I got job interview tomorrow : any cool advice ?

Hi there

My portfolio has gotten me a job interview tomorrow at an established games development assets studio in the Netherlands. They do some pretty big Cgi Intro and cutscenes work for gamedevelopers/publishers as well. The vacancy I\'m talking about is 3D character modeler onsite full time job.

So, they evidently see my high poly character stuff is worth it to invite me for an interview.
I haven\'t got any big substantial games development expierence other than 2 garage games projects from about 2 to 3 years ago, as an artist/modeler. I just passed on my OBJ meshes to the programmers who incorporated it in a Milkshape3D engine.

I can sincerely say my strengths are organic character modeling and concept design although I won\'t shy away from clean technical object meshes. In the last 3 years I switched from Maya to Cinema4D becuz of the p2p modeling i liked better in C4D. I might have to switch back in regards to the job.

So, any last minute advice for the actual job interview about what to say and what NOT to say would be very welcome.

* edit : i graduated Bc from arts academy in NL and I graduated certificate as \'3D producer\' from a private multimedia school after that. My last job as a webdesigner earned me about 1200 to 1400 Euros per month, which was pretty crappy for a fulltime job.
Greetz,

Knotter8

I think of interviewing for jobs as a specialized skill that only comes with practice.  You don\'t use that skill in anything else in life, so job interviews in general (the way most employers conduct them) are useless.  They don\'t give the employer a realistic image of how the individual will perform in the job.

The only quick advice I could give is: prepare answers for all the bullshit interview questions that uncreative interviewers like to ask.  I don\'t know if they do this in the Netherlands, but I\'m talking about things like "What is your greatest strength?  What is your greatest weakness?  Describe a project you worked on that went well, and another that failed.  What is your favorite book?" etc.  Don\'t answer them truthfully.  You have to come up with the optimal interview answer that will make you look good.  A bullshit question deserves a bullshit answer, but you can\'t wait to come up with it at the last second.  You need to prepare it ahead of time.

Save your truthful meaningful answers for the important questions that have to do specifically with the responsibilities of the job you\'re interviewing for.

Thanx

But.. it sounds kinda tricky, the way you described the formal job interviews.

I\'ll do some preps then

[CHIZZY]

When they ask, "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?", answer: "Celebrating the 5th anniversary of you asking me that question!", then kick them in the groin.

Masturabate b4 hand just to get the jitters out I recomened at least 3 times in a row...

I\'ll have to shake hands ! :eek:

Seriously though, the general consensus of the replies on my thead on CGtalk is that I really should consider myself lucky and not shoot myself in the foot.  

Especially, considering the current economy and such....

"Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

I forgot about that question.  They ALWAYS ask that one, and I hate it.  If George Bush doesn\'t need to think 5 years into the future, why do I?

There are websites that list traditional interview questions.  You should check these out.  http://www.quintcareers.com/interview_questions.html

I had one interview that was 1 hour+ of questions like others have stated above.  They also wanted to know what type of person rubbed me the wrong way and just a ton of off the wall questions.

I left not knowing what they thought of me, only to get a call back telling me the job was mine.  But they took to long to get back to me and I took another one the week before.

It can\'t hurt to prepare a little bit, but you don\'t want to come off as if you are reciting pre-written responses to the common questions.  Just relax and be confident (fake it like I do if you must) and you\'ll do fine.

I had an interview that lasted more than 6 hours.  They take you from one manager to the next, and each one interviews you separately.  You have to answer all the same questions 5 times, and by the end of the day you feel like a jabbering wreck from the nervous hospital.

Be sure to wear a suit jacket so they can\'t see your pit stains.

Thanx for that list Coredweller !

I think I have those pretty much covered already.

Of course, this is a gamesdevelopment company we\'re talking about and the vacancy a 3d artist job so they invited me by means of portfolio evaluation. I read alot that crap or lesser portfolios get thrown away instantly.

Afaik, game dev/ game assets dev is mostly a team effort. I know i can work well in a team as well as solo. But indeed, some of those questions on that list look really ugh.

* edit ; i think tomorrows interview will be no longer than one hour. I mean... these guys have important game projects to do so it wouldn\'t look good on their side to \'waste\' more than 1 hour on one job candidate.

And I will dress neat & clean but not too formal. No suit, since the weather\'s too hot for it this week.

I would defitley dress decent, tie  yes it maybe hot outside but might be freezing inside from a/c. Remember you only get one chance at making a first impression, don\'t be a wise guy, and the interviewer is not your best friend. It\'s yes sir  or no sir. Be professional.

Above all else...

BE PROFESSIONAL

Answer questions like you are an authority in the field.  Let them know that you know your shiz and that *you* are the man for the job.

Remember other people are vying for the same position as you.  Maybe they are smarter and know more about 3D modeling but if you just act more professional (ie- great team/people/communication skills) this can set you on top.  Most of this stuff is learned on the job anyway.

If you want to impress them, just say "Y\'know *insert high profile game here* ?... I worked on that."

Then, when they check and find you have no credits on that title.. just say that they snubbed you.

It always works!

*waits for Knotter to fail*

wear a suit, a matching one

i find it amusing to see people come into my workplace for interviews wearing dockers and a sport jacket of a different color

ps- since no one said it..

Good luck!

*and don\'t be a douche