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I'm interviewing a lot of candidates lately for product design and content, so I thought I would share some thoughts that I don't see here often:
1. Only apply after you read the job description
This one seems obvious, but so many people don't! You need to understand the expectations, the benefits and have a good idea of what you're applying for.
This one seems obvious, but so many people don't! You need to understand the expectations, the benefits and have a good idea of what you're applying for.
2. Make sure your portfolio link works
If there's a password, do not add it to the same field as the link because it will break it, and it might be impossible to know from the crazy url so hiring managers will assume it doesn't work!
If there's a password, do not add it to the same field as the link because it will break it, and it might be impossible to know from the crazy url so hiring managers will assume it doesn't work!
3. On the same note, try to make your links consumable
I won't have portfolio tips for this, because I'm planning a different thread, but make sure that it's either a website, or one pdf. Don't send 5 different files with random case studies in each.
I won't have portfolio tips for this, because I'm planning a different thread, but make sure that it's either a website, or one pdf. Don't send 5 different files with random case studies in each.
4. Ask questions to help you make a decision
I try to give a lot of time for candidates to ask their questions, both because it gives me a glimpse in how they think, and so I'm sure they are happy with culture, role, etc...
I try to give a lot of time for candidates to ask their questions, both because it gives me a glimpse in how they think, and so I'm sure they are happy with culture, role, etc...
5. Focus on the future, not the past
I never ask this question, but if you're asked "why did you leave your previous job?", don't go on the warpath. Instead, talk about what you're looking for. And be honest about it! Companies want to know if they're a match for you too.
I never ask this question, but if you're asked "why did you leave your previous job?", don't go on the warpath. Instead, talk about what you're looking for. And be honest about it! Companies want to know if they're a match for you too.
6. Ask for what you need
If you need to talk to more people in the team, let the recruiter know. Same if you want another call with your future manager to ask more questions. It shows your commitment, and any company that doesn't like that is not the right fit for you.
If you need to talk to more people in the team, let the recruiter know. Same if you want another call with your future manager to ask more questions. It shows your commitment, and any company that doesn't like that is not the right fit for you.
7. Take time to think over the offer
We all know companies that treat candidates badly, but the same is true in the opposite direction. If you get an offer, be upfront about things you're not happy about, ask all your questions. Don't rush into it.
We all know companies that treat candidates badly, but the same is true in the opposite direction. If you get an offer, be upfront about things you're not happy about, ask all your questions. Don't rush into it.
8. Negotiate until you're happy
If you love the company, but anything about the offer is giving you doubts, don't decline it. Negotiate brutally instead. Salary, bonuses, hours, and even the squad you would be joining might be on the table.
If you love the company, but anything about the offer is giving you doubts, don't decline it. Negotiate brutally instead. Salary, bonuses, hours, and even the squad you would be joining might be on the table.
9. Commit when you're ready
Only accept an offer when you're 100% sure you want the job. If you're waiting on other offers, let them know that and negotiate more.
Never decline an accepted offer because you got an offer from another company. That will blacklist you super fast!
Only accept an offer when you're 100% sure you want the job. If you're waiting on other offers, let them know that and negotiate more.
Never decline an accepted offer because you got an offer from another company. That will blacklist you super fast!
On this last point: the problem is not changing your mind.
But when you negotiate and commit to an offer to then decline specifically because another offer came your way, it means you were not honest with the people involved.
Especially if it's a small team. Especially!
But when you negotiate and commit to an offer to then decline specifically because another offer came your way, it means you were not honest with the people involved.
Especially if it's a small team. Especially!
