This Article results from a gathering of information I've done along the years while I was looking for a job, as well as some experience  being on the other side ( employer side ) and what the company/ institution is looking for in this process. I hope you find this useful, and please feel free to add anything you find important, to make it as complete as possible for those who need it.

Click here for Part 1


DURING THE INTERVIEW
1. Non Verbal Communication
1.1Why it matters
Knowing that recent studies show that around 93% of our communication is non verbal, really gives us a completely  different perspective of some situations, particularly when we are being evaluated such as in a job interview.
It is important that you are as natural and comnfortable as possible, but there are things that you should avoid doing as they might give a negative/ less positive impression of you. And if you have a basic knowledge you can actually take it to your advantage and have a better idea of how the interview is going.

2. Greeting
The social protocol is a nice, firm, confident handshake. Keep your hand vertically and hold on to the person's hand with the same strength as you would a phone or slightly harder to emphasize your enthusiasm. Don't let your palm face upwards, because that immediately puts you in a vulnerable and submissive position ( and not in a good way ).
Smile and saying something like "Nice to meet you" or "Thank you for this opportunity" will score you extra points for friendliness and openness.

3. What to do with your hands
Your hands should be able to be seen at all times, or as much as possible. This shows that you have nothing to hide, that you are being completely open and honest with your probable future boss, which he appreciates. Some hand positions will help you show confidence and credibility:
The hand steeple is very famous among lawyers and politians. It's where you make a "roof top" with your fingers. When used for extended amounts of time it might come across as arrogant, but it does show strength when negotiating.
The inverted hand steeple, is more used while listening. And since women are considered to be better listeners, it's more often used by them.
The "safest" hand position to have, in my opinion, is to have your arms ( not elbows ) laying on the table in front of your chest, and your fingers entertwined.

4. Eye Contact
If the interview is being conducted by more than one person, you can use this to your advantage instead of being a reason for you to be nervous:

- Choose the person you find the friendliest and come back to him/ her with your eyes, make sure that when you talk to distribute the attention you are giving to everyone focusing on each for a few seconds. This will help you shine and connect with each one of them and none will feel ignored.
- When asked a hard question, keep your eye contact as natural as possible. The most natural reaction is to look away, usually down, so you might need to practise this in front of a mirror.
-If you don't feel comfortable at all looking in someone's eyes, try choosing a different spot to look at. Eyebrows or cheeks are a little away from the eyes but in this context, it's not going to make a big difference.
- Don't forget to blink!
- Avoid looking outside the window or down, this will immediately show you as insecure.

5. Credibility in Voice Tone
Studies show that the higher and pitchy a voice is, the less credibility it has. So in this particular situation and in any other where you need to speak publicly you want to keep your voice as smooth and low as possible. If you have a naturally high pitched voice, keep it lower.
Articulating the words carefully can also help you in several ways: you won't be tripping over your own words, you will have more time to think about what you are saying and develop your ideas better.
Make sure you are breathing from the diaphram, many people are shallow breathers, which causes their voice to sound strident and consequently less credible.


6. Being confident and positive
This is actually the topic that glues everything else together, and without it, be sure that all your other efforts WILL fall apart. Imagine you are the employer entity for a moment, and that you have before you a person who has a pretty nice portfolio, but who is constantly bringing himself down, insecure, negative, .. you start doubting this person yourself. I mean, if he is insecure, it must be because he has a reason for it, right?
Wrong.

Most people can't value their own work. You don't need to be conceited and arrogant, only realistic. Remember that the company found your work interesting enough to give you a job interview, they want to know more about you, and that should already say something very positive.

It is indeed necessary that you have a good solid and realistic idea of the quality of your work. To do that I often look at my own work as my worst enemy would. I criticize it, and make it grow. The same goes for comparing it to other people's works. Use whatever criticism and insecurity you have about it to make it better, instead of whinning and complaining, use that energy to do something about it.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW
1. A "Thank you" note
It's something that most people don't even consider, and therefore something you should keep in mind to make a difference. It's important to differ yourself from others, and make yourself remembered by the best reasons.
Send the company a "Thank you" note, and make it special and heartfelt by handwriting it. Say how much you appreciate the opportunity that was given, congratulate them on the quality of their work and hope that you will work with them soon. Whatever feels right to you in that moment.

2. Learn from possible mistakes
Don't lie to yourself and consider the possibility that something did not go right its best in that interview. And if you feel that is the case, and you actually know what it was, keep it mind so that you don't let it happen again.
However...

3. Don't beat yourself up!
Keep in mind the company interviewed a lot more people, and of those people, many were more experient in interviews than you, or had a particular set of skills you don't. Whatever the case is, it's not the end of the world.
Job- hunt is incredibly frustrating, time and energy consuming. Don't give up! Reward yourself for all the effort and things you achieved and keep your mind focused  on the next opportunity.
It might take years to finally get a job, and it might not even have to do with how you perform in an interview. Your time will come, keep believing and keep trying. Opportunities and jobs don't fall on your lap.

Click here for Part 1




All you need to know if you are interested in working with me. Click here to read more

This Article results from a gathering of information I've done along the years while I was looking for a job, as well as some experience  being on the other side ( employer side ) and what the company/ institution is looking for in this process. I hope you find this useful, and please feel free to add anything you find important, to make it as complete as possible for those who need it.

