What do you think matters most in interior design? Is it your passion for work or your artistic talent? It might be your ability to understand your goals and meet them all in your final work. Or it might be your ability to persuade your client to follow your suggestions. It is hard to pinpoint what matters the most.
Why is that? It is because employers have different opinions and preferences. The employers’ preferences will likely mirror the questions they ask you. As an interior designer, you will have to manage, plan and research enhancement projects. We’ll look at the common questions, and I’ll help you understand what the employer wants to hear.
1. Why Are You Interested In This Role?
The interviewer may ask this question to assess the abilities you bring to your career. While answering this question, think of something that makes you happy at work. It will be of help if you mention what motivates you to deliver great designs.
What I love about being an interior designer is that no day is ever the same. Today I may be busy picking up designs for throw pillows, and the next day I may be busy checking out paint samples. I’m interested in this role as it helps me witness goals unfold to reality. The position allows me to use both my creative mind and analytical side.
2. What Are The Roles Of An Interior Designer?
Candidates often send their CVs to different employers. The interviewer understands this. So, they may ask this question to assess if you know your responsibilities. Ensure that you list down the responsibilities listed on the resume.
I understand that my role as an interior designer will need me to sketch design plans. I’ll also outline the design objectives set by the client. I’m required to determine the cost of the project during the budgeting phase. My role requires me also to set the date of completion. Also, once the project is over, I’ll inspect it to ensure that it meets the client’s needs.
3. What Are The Qualities That An Interior Designer Need To Be Successful?
This question helps the employer understand what enables you to stand out. This is a great chance to make use of a real example as it will help your case.
Having a degree in interior design can help you become a great interior designer. Although, having excellent communication skills will help you succeed in your career. The degree will help, but in interior designing, excellent communication is the holy grail. I noticed the minute I incorporated this skill, most of my clients were happy with my services. The beauty of having excellent communication is that none of my clients ever feel frustrated.
4. What Major Challenges Did You Face During Your Last Role? How Did Manage Them?
Every role has its challenges, and the interviewer understands this. They may ask this question to assess your solving skills. Give out a story while answering the question as it will help bring out your excellent solving skills.
I had the chance to work at company X. The geographical location of the company had its cons. Often the weather changes would disrupt the renovations. Whenever this happens, I’d always communicate with my clients. If we failed to finish the project at the agreed time, the client would be okay with it as we had communicated. This allowed me to make the necessary arrangement that would help the project move again.
5. Describe Your Daily Routine As An Interior Designer
Note that this question is a mirror of your personality. The interviewer may ask this question to assess your discipline. Once I clock in, I often check my email first. Doing this helps me plan around my day as it helps me identify the priorities for the day. If any meetings are coming up, I take the time to email them before checking if there are any designs to create. Later I check to see if there are any design boards that I need to make.
If there are, I design them and later send them to the clients for feedback. Later during the day, I’ll assess if there are any materials that I need to buy for my client’s projects. Late in the afternoon, I’ll go and inspect my projects and update my clients on their progress. If I’m not required to outsource materials or fabrics. I’ll use my spare time and update myself with the trendy designs other designers are using.
6. Describe Briefly About Your Experience
The interviewer may ask this question to assess if you are the best candidate for the role. In interior design, images will speak louder than words. So, ensure that you have your portfolio with you to showcase your experience.
I have ten years of experience in interior design. Over the years, I have had the chance to freelance as well as work with reputable companies. I have worked with clients that needed a change at their homes and some at their offices. I also took the initiative to take up a communication course. Most of my day requires me to interact with clients. Having great communication skills will make my work easier. I look forward to using my abilities once I join your firm.
7. What Kind Of Strategies And Mindset Is Required For This Role?
The question helps assess the candidate’s strategy effectiveness. Use real-life examples while answering this.
A mindset that is essential for this role is thinking out of the box. As an interior designer, I’m required to engage my creative side. I noticed anytime I do not allow rules to hinder my creativity, it has helped me deliver the best designs. A strategy I stick to communicating well. Communicating helps both the client’s goals and mine always to align.
8. What Is The Biggest Challenge You Foresee In This Job?
Be honest while answering this question. Ensure that your answer presents you in a positive light.
A challenge I foresee in this role is falling behind schedule. There are things I can control, and there are those I cannot. I understand that there are times that unexpected issues arise. To avoid frustrating my clients, I’ll always try my best to inform them of the updates. I would not want a client to get frustrated because I failed to deliver the project on time as I did not communicate.
9. How Do You Stay Motivated In Your Work?
The interviewer may ask this question to help them see what drives you to work. Be honest while answering the question. Since your answer will help you stand out from the other candidates.
Seeing my clients satisfied and smiling is my number one motivation. It is always fulfilling when a client tells me that they are happy with my work. This always drives me to deliver the best. Also, by listening to my clients, I’m always confident that my work will not clash with their goals.
10. Describe A Time You Failed In This Role And The Lessons You Learnt?
It is okay to fail; that is how we learn and become better. The interviewer may ask this question to assess how well you deal with failures. While giving out your answer, ensure that you detail out the lesson you learned.
While working at X, I had the chance to work with a client who did not like the result of my work. He wanted a minimalist style. I created a design board but did not send it to him. Once I finished the project, I invited him to see the results. I could tell from his face that he did not like it.
