Graduating into Design: Rebecca Finney’s Top Tips for Starting Your Career – Part 2

In the second instalment of our career advice series, we continue with five more essential insights from Rebecca Finney, Creative Director at Jasper Sanders + Partners.

Having recently completed the interview process for a Junior Interior Designer position – reviewing hundreds of applications and appointing two new graduates – Creative Director Rebecca Finney of Jasper Sanders + Partners is well-placed to offer advice to emerging design talent.

Following a keynote speech at Sheffield Hallam University earlier this year on what to expect from a career in design, she has shared ten key insights for graduates on what to do – and what to avoid – when pursuing their first role in the design industry.

Creative Director Rebecca Finney of Jasper Sanders + Partners

In Part 1, we explored the first five tips, focusing on individuality, real-world experience and research. Now in Part 2, we pick up with insights six to ten, covering everything from self-awareness to interview performance and the power of perseverance.

1 | Show Authenticity

Many candidates still approach interviews as if they were school exams, offering answers they think the interviewer wants to hear – or, in the case of stronger candidates, more thoughtful and personal responses. However, the most impressive candidates are those who skilfully shift the conversation, asking insightful questions about the interviewing company’s direction. Often, the best interviews are those that are conversational, where you genuinely get a sense of who the person is and what they’re truly about, and how they can personally contribute to the direction of the company.

2 | Think About Your Career Goals

Candidates who have clear career goals at the front of their mind are always impressive. It shows the individual is serious, whilst their aspirations reveal who they are on deep level, showing main areas of interest and what their strengths are too. Setting a clearly defined list of your ambitions demonstrates strong self-awareness, helping to clarify the path ahead and how you can make a meaningful impact on the business you’re interviewing with. This focus not only shows that you have a vision for your future but also highlights how your goals align with the company’s needs and objectives.

3 | Know Your Portfolio

One common issue during interviews is how often candidates forget the details of the projects in their own portfolios, making it difficult to present their work convincingly. To avoid this, it’s crucial to thoroughly review what you’re presenting and rehearse to ensure your portfolio flows in an orderly manner which suits your presentation style – and think about how your projects may transition from one another also. Starting and closing on stronger projects works well. Communication skills are vital for success as a designer, and being able to present projects in a relaxed, confident manner and knowing the details inside and out makes a significant difference.

4 | Not Getting the Role

If your application is unsuccessful, make an effort to inquire about the reasons behind it. Politely ask the potential employer for feedback on why you didn’t make it to the interview stage or why the interview didn’t lead to a job offer. This feedback can provide valuable insights into what employers are looking for and help you focus on areas for improvement, setting you up for your next interview. Additionally, taking the initiative to ask for feedback can leave a positive impression, possibly leading to future opportunities within the company or even a recommendation within their professional network.

5 | Taking on Constructive Criticism and Gaining Resilience

No one has it all figured out or is without room for growth, and that’s an important truth to recognise. It may hurt to be rejected, but be brave, ask for feedback and take it onboard. Understanding the ‘Whys’ and the overall impression you made will only make you smarter and more resilient in the long run. Everyone’s looking for a team player who’s open and willing to put in the effort to improve.

Missed Part 1? Catch up on the first five essential insights to kickstart your design career: from finding your unique strengths to making that all-important first impression.

Graduating into Design: Rebecca Finney’s Top Tips for Starting Your Career – Part 1