July 9, 200917 yr I got an interview at a web design agency place in Stoke, and couldn't be happier. As far as I can tell the company want me as they've been in correspondence with me for a good month or so, asked how much I'd want salary-wise and set up a meeting with Graduate Advantage (as far as I can tell they subsidise my pay so its cheaper for the company, bit of an incentive to get companies hiring graduates I think) to get the ball rolling. Now I've got to decide what to wear for the interview on Monday, I was planning on going in a suit. I know its probably not the norm for a web design job but I can't do any damage by over dressing can I?
July 9, 200917 yr There was a thread about the this the other week. Look smart, but not stuffy. Full suit may not be required, but I would expect a candidate to arrive in smart shirt, trousers and a nice tie (which if tied well can be done over an open top button). As already stated, there is no harm in going too smart rather than too casual, as you never what the attitude of the guy making the final decision is - if he's traditional, he will expect suited and booted as a matter of course. If he isn't, well, you've proved you take care of your appearance and are serious about making the right impressions.
July 9, 200917 yr I look at portfolio before clothes, as long as your half smart. its fine with me Reaper
July 9, 200917 yr What about Smart/Casual? A Casual long sleeve white/striped shirt with smart trousers?
July 9, 200917 yr Go down at 9am and scope out the joint, see what they are wearing 1st and copy. You can never tell what they are looking for in you, but near the top of the list will be will you fit in the team so you need to look like the team.
July 9, 200917 yr For the job I was offered this week I went to the interview in jeans, brown shoes and a blue shirt. It wasn't too smart, neither too casual. Personally I think that unless you wear suits a lot, it is a little too much for a web design/creative job interview.
July 9, 200917 yr I would always wear smart trousers and shoes! Never jeans... Its the norm... if they say a casual interview then ok jeans and a shirt
July 9, 200917 yr Author I'm gonna go in a suit I think . Any advice for a good question to ask, I always get stumped and usually just say "Nope, I think I got everything I need from talking with you" but it doesn't really come across too well I don't think.
July 9, 200917 yr If its a woman: Fancy a drink? If its a bloke: Any of your female staff single? Reaper
July 9, 200917 yr Think about what you want to know about the job, the company, and the people. There are all sorts to ask, just make sure you genuinely want to know the answer, though. They'll be able to tell if you're just asking for the sake of asking. Here are a few good ones I can think of: Where do they see the company in the next 5 years? What are the prospects of the position you're being offered? Do the staff get any incentives or benefits? Are there (m)any out-of-office activities organised by the company? What make this company different to the others in the area?
July 10, 200917 yr Think about what you want to know about the job, the company, and the people. There are all sorts to ask, just make sure you genuinely want to know the answer, though. They'll be able to tell if you're just asking for the sake of asking. Here are a few good ones I can think of: Where do they see the company in the next 5 years? What are the prospects of the position you're being offered? Do the staff get any incentives or benefits? Are there (m)any out-of-office activities organised by the company? What make this company different to the others in the area? I personally wouldn't ask these questions to some employers. Though I believe the company should do just as much for you as you're doing for it, you want to come across like they're getting the better end of the deal by hiring you. For example, instead of asking where the company will be in 5 years, tell them where you hope to be and what you hope to achieve in 5 years. Instead of asking them what makes their company different from others in the area, tell them what you think makes their company different (upon first impression). In their eyes, they're investing in you, not vice-versa. Some employers will be a lot more open and welcome such questions but the majority of the time, they could be perceived as inappropriate if asked out of context. The points not highlighted are brilliant questions. Anyway, these are just observations from experience (I've also had the pleasure to interview before).
July 10, 200917 yr I can see where you're coming from but I feel it's just as important to ask those questions you highlighted. Finding out the companies plan for the near future will give you a good idea about what prospects you've got in the company and where it's headed. For all you know they might not have a plan and could be going bust next year! I asked this question in my job interview last week and after a bit of banter about it being a tough question I got an amazing and thorough response. I feel the company have a solid plan for the next 5 years and that makes me even more excited about working there, albeit temporarily. As for the question about what makes them unique; it's a tough question and should only be asked if you have absolutely no prior knowledge about the company, although you could beg the question, 'Why are you going for a job if you don't know about the company?'. I didn't ask this question because the company's website covered everything but I've thrown it in there just in-case you don't already know. I don't agree that they are investing in you and not vice-versa. If the interviewers are human-beings then they should know that it's a big commitment to decide to work for someone. A prospective employee has just as much right to see if the company is a good fit as the company has a right to see if the employee is a good fit.
July 10, 200917 yr I don't agree that they are investing in you and not vice-versa. If the interviewers are human-beings then they should know that it's a big commitment to decide to work for someone. A prospective employee has just as much right to see if the company is a good fit as the company has a right to see if the employee is a good fit. I completely agree, that's how it should be. Unfortunately, it's just how things are. It doesn't mean they're not human beings, it just makes them tough. Look at it this way, there is so much demand for design and development jobs these days that employers have the upper hand. If somebody comes along for an interview and then decides not to take the job, the employer has a whole list of potential candidates with the same skills. The 2 points I highlighted would infact be good questions, if the job required an extremely qualified and experienced individual to work in a unique position for a huge corporation. In this case, the employer would understand that the level of investment is mutual. However, we're talking about a design agency in Stoke.
July 10, 200917 yr Hey I used to ask where they seen their company in the future in job interviews. They would always look at me with a blank expression, like huh, they arent supposed to ask that. I seen it as people love being asked about themselves, people like you if you get them to talk about themselves, it builds a bond... as long as you agree with them. Sure it takes a lot of balls to dive in with a slightly personal question, but you can charm them, make them feel relaxed and they will answer. In the end they feel like they know you better because they talked about themselves and give you the job, or me the job which was always the case. It also shows you care where you are going, your a forward thinker etc.
July 14, 200917 yr Author I got the job! However I'm on a trial period of 8 weeks initially where I'll be on barely above minimum wage . Oh, and for the record I wore a suit and it turns out the place has a smart casual attire.
July 14, 200917 yr Excellent news! The trial period things work both ways because you might not like it there. Well done
July 14, 200917 yr Well done, that's brilliant. Agree with Rob as well, a trial period can make life a lot easier for you if you decide you can't stand the sight of the place after a couple of months if it doesn't turn out to be what you expected. Just need to make sure you don't upset anyone during that time
July 14, 200917 yr Congrats! And now you can retire the suit to hang forgotten in some dark recess of your wardrobe.
July 15, 200917 yr Well done buddy, that's really good, especially in this time of economic uncertainty. Trial periods are a standard now-a-days, so you shouldn't worry about it too much, as long as you're hard working, always on time etc, then you'll have absolutely no problems.
July 15, 200917 yr Author Thanks for the congratulations everyone . Does anybody know if I can get away with a nice pair of jeans under smart-casual by the way? I don't really fancy wearing trousers to work every day? Congrats! And now you can retire the suit to hang forgotten in some dark recess of your wardrobe. Unfortunately I'll apparently have to wear it when meeting clients etc .
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