INDEX
Part 001
BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. Do your homework
2. Rehearse
3. Organize your Portfolio
4. What to Wear
4.1 Why it matter
4.2 What always works and never goes out of style
4.3 Cleavage and Associates
4.4 Make uP

Part 002
DURING THE INTERVIEW
1. Non Verbal Communication
1.1 Why it matters
1.2 Greeting
1.3 What to do with your hands
1.4 Eye Contact
1.5 Credibility in the Voice Tone
2. Being Confident and Positive

Part 003
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
1. Make it personal
2. Learn from your mistakes
3. Don't beat yourself up!

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW
1. Do your homework
When looking for a job we all flood the market with our resumes and presentation letters, samples of our portfolio and so on. But from the moment you know a particular company is giving you a chance at an interview, it is crucial that you know as much about it as possible.
Keep in mind that some employers actually ask you questions such as:
How do you relate to the mission of our company?
What do you think you will bring that is new and fresh to the company?
How can your work help our comapny reach the next level?

Having a solid idea of the work they develop, the concept, their mission and objects is extremely important in order to be able to deliver profesional answers that will make the difference. Companies appreciate the fact that you actually took the time to learn more about them, it not only shows that you care enough to prepare beforehand, and that you truly want to work with them but you will also serve as a marketing vehicle from then on.

2. Rehearse
Don't be ashamed to be found talking to yourself in your room. Once you know everything you need to know about a company, rehearse the possible answers. Don't memorize words that don't have any meaning, instead find an idea that you'd like to transmit and stick to it. When the time comes you will be able to express yourself freely ( without having to remember the exact words), and you will be more genuine and credible.

3. Organize your Portfolio
If you need help organizing your Portfolio, you can check the Article I dedicated to this theme right here:  [link]
In general, have a digital and a physical version of your portfolio. Keep the design neutral and simple, so that it won't overwhelm the artwork itself. Don't forget to add a description, the client and the briefing by each work.

4. What to wear
4.1. Why it matters:
Having a great portfolio, unfortunately, isn't everything. Your physical appearance, the way you hold yourself and your clothes are just as important. Maybe they won't care if you have tattoos in visible places, or if you have your own unique punk-rock-goth-electro-rap-style in the long run, but they need to know that you cared enough about this job that you were careful and prepared profesional work and age appropriate clothes for this interview.
You want to be taken seriously, look AND act profesional. These three should be fused together. And don't forget the saying "Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have".

4.2 What always works and never goes out of style:
I advise wearing a suit whenever possible, however I believe this might be way too formal, specially for younger people. A neutral coloured blazer, dark washed trouser/boot cut jeans and a dressy shirt give you a neat profesional look. If you are a woman and prefer skirt, try a pencil skirt, never more than two fingers above the knee.
You can play it up and show your personality through fun accessories.

4.3 Cleavage and associates
Even if you are desperate for a job, nothing justifies the use of cleavage or mini skirts as a persuasion means. If you do it there are two possible outcomes:
You will not be taken seriously, make a fool out of yourself, will be disrespected and in the end, will not get the job.
Or you will get the job and consequently, all kinds of wrong attention, disrespect, will be taken advantage of and will never be taken seriously profesionaly.
Ultimately, companies are looking for the person who can do the job better than anyone else. No one will hire the hot girl just so they can look at them all day. And even if they do, sooner or later, they will regret it when the work isn't done.

4.4 Make up
Make up needs to match your outfit and not take over you.
If you don't usually wear any make up at all, the idea is to simply look groomed and neat. You don't have to put make up on, specially if you are not comfortable with the idea. Try hydrating your skin, lips and hands with good moisturizers that can make the difference.
In case you are more comfortable with wearing make up, a neutral tone smoky eye and rose/peach lips work the best.


Part 002 [ coming soon ]



All you need to know if you are interested in working with me. Click here to read more

All you need to know if you are interested in working with me. Click here to read more

As a profesional in Graphic Design, I offer you appealing designs, with your own personal touch that your clients won't forget. Be recognized as the best in your field by giving your business card, your book, or cd cover your own voice and language. I offer:
- Logo, business card, envelope, letter sheet, fax sheet, note pad design [ Business Pack - to be sold as a pack or separate ];
- CD Covers, Book Covers, [ various media ];
- Webdesign [ no coding, design only ];
- Illustrations for books, T-shirts and other bases;

Some of my Clients:
- Kamelot [ north american metal band ]
- istorm [ fashion photography studio ]
- Portuguese Red Cross
- Sinister Design [ graphic design studio ]
- Empire Merchandising GmbH, Germany [ posters company ]
- Crescent Moon Press


I am currently taking requests for commissioned digital resources. I offer Texture Packs, Brushes, Actions, Patterns,Stock Photos... Prices are very reasonable and it includes a document stating my Permission for its commercial use.


My work is available to be licensed for cd, book covers, magazines and such. Please email me to find out more about written permission and eventual fee.


Any doubt, order or simply wish to discuss something with me? Please email me to lilyana.sanches@gmail.com