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Interview Day FAQ

What is Interview Day? 

How do I sign up for Interview Day? 

What if a participating company does not have jobs in Artworks? 

What can I expect at the event? 

What if I am running late or need to cancel? 

What do I bring to my interview? 

How should I dress? 

What do I say? 

What is Interview Day? 

The Interview Day event runs from 9-5 at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 5th floor, Ballrooms. It is for employers to conduct formal interviews with students they choose.

How do I sign up for Interview Day? 

Unlike the Portfolio Review, you don't sign up for Interview Day. Instead, the companies pick students to interview. So the companies are in charge on Interview Day. 

Apply to their jobs in Artworks before Wednesday, 2/12. Some companies attending Interview Day post their positions ahead of time in ArtWorks. Or companies will select students that applied to meet with them at Portfolio Review.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you have class at the time of scheduled portfolio reviews, interviews or related event(s), you MUST get permission from your faculty for an excused absence prior to attending.

What if a participating company does not have jobs in Artworks? 

Try to sign up for a portfolio review. All companies participating in Interview Day are strongly encouraged to post opportunities in Artworks. However, when a participating company does NOT, they will most likely select artists at the Design Portfolio Review and coordinate an interview meeting for the following day. The Networking Reception is also an opportunity to make contact if the employer attends. 

What can I expect at the event? 

  • Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled interview. DON’T BE LATE!
     

  • Stop at the Student Check-in table, present your RISD Student ID. Staff members will be on hand to answer your questions and direct you to the waiting area.
     

  • Interviews generally start and end on time so you can plan your day accordingly. Typically, interviews are between 20 and 30 minutes long, but times may vary. Students can inquire with the company about the length of their interview in advance. 

IMPORTANT: Electrical power and wifi is extremely limited. Make sure your devices are fully charged and content is pre-cached!

What if I am running late or need to cancel? 

If you are running late and/or need to cancel the interview, contact the RISD Career Center immediately by phone at: 401-454-6614 or via email at: risdcareers@risd.edu.

There is no guarantee that if you are late that you will still be able to interview. Every effort should be made to attend, but if you miss the interview, send a note of apology to the interviewer. The Career Center will publish attendee names after the event on the Participating Companies page. If you need help, book a career advising appointment​. 

What do I bring to my interview? 

  • RISD ID (required)

  • Resume

  • Your complete portfolio and/or sketchbook, actual samples and formats

  • Business Card (optional)

  • Portfolio Sample (optional)

  • Other Creative Leave Behinds (optional)

How should I dress? 

It is better to err on the side of formality than informality for interviews. Professionalism in personal appearance is a strong compliment to the quality of your work.

What do I say? 

Congratulations!  You've earned an interview putting you one step closer to being hired for the internship or job.  Be prepared for the interview and make the most of the chance you’ll have to showcase your creative work and to communicate your strengths and unique talents. This is also a chance for you to gain a deeper understanding of the company and the position so that you can evaluate how they fit with your interests and goals.

Refer to the RISD Career Center interviewing guide for helpful tips and advice on typical interview questions, appropriate questions you can ask in the interview, thank you notes, follow-up and more. You can also meet with a career advisor to prepare for the experience.

 

Suggestions on How to Prepare for Design Reviews will also help you get ready for your interview.

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