His concerns were that the finished interior was too bare. He advised that it would have been better if I had sent him the design board. I confirmed that the error was on my side. I apologized and assured him that I would create another design board and send it to him for approval.
Our team re-did the work, and true to it, he loved the new interior. From this, I learned the importance of sending my design suggestions. Also, I had to learn that my clients will not always love my suggestions. This is why it is essential to communicate.
11. Why Do You Feel You Most Suited For This Role?
This is a common question that most interviewers ask. It helps the employer assess what makes you stand out. Take the chance to sell yourself while giving out your answer.
Over the years, I have developed the skills and abilities that will help your firm. I have worked tirelessly on my communication skills which I’ll use while working with my clients. I have given 100% effort while working with my clients. This has helped me to identify my abilities and limitations. I’m certain channeling my efforts and skills will help me bring in great results.
12. Share With Us Your Greatest Achievement
While giving out your answer, think of something that has helped you add value to your company. It might be an award or an accolade at your workplace. Use real-life examples while answering the question.
My most significant achievement in my career is that I had the chance to receive an award. The award recognized me as the youngest successful interior designer. An achievement that helped build my rapport. At that time, I worked with company X, and more clients requested to work with me.
13. What Is Your Biggest Weakness?
No human is perfect. Anytime interviewers ask this question, they only want to assess if you are self-aware. While answering the question, ensure that you detail out how you are working on your weakness.
My weakness is that I struggle with having a work/life balance. I love my work. The downside is that I, at times, neglect my needs. This is why I’m more intentional with spending more time with my family and friends. I have also taken the initiative to include a self-care routine that caters to my needs. Incorporating this has helped me be more motivated at work.
14. What Is Your Biggest Strength?
While answering this question, ensure that you give out examples. If you are a great problem solver, don’t just say it. Prove to the interviewer that you are good at it.
My greatest strength is that I’m communicative and have excellent people skills. I have built a great rapport with my clients. Who always appreciate that I always keep them updated. It is often easy for me to build relationships, which comes in handy in my career. I have a couple of loyal clients who I’m willing to bring on board once I get the position.
15. Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years?
This is a general question that most interviewers ask. Careful while answering this question. Ensure that your answer shows that you have plans to continue working with them on a long-term basis.
I took note that your company offers seminars for interior designers to attend. In the next five years, I want to be an active attendee for the workshops. I’d also like to improve my people skills. In the next five years; I’ll have completed a course on how to relate well with others.
16. Would You Describe Your Biggest Inspiration In Design?
The interviewer may ask this question to assess if you are well-versed in the industry. Their inspiration will help the employer know the type of designs they often lean towards to.
I have had a couple of clients who want lavish or contemporary designs. I often look up to Philipe Strack. He is good at designing such layouts. And some of my designs have some inspiration from his work.
17. What Are Some Of The Questions You Ask Your Clients Before Getting To Work?
Note that all interior designers are different. Interviewers ask this question to see how concise you are with your strategy. While answering the question, ensure that you touch on the essential points. One of the questions I ask my clients before starting the project is their budget. This is often the first question I ask as it helps me know how and what the project will have.
The next question I ask is the time constraint. It helps me know how to plan around the project. I’ll also ask about the design style, as it will come in handy while creating the design board. I also ask if the client needs any insights, as some usually only have a concept of the design.
18. Have You Ever Used 3D Max Or Autocad?
Most interior designers have their preference when it comes to using the software. When the interviewer asks such a question, they want to see if you are conversant with the software. If you have never used them, you could tell them alternative software you’ve used before. Also, assure the employer that you are a fast learner as you are willing to learn how to use them.
I love using AutoCAD as it helps me identify problems before I progress with my design project. Humans are prone to error, but I’m confident I’ll not make any mistakes by using this software. I have used 3D max in some of my projects. The beauty of using this software is that it is user-friendly. I must add this is among my favorite software.
19. How Do You Design Small Spaces?
The interviewer may ask this question to assess your prowess. Take this chance to show them your skills.
Let’s say I’m designing the living room; I’ll start by breaking down the spaces. I’ll do this by using small-scale furniture and separating the room into three separate areas. Also, I’ll include light color paint as it helps make the room appear bigger.
If I design a small bedroom, I’ll include a small bed that takes up half the space. This will help make the room seem more significant.
20. What Are Some Factors You Should Not Overlook While Designing?
This is another question that helps the interviewer assess your skills. Ensure that you think through your answer as it may increase or reduce your odds of getting the job.
Factors that I hardly overlook while designing are If the space is small, I’ll include mirrors. The decorative mirrors help the room seem bigger. Also, before I get any furniture, I check the room’s dimensions to ensure I pick the correct size. With my experience, I’ve learned the importance of simplicity. Rooms hardly ever look good when I over furnish them. To avoid any room looking bizarre, I’m often cautious while using color-ordination. Lighting helps the room appear aesthetic, and this is why it is essential to pick the right one.
Conclusion
It often feels excellent whenever your friends comment on how aesthetic your house looks. Not all people can make their offices or houses appear beautiful. And this is why we all need the help of an interior designer once in a while. I hope that the questions and answers I have shared will help you get the job. Best of luck!
