collaborator, very involved from conception through production. I want to partner up with a marketing communication manager for arts organization. When I worked at GSUSA, I worked on a team of three graphic designers and I collaborated directly with the SVP of Marketing. We produced an entire campaign in-house as freelance graphic designers. I work hard and am ambitious. I want to collaborate and brainstorm during any meeting with you. In addition, I do communicate and coordinate my projects from beginning and ending stages. I work best when I work independently and collaborate with other designers. I work best if I see the big pictures especially if I run my projects from beginning through all stages of production because I want to maintain the brand to make sure it is consistent.
How do you handle disagreements with colleagues?
In my professional opinion, I do not necessary agree with you. I can see your point of view.
What type of supervision do you like?
I want a supervisor that is more involved, a mentor that help me grow and develop, as I take the reins in my role in the organization.
How would you take initiatives in the organization?
I would probably start with Carrie Olin about the basic functions of the project. I would request a creative brief and if I do not I would ask my diagnostic questions: who, why, how, when, what it will be using for? Target audience? I have to do my research and take that iniative before I start the design process. I can then steer the project.
How do you handle stress?
I am calm under pressure. If I do a task that requires a lot of focus or attention to detail I would listen to mediation through my iphone. I might have to take a break every hour or two if it requires a lot of proof reading. I do make it a habit to take 1 hour lunch break and I go for a walk during my lunch hour. I try not to worry too much about work when I do my task at hand.
What would do if you know you cannot make a deadline?
I would request from client or update Carrie Olin every Friday about my status of my projects and deliverables. I will let her know if I need any additional time so she can plan and coordinate with other departments. If she not able to extend, I would stay after hours to meet it. If we are not able to meet I will let Carrie know.
Describe the ideal work environment.
Working at a nonprofit in arts community, take on managerial role, be a graphic designer, coordinate projects from conceptual through production, produce campaign materials and books for an organization I believe in and I want to support. It would keep me on my toes, ensure future generations to enjoy legacy to celebrate human spirit, Integrate volunteer work into my profession.
How would set your priorities at work?
I have noticed in the past everything is a priority. I would start to ask a bit more diagnostic questions like how is this more important? What is the deadline? Who is involved? I would then make my decision based on the research I have gathered. Which one is a little more on the back burner and which one will be delayed if I do not start the design process. I would try to find a little bit of research, a little bit of police-ing and then implement and start design process.
Walk me through your resume. Why are you right for the role in organization?
I have 10 years of professional experience as in-house graphic designer. I am self-motivated, liaison with all printing vendors. Conceptual. Diagnostic problem solver. Cross-platform. I collaborated with Riley Animation on a book project, develop campaign materials at Creative Loafing and Straz Performing Art Center. Developed campaign for many non-profits called Girl Scouts of USA, FEDEX Cares and United Way. Author of my own blogsite. I write articles about the HBR best practices and I managed multiple projects with every job I had.
Tell me about yourself. Same as above. State interest in position.
I am graphic designer, I design visual identity systems for start-up entrepreneurs and non-profits in New York City, Baltimore, Durham and Tampa. I have worked in-house for almost 10 years. I am self-motivated and strong interest in business literature because I have an interest in helping people.
Why are you interested in the position?
I would like to be challenged to improve my strong communication and leadership skills everyday.
There is a gap in your last two jobs. Why?
I continued working as a freelance graphic designer and I volunteered in the graphic design community. I continued volunteering for non-profits and the arts community.
Ease their fears by restating commitment.
Tell us about the leadership in the volunteering.
Currently, we are in the process of developing marketing materials for their events. I have to conceptualize and devel op logos for their event. Implement marketing and social media marketing campaigns. Coach fellow designers on best design solutions and places to meet.
Tell me about yourself
I am an excellent graphic designer with a strong attention to detail and I can relate best to other peers of my age. My focus lies with team building and developing result-driven creative solutions.
Result-driven
Detail –oriented
Positive
Pro-active
Calm
Perseverance
Persistence
Problem solver
Engaging
If you were a tree… what would you be?
A big oak tree is more financial. A bamboo is more innovative and entrepreneurial.
What is the percentage of your body language vs your words that do people pick up during interview?
93% is body language
7% is words
What type of body language and words do people pick during interview?
- Posture: lean forward
- Mirror interviewer
- Proper 5 second eye contact
- Voice, tone + pitch
- Body language
You don’t understand the question. How would you ask to clarify?
I hear you are saying…(paraphrase)
Is this correct? Is there more?
Does this answer your question?
How would you handle an illegal question such as age, sex, gender or race?
I can do this and that very well
This is a question I haven’t gotten before. Why do you ask?
Oh, I see you have kids.
What type of questions can you ask about job responsiblities?
- What is the expected career path of a graphic designer with this company?
- How will production VS creative art direction be distributed?
If you would ask 5 questions in an interview. What would it be?
- Ask about the company’s organizational structure, management style and culture
- Why is this position open? Why last person left?
- What is expected career path and assignment of work?
- How will my performance be evaluated?
- Do you have any hesitations on my qualifications?
- Next steps
How would you handle unexpected questions that throw you off?
Can I have a minute to think?
So, I hear that you are.. Is this correct?
Does this question answer you?
Name 6 best practises for a phone interview.
- Use a landline
- Leave call waiting off
- Quiet space
- Speak clearly
- Smile in mirror
- Is this what you are asking?
What are 2 things you need to think about during an 1-on-1 interview?
- How do I fit in this role? Organization and culture?
- Can I support them in their mission and values?
What are some things your interviewer will think about?
- How did you behave in the past? Or will in the future?
- How did you solve problems? How would you?
- What you mentioned in your resume and skills
Basically, they review you on how you assess skills to see if you are culturally fit.
