Design Insider has published a two-part career advice series tailored for emerging young designers, written by Creative Director Rebecca Finney.

Having 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.

PART 1

1 | Find your USP
Ask yourself what sets you apart from your peers. Even if you’re tempted to say “Nothing,” there is always something unique about your perspective or approach. If you’re unsure what that is, seek feedback – ask tutors or trusted course mates on how they would describe your specific skill set and strengths. You might uncover your distinguishing qualities through reflection, feedback, hands-on exploration or by actively experimenting with various other art media.

2 | Gain Experience
Many people find their way into interior design through diverse beginnings. Perhaps you were drawn to art in school or found inspiration through travel? While these experiences can ignite a passion, imagining how spaces function is quite different from engaging with them in industry. Gaining real-world insight is essential, so pursue as many internships as possible, whether formally structured or informally arranged, to experience a variety of studio cultures first-hand. I had once imagined that I would thrive in a large architectural firm, but I came to realise that a more intimate, design-focused studio was far better aligned with both my working style and long-term career aspirations through gaining invaluable experiences in my early twenties.

3 | Express Individualism
One way to enhance your portfolio is by highlighting your creativity beyond interior design-specific projects. Examples might be fine art, photography or graphic design or anything else that forms part of your journey to now and lets a potential employer know you have much more to offer.

4 | Engagement is Key
In today’s job market, employers can receive hundreds of applications for a single position, many of which are via email. There’s nothing stopping candidates from going one step further and making a phone call. One of the individuals we recently appointed did just that, proactively engaging with us from the very beginning. This approach proved to be a significant competitive advantage, so don’t hesitate to take the initiative – be bold and go for it!

5 | Do Your Research
There’s a vast difference between interviewing someone who is simply seeking any job and someone who genuinely wants to work for you. If you walk into an interview with little to no knowledge about your potential employer, you’re already at a disadvantage. Take the time to understand the sectors they operate in, the types of projects they undertake, and the clients they collaborate with. This preparation will help close the gap between interviewer and candidate, demonstrating that you’re genuinely invested in the opportunity to work for that specific company.

Read PART 1 on Design Insider

PART 2

6 | 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.

7 | 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.

8 | 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.

9 | 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.

10 | 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.

Read PART 2 on Design Insider