Whether we’re just starting out or seasoned professionals, we’re all striving to find that dream design job. These days, not every job is advertised in a newspaper or on a website. That’s why it’s important to make as many connections as possible. Online communities such as Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook will help you interact with other designers. 

Posting links to your social network profiles also help you make connections with people, who until now will have been nameless and unknown. Before we can get the dream design job, we need to get our foot in the door with a successful job interview. The interview process can often seem an intimidating maze of challenges that can put you off applying in the first place. But that should never put you off pursuing your design ambitions.

If you’ve got the skills, and the right attitude, you deserve that job. The job interview should be easy; you are talking about the subject you know the most about — yourself. However, if anxiety, pressure and nerves get in the way, you might end up sending the wrong signals to your potential employer.

While there’s no miracle cure for being nervous, it helps to make sure you’re prepared. Design studios are looking for people who can add something new to their business. Though not at the expense of the job they want you to do. That’s why Company Folders has compiled this helpful infographic with 21 tips for a successful job interview. The infographic gives you pointers on what to do before, during and after an interview. So take a look below and start standing out from the crowd. You might be starting that dream design job in no time with these design interview tips.

21 best tips for success

Preparing for your interview

1. Dress professionally and make sure you are well-groomed.
2. Prepare your portfolio ahead of time and practice using it so that you know where everything is located.
3. Practice your answers, but don’t make them sound rehearsed — just focus on hitting the main points.
4. Do your research on the company and position that you’re interviewing for.
5. Bring any materials you may need including business card, résumé and portfolio.
6. Bring a notebook and a pen/pencil so that you can take notes or jot down questions.
7. Be on time — allow for extra travel time in case you get lost or run into traffic.

During the interview

8. Make a good first impression with a nice, firm handshake.
9. Be friendly, polite and remember to smile.
10. Display confidence through body language — don’t slouch in your chair or look down when speaking.
11. Speak loudly and enunciate when giving your answers.
12. Always try to frame your answers in a way so that they relate to the job and why you’re the best candidate for it.
13. Be honest — it’s better to turn down a job you’re not a good match for than to try to fake it until you make it.
14. Prepare yourself for curveball questions you didn’t train for — take your time answering.
15. Ask for some time to think if you need a second to formulate your thoughts.
16. If you’re unsure of what the interviewer is asking you, politely request a more detailed explanation.

After the interview

17. Thank the interviewer for his or her time.
18. Give the interviewer samples of your work if you have copies for them to keep.
19. Provide a good final impression with a nice, firm handshake.
20. Follow-up with a thank you email, letter or phone call.
21. Prepare for your follow-up interview, if applicable.

Source: http://www.companyfolders.com/blog/graphic-design-job-interview-tips-questions-answers#graphic