Topics: Design Reference, Handmade, Professional Development, Self-Promotion, Studio Secrets

I get asked frequently by students, "What is the best way to interview for a design position?"

If I'm looking at your portfolio and it has your packaging project and your sustainability project and your identity project, it kind of looks like every other student's portfolio. Sure, your type could be better considered than the next graduate, etc., but, the essence of your portfolio is student work, hence, I have a hard time judging who you are and what you can do.

What do I need to see from you? I need to see the way you think. I need to see your thought process. I need to see how you got to your design solutions. I need to get to know you through your design thinking.

Things that would help me get to know you:

1 – Your sketchbook. Keep a record of your process. Your initial words, sketches, drawings that led to the solutions for your project.

From the sketchbook of Tether Senior Designer, Jason Grube

2 – Your work in progress. Bring your failed attempts, your layouts along the way. Anything that shows the journey to get where you ended up.

From the sketchbook of Tether Senior Designer, Jason Grube

3 – Freelance. So you're in school, look for opportunities to pick up freelance work. I know you're busy day and night with classes but any work that you have in your portfolio outside of school work will really help as I assess your design sensibilities.

From the sketchbook of Tether Senior Designer, Jason Grube

4 – Make up work. You're in school. You're really busy. But, you have passions and hobbies. Let's say you're passionate about dance or music. That's great, create a product line or a series of posters. Fuel your portfolio with your passions. Your excitement for the work will show through as you take me through your thoughts in how you arrived at the design solutions.

From the sketchbook of Tether Senior Designer, Jason Grube

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