What advice would you give to someone looking for a job?

[Daydreamer]

In particular in the design industry, but more general advice is welcome. Once had an interview and got stumped on one question in particular. "What has been your greatest sacrifice in life so far?" Surprisingly deep question for an unpaid internship position, it threw me off completely and I was later rejected.

At the moment I'm hoping to find some part time work, whilst living at University, that will hopefully look good on my CV. But it can be hard to know where to start sometimes. I should make a portfolio...

Hmm.

 

[BraidedPony]

Weird interview question. Not a question that can be answered quickly, more like something someone would need to ponder over for a few days...

 

[china autie]

Off the wall question, yeah.

Say something related to work-- like "I gave up a lot in order to go to school."

Definitely a portfolio.

 

[Fino]

My first thought was, "Time," and since you just have to keep going in an interview, I guess I would go on a long, strange rant about how every time we do anything, we're sacrificing our greatest gift, time, and so just being here at this interview contributes to my ever-growing greatest sacrifice. Thank you, and see you at work Monday, Boss. Then I leave.

 

[inkfingers]

Are you into graphic design? I'm shooting for a fine art degree. I want to be a freelance artist.

 

[Loren]

At the moment I'm hoping to find some part time work, whilst living at University, that will hopefully look good on my CV. But it can be hard to know where to start sometimes. I should make a portfolio...Hmm.

Indeed, as you mentioned, begin building a portfolio of your work, as soon as possible. If there are design firms in the area, I would, casually, walk in and inquire about possible, part time work, or a paid internship. That is how I acquired one of my current jobs. Otherwise, scan online job boards, for design work and internships. May I ask what type of design you are studying? I wish you much success with your current job-search, and a successful career, ahead!

 

[Mr Allen]

If you are Aspie and/or otherwise disabled, do NOT declare it unless you absolutely HAVE to, it WILL cost you the job.

Meh, that's been my experience, as soon as I declare, they bin my application.

 

[AloneNotLonely]

"What has been your greatest sacrifice in life so far".
The correct answer:
"Applying for an unpaid internship where some HR ditz is asking me incorrectly phrased philosophical questions not connected to the actual work."

I think you dodged a bullet there.

 

[Daydreamer]

My first thought was, "Time," and since you just have to keep going in an interview, I guess I would go on a long, strange rant about how every time we do anything, we're sacrificing our greatest gift, time, and so just being here at this interview contributes to my ever-growing greatest sacrifice. Thank you, and see you at work Monday, Boss. Then I leave.

I wish I'd come up with that, instead I decided to share some vague anecdotes about donating to charity and this one time I had to work late on a project. That response would've been so much better! It can be hard when you're on the spot.

Are you into graphic design? I'm shooting for a fine art degree. I want to be a freelance artist.

Web and graphic design. Logos, campaigns, promotional videos, making websites and other branding activities.

Indeed, as you mentioned, begin building a portfolio of your work, as soon as possible. If there are design firms in the area, I would, casually, walk in and inquire about possible, part time work, or a paid internship. That is how I acquired one of my current jobs. Otherwise, scan online job boards, for design work and internships. May I ask what type of design you are studying? I wish you much success with your current job-search, and a successful career, ahead!

Thank you.

Illustration, photography, some video editing skills, 3D modelling, web development and design.

 

[tducey]

To not give up. To apply to places even if they aren't advertising for someone. The hidden job market is so key. Do your research into the company you're applying to as well.