Preparation will make all the difference! Meticulous preparation is your strength! A lot of Designers do a sloppy job and don't care prepare well enough…
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‍❶ Truly Research the company: 🔍Take the time to truly dive into the company's world: explore their website, examine their work and products, read through the About page, connect on Linkedin, and follow them on social media. Understand their journey, mission, and vision. ✏️ Grab a pen and document notes, thoughts, and ideas - anything that might prove valuable in your interview. Job descriptions, often overlooked, can be a goldmine. Unpack them, understand their needs, spot responsibilities, memorize keywords for the interview. 🤝 This level of preparation can significantly boost your chances.
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❷ Questions & Perspective Shift: 👀 Try to think from the perspective how you can help the company in the best possible way and  put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. Prepare for expected questions and think of how you can make the biggest impact. Anticipate and mitigate potential surprises by being well-prepared. (We'll dive deeper into this later)

❸ And don't forget about Compensation: 💰 Do your homework and research competitive salaries so you can set anchors during the call, knowing your range and negotiate.

Your presentation starts well in advance in the Preparation phase. Pre-select projects you believe are most relevant and prepare your pitch:

👉 Storytelling: 🗯️ Your portfolio isn't just a showcase; it should be a collection of compelling narratives. 👀 Categorize your case studies into different buckets, showcasing different aspects of your expertise. For example you have one project you are proud of because of the creative approach, another one for the results it drove. Transform your projects into engaging stories that capture the interviewer's attention.

👉 Details matter: When presenting your work, clearly define your role in each project. Highlight results, the project complexity and key achievements incl. metrics(numbers). 👁️ Very importantly— be prepared to talk about details, showcasing work in progress or early concepts. Your approach, your thinking can make the difference. Don't be afraid to discuss what went well, what didn't, and showcase your ability to analyze, optimize and learn from experiences.✨

You need to practice, practice and practice. It's a muscle. Treat it like a skill that needs honing.

Self Presentation: Craft a brief yet impactful self-presentation that highlights your strengths and sets a positive tone.

❶ Questions: 🗯️ Test yourself. Think of questions related to you projects and develop concise, compelling answers tailored to the job / company you apply for. Be prepared for possible surprises. ✨ We'll cover a list of most common questions in another episode.

❷ Storytelling: Hone your project storytelling skills to narrate your design journey effectively. Tailor these narratives to showcase how your experiences align with the job you're pursuing.

❸ Mock Interviews: 🗯️ Engage in mock interviews in front of a mirror, with peers or mentors. 📣 Seek feedback and refine your responses. This preparation not only boosts your confidence but also ensures you're ready to articulate your design process, achievements, and problem-solving skills effectively during the real interview.

❹ Negotiation Skills: 💪 Additionally, don't overlook practicing negotiation skills. Embrace the idea of selling your potential, emphasizing your eagerness to learn, grow, and contribute energetically to the company. Be prepared to discuss your value, potential contributions, and desired compensation. You need to be ready to set anchors during the call, knowing your range and negotiate. ✨