Question Overview: Print design is a critical part of the graphic design industry, and a candidate’s experience with print can tell you how well they understand the nuances of this medium.
Sample Answer: I’ve designed everything from business cards to brochures to annual reports. I’ve also worked with clients to develop their brand’s identity system and create collateral that aligns with their brand guidelines.
Question Overview: This question can reveal if a candidate is actively looking for a new job and if they’re open to new opportunities. It can also help you determine if they’re currently happy in their role or if they’re ready to move on.
Sample Answer: I’m ready for a new challenge and I’m excited to work with a company that values design as much as I do.
Question Overview: This question is designed to see how well a candidate can use a graphic design tool. InDesign is a popular software used to create print and digital designs, so knowing how to use it will be an important part of the job.
Sample Answer: I had no experience using InDesign when I first started my previous role, but I was able to learn the basics in a few days. I found the software intuitive and easy to use, and I was able to quickly create professional-looking designs.
Question Overview: Graphic designers who are proficient in multiple languages can communicate with a much larger audience and work with clients across the globe. This question will help you determine if a candidate has the language skills to work internationally.
Sample Answer: I’m most proficient in English, but I’m also fluent in Spanish.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge a candidate’s ability to communicate their experience and skills in a clear, concise manner. It also gives you the opportunity to learn more about their background and determine if they have the experience and skills you’re looking for.
Sample Answer: I’m a highly organized, detail-oriented graphic designer with over five years of experience in the industry. I’ve worked with a variety of clients across different industries, including healthcare, retail and financial services. I’m passionate about design and have a strong desire to create beautiful, effective designs that solve problems for my clients.
Question Overview: This question will reveal if a candidate has a strong attachment to their work and is able to articulate why they’re proud of it. It will also help you understand how they view their own work, which can be a good indicator of how they will view the work of others.
Sample Answer: My favorite piece in my portfolio is a campaign I designed for a local nonprofit. I was able to use my design skills to help the organization raise awareness about an important issue in our community.
Question Overview: This question will reveal how a candidate responds to failure and what they learned from the experience. Candidates who can admit their mistakes and take responsibility for them are more likely to succeed in your organization.
Sample Answer: I once designed a logo for a client that was too similar to another design in their industry. I didn’t notice the similarities until the client pointed them out, so I had to go back and redesign the logo. I learned that it’s important to take a step back from my work and look at it from a different perspective before submitting it.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge how a candidate has grown professionally and what they’ve learned from their past experiences. It will also help you determine if they’re a good cultural fit for your company.
Sample Answer: I learned that it’s important to take time for yourself and your family. I used to work long hours and weekends, but now I make sure I have time for my family and friends. I also learned that it’s important to take risks and try new things. I used to be afraid of failure, but now I embrace it because it allows me to learn and grow.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge how a candidate works through design challenges. Their answer will reveal their thought process and the steps they take to solve problems.
Sample Answer: I start by researching the problem, then brainstorming ideas and sketching out mockups. I then present my work to my team and the client for feedback. After incorporating this feedback into my design, I present it again for final approval.
Question Overview: Graphic designers are often expected to work long hours and weekends to meet tight deadlines. This question will reveal if a candidate is willing to put in the extra time and effort to get the job done right.
Sample Answer: I’m willing to work late hours and weekends if it means delivering a quality product that meets the client’s needs. I know that if I don’t meet my deadlines, it reflects poorly on me and my team, so I always do whatever it takes to hit the mark.
Question Overview: A graphic designer’s toolkit is constantly evolving, so it’s important to ask candidates what design programs they currently use and what programs they’re interested in learning. This will help you gauge their comfort level with the latest design tools and determine if they’re willing to learn new skills.
Sample Answer: I’m most comfortable using Adobe Creative Cloud, but I’m also interested in learning InDesign and Sketch. I know these programs will help me deliver a better end result for my clients.
Question Overview: A graphic designer’s ability to communicate effectively with clients is essential to the success of any project. This question will reveal how a candidate engages with clients to understand their needs, deliver a final product and ensure they are happy with the final result.
Sample Answer: I start by getting to know my clients and understanding their goals. I then present them with a few design options and get their feedback before moving forward. I also use tools like InVision and InvisionApp to collaborate on designs and share feedback in real time.
Question Overview: This question will reveal how a candidate approaches a project and how they overcome obstacles to deliver a final product. Candidates who can effectively communicate their thought process and the steps they took to complete a project will show you how they think strategically and how they can apply this approach to your company’s projects.
Sample Answer: I had to design a logo for a new client who was launching a new product. I started by conducting research on the client’s industry, competitors and target audience. I then created several logo concepts, which I presented to the client for feedback. After incorporating the client’s feedback into my designs, I presented the final logo design to the client, who loved it.
Question Overview: Email marketing is a critical component of any marketing strategy, and a graphic designer who knows how to design compelling email campaigns can help your business connect with customers and drive sales.
Sample Answer: I’ve designed email campaigns for clients in the past, including a recent campaign that used a combination of HTML and CSS to create a responsive email template. I also used MailChimp to create the campaign, which helped me track the campaign’s performance and optimize the email template for future use.
Question Overview: Mentoring is a great way to help new designers learn the ropes and grow their skills. This question will reveal if a candidate is willing to share their knowledge and experience with others.
Sample Answer: I’ve mentored graphic designers who were new to the field and wanted to learn more about the industry. I’ve also shared my knowledge with colleagues who were struggling with a design project and needed some guidance.
Question Overview: This question will reveal how a candidate thinks about and prioritizes their work. It will also show you how they interact with others and how they handle working in a team.
Sample Answer: I would first identify the project’s goal and the client’s expectations. Then, I would assign tasks to each team member based on their strengths and assign a project manager to oversee the project’s progress. I would also set up regular meetings to discuss the project’s progress and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Question Overview: Designing a system is a complex process that requires a graphic designer to understand how all the pieces fit together and how they can be used to achieve a specific goal. This question will reveal if a candidate has the ability to create a system that is easy to use, visually appealing and effective.
Sample Answer: I start by identifying the goals of the system, then I create wireframes and mockups to test out different layouts and designs. Once I have a solid idea, I create a style guide that details the components of the system and how they should be used.
Question Overview: This question is a great way to gauge how a candidate views themselves and their role in the graphic design industry. A candidate who sees themselves as a creative problem solver will likely be more successful than someone who views themselves as a cog in the machine.
Sample Answer: I see myself as a creative problem solver who is passionate about graphic design. I’m not afraid to take risks and try new things, and I’m always looking for new ways to improve my designs.