Merchandising, Point of Sale, etc, Interview tips

I have my first interview for a 1 year industrial placement next week with CHANEL and to be perfectly honest I'm shitting it. I've never had a (real) interview before and have no idea what to expect. It's for a Junior Designer position in merchandising, POS and other such things. I really really want the job so using it just for 'interview experience' isn't an option.

Does anyone work in the above fields (or just design in general, product or graphic) and can offer any insight or tips on what I might be able to expect?

ta

do some speed before hand.... they will love you.

POS for Chanel, or any cosmetics company?

Cloying atmosphere full of perfume, bright-orange ladies with scowly faces and 4,000,000 watt lighting. Simple.

I'm in that game. Where will you be based?

Old Bond St

Above the Store?

do some speed before hand.... they will love you.

Above the Store?

few doors down

That worked in the 90's, but it's slightly different now.

Sorry to be a downer, but what does merchandising and POS have got to do with design? Are you selling perfume or designing retail space?

TBH I haven't got too much information to go by at the moment but I spoke to my head of course and he said previous placement students have design POS displays, promotional goods and some graphic bits and bobs.

I can probably help with the sales side of things, but the vast majority of the organisations are a trifle fickle so don't be surprised about anything they ask you. They still very much have a "if your face fits" sort of attitude.

I see. Well, a good start is research into the company. What, how, who. Look at the artwork/displays/visuals they use and create. I'm actually surprised they've got an in-house team.

Generally in design-related jobs, interviews can be anything from rather standard to plain weird (in a good or bad way).

Be yourself, know your facts, explain why you want the job and why you're better than other applicants. Really, it's common sense and loads of research. Tell them why you like the company, did they do some interesting projects or events, etc...

I wouldn't worry too much. You just need to be willing and show them you have an interest in marketing and design. An understanding of Chanel will be an advantage.
The head designer will (should) look after you.
It'll be your job to bring some inspiration and visual concepts to the table and illustrate their current ideas.

Imagine they are seeing a lot of people in a similar position to you.
What have you got that will stand you in front of the rest?
Be talkative and have some questions ready for them.

And bluff it, but not OTT so you'll get caught out.
Most of the stuff you can learn on the job.

Good luck man.

really good advice from todd.

'Be yourself' is the classic advice, but I think it is good advice. As if you don't get it then you can be happy that you did your best, if you try and be something/someone else and don't get it you will kick yourself.

Preprepped questions for them is a really good tip - when I interview I like it when people ask me questions with an underlying assumption they have the job (not cocky, mind) as it show an eagerness and commitment.

Good luck

The best thing you can do is to make sure you come across as being passionate about what youre doing. Try and be enthusiastic, if you really want the job it shouldnt be too hard and it should come naturally.
I know it sounds kinda corny, but it really makes a good impression

Thanks for all the tips guys, I'm feeling a little more at ease now with some good objectives for the coming days.

quick question: Is it normal to bring a sketch book along as well as your folio? I have examples of my sketching in my folio but only 1 page.

I know the sensible thing to do would be to just stick it in my bag anyway then whip it out if they ask but most of my drawings are on scraps of paper here and there (ranging from A3 to A6) and my actual sketch book which I carry around is disappointlingly empty (unless I bust my balls to fill it tomorrow).

if you get time go and photocopy all your randomly sized sketches onto a3 and then french fold it into a spiral bound a4 sketch book (any printers will do it). Definately take them and your other sketch book along (or make copies out of this too). You have some good advice up there^^ , I have worked in this area in the past...Lancome was my stepping stone to all sorts of interesting stuff! Good luck with the interview.

quick question: Is it normal to bring a sketch book along as well as your folio? I have examples of my sketching in my folio but only 1 page.

I know the sensible thing to do would be to just stick it in my bag anyway then whip it out if they ask but most of my drawings are on scraps of paper here and there (ranging from A3 to A6) and my actual sketch book which I carry around is disappointlingly empty (unless I bust my balls to fill it tomorrow).

Sketch pads are the most important thing i like to see when interviewing someone.
It shows how they work/ think etc.... so defo bring it, and show them it!!

Another tip, go spend some time at a concession of theirs and take notes on how you think it could be better... cause that's what they'll be paying you to do :)
Is ighting shit? are graphic to hi/ to low/ confusing message?? Does the whole thing look dated?? what are other brands doing that are better... could they do the same??
bla bla bla

Good luck :)

ah shit, i just typed it up nicely and all got deleted by my shit laptop.
Again , in a nutshell :

Important to make them feel you want the job, this particular job, not just any "design job" whose ad you happened to stumble upon. For them their company is no1 and it's a plus if they see it's valued by you already too. Desperation not advised, but appreciation of their Mother Ship very welcome.

Helpful tips : Look them in the eye, have open body language ( basically don't fold your arms too much or slouch) , be positive and don't talk too high pitched or too fast.

And, as per above, cliche but so true : be yourself, don't act. I'm sure it will be fine :)

Good luck

I work in ID. My tips:

1) Come across as you want to learn
2) Be yourself (unless you're a nob)
3) Be passionate about design
4) Show interest in the company
5) Maintain a good level of eye contact and smile. Worth grinning and pushing your cheeks up for about 10 min before you go in if you have somewhere private as it lifts th whole face nd makes you more friendly looking.
6) Move your seat when you sit down
7) Shake hands with everyone and say hello
8) If you dont know what to say, dont bullshit.
9) Be confident in your portfolio but not arrogant about your design. You might be a good student designer, but you're nothing in the industry.

Why do you move your seat when you sit down?

It's like adjusting the saddle on your bike, you want to achieve the optimum power output and comfort for the entirety of your experience.

:)