Interview Tips

Interview Tips for Graphic Communications Professionals

Whether you’re a high school student, college graduate, experienced print professional, designer, production employee, salesperson, or manager, an interview is your opportunity to show an employer what you know, what you can do, and how you can contribute to their team.

Before the Interview

1. Research the company.
   Know what they print or produce, who they serve, and what makes them different.
2. Understand the position.
   Read the job description carefully and identify the skills the employer is looking for.
3. Connect your experience to the job.
   Think of specific examples from school, internships, part-time jobs, or your career that demonstrate the skills they need.
4. Review your resume.
   Be prepared to discuss anything you have listed—including equipment, software, certifications, projects, and previous jobs.
5. Prepare questions.
   An interview is a two-way conversation. Have several questions ready about the position, team, training, technology, and opportunities for growth.

During the Interview

6. Make a good first impression.
   Arrive on time, dress appropriately, make eye contact, and greet everyone professionally.
7. Be confident—but be honest.
   Don’t claim to be an expert if you are not. If you haven’t used a particular piece of equipment or software, explain what related experience you do have and show that you’re willing to learn.
8. Talk about your technical skills.
   Be prepared to discuss software, equipment, production processes, prepress, color, finishing, design, estimating, workflow, or other skills relevant to the position.
9. Don’t forget your soft skills.
   Employers want people who can communicate, work with others, solve problems, manage their time, and adapt to change.
10. Use examples.
    Don’t simply say, “I’m a good problem solver.” Tell a short story about a problem you encountered and how you solved it.
11. Talk about teamwork.
    Graphic communications is a collaborative industry. Be prepared to explain how you have worked with coworkers, customers, classmates, vendors, or other departments.
12. Show that you understand deadlines.
    Printing is a deadline-driven business. Share examples of how you have managed multiple priorities and completed projects on time.
13. Talk about mistakes positively.
    Everyone makes mistakes. Explain what happened, how you corrected it, and what you learned.
14. Show your willingness to learn.
    Technology and processes continue to change. Employers value people who are curious, adaptable, and willing to learn new skills.
15. Ask questions.
    Good questions show interest. Consider asking:
    • What does a typical day look like?
    • What equipment and software does the company use?
    • What would you want the person in this position to accomplish in the first six months?
    • What training is provided?
    • What opportunities are available to learn and grow?

For Students and People New to the Industry

16. Don’t apologize for being inexperienced.
    Instead, focus on what you have learned in the classroom, through projects, internships, SkillsUSA, volunteer work, or part-time jobs.
17. Bring examples of your work.
    A portfolio can help demonstrate your design, production, photography, packaging, or other graphic communication skills.
18. Explain what you learned from school.
    Be prepared to discuss the equipment, software, processes, and projects you have worked with.
19. Highlight transferable skills.
    A job outside the industry can still demonstrate customer service, teamwork, dependability, communication, organization, and problem solving.

For Experienced Professionals

20. Focus on accomplishments—not just responsibilities.
    Explain how you improved production, reduced waste, increased sales, solved problems, trained employees, improved customer relationships, or helped the company succeed.
21. Be ready to discuss technology.
    Explain the equipment, software, workflows, and production technologies you know and how you’ve used them.
22. Talk about leadership.
    Leadership can include managing people, mentoring employees, leading projects, coordinating departments, or solving complex problems.
23. Explain why you’re ready for your next step.
    Be positive about your current or previous employer and focus on what you’re looking for in your next opportunity.

After the Interview

24. Send a thank-you message.
    Thank the interviewer for their time and reinforce your interest in the position.
25. Reflect on the interview.
    Think about what went well, what questions challenged you, and what you could improve for your next interview.

The Most Important Tip

Be yourself, be prepared, and tell your story.

Your graphic communications experience—whether it comes from a classroom, internship, first job, or 30-year career—has value. Show the employer what you know, what you’ve accomplished, how you solve problems, and why you would be a great addition to their team.