Blog Post 2 – Simulated Interviews
Preparation
For our simulated interviews with our peers, we were required to research and decide on a real-world job opportunity specific to our chosen career paths. I aim to become a Costume Designer for various theatre companies after university so I looked into jobs specific to this role and found many all over the UK which was my chosen job area. However, to ensure I was giving myself the most realistic opportunity, I decided to go for a local theatre job as this would be the most pragmatic to me as a candidate, both because of its location, but also due to my familiarity with the theatre.
The job I opted for was the ‘Deputy Costume Supervisor’ role at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. This job was a permanent position and would offer me the entry role I would need to progress in this industry. My role responsibilities included many things but those of the highest importance were:
- Planning and supervising all aspects of wardrobe in conjunction with the Costume Supervisor. (Theatre)
- Ensuring the effective running of all wardrobe facilities including the cutting room, laundry, and costume stores. (Theatre)
- Work closely with creative teams to realise their designs and compositions maximising use of the theatre’s available resources. (Theatre)
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Using the Boud Model of Reflection to analyse my choice of job opportunity, I feel positive that I made a choice so close to my real-life career desire, however I could have emailed the Lyric Theatre to further explore what qualities they would look for in a canditate and adjust my research accordingly. This changed my perspective on how I could cater myself to fit the job description more efficiently.
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During our simulated interview, I was sure to enter the room confidently, but without arrogance. Costume designers are responsible for making important decisions regarding theatre budgets, wardrobe specifications, and health and safety within a quick turn-over period. I feel this approach worked best as not only did I present myself as a determined and confident decision maker but by adding the extra touch of a kind smile, maintaining eye contact, and a handshake with each of my ‘interviewers’, I had made a good first impression.
Why Did You Apply For This Role?
To show the range of questions I was asked I have decided on the two most important to showcase the various skills I exhibited in the interview.
I was first asked ‘Why did you apply for this role?’
I began by explaining my love of the fashion industry as a whole and my experience with dressmaking, sewing, crocheting, and knitting. I feel this gave me a certain edge that other potential candidates would not have to ensure I stood out to those on the panel. This also allowed me to exemplify the practical experience I have working in creative design and showcased my technical skills specific to this job.
To hone in more on the specifics of the job, I related my passion and inspiration for dressmaking to the costumes I had seen in various Lyric Theatre performances and how I admired them. I felt that this offered a personal relatability to those in front of me and would show my familiarity with this specific theatre. I also felt that showing kindness and appreciation for the work of those on the panel made me memorable as a candidate. In a real-world scenario this would set me apart from other applicants and through my peer-reviewed worksheet, I was able to answer the questions asked while relating frequently to the job title and roles/responsibilities I would have.
Could you give me an example of a challenge you faced and explain how you overcame it?
This question was one I had anticipated as I had done previous research into the most common interview questions and ways for the interviewee to balance personal experience with a professional standard. I learned of the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) (Service) and used this as my basis for answering such questions. I feel this approach worked best for the job I was applying for and I was able to cater my experience to the question efficiently.
I began by explaining a scenario wherein an actor on stage for a show I was acting in had a wardrobe malfunction during a scene and her dress strap snapped. There were no costume designers on the side of the stage we were at but I had prepared in case of an emergency and brought my own travel sewing kit in a small bag I kept in the stage wings. Whilst the rest of the scene played on I was able to quickly and safely sew the strap back to the dress while the actor rested a moment before heading back out to the stage. The costume lasted until the interval wherein we were able to fully repair the strap. I feel this example showed not only a relatability to the experience of sewing the job application required but also showcased qualities and skills I had not realised until I saw them on my peer-review sheet.
- I used efficient language when using the STAR technique to explain this challenge.
- I demonstrated determination, focus and calmness safely in a stressful and time-dependent experience.
- I was able to mould my answer specifically to the question.
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Overall, there is little I would change about my simulated interview. However, it was noted that I often fidgeted in my seat during the interview and whilst this was put down to nerves, I think if we were to do the interviews again I would be more conscious of my movements and make deliberate gestures when needed. A key aspect for me would also be to take my time answering questions to ensure as best I could that I am the right person for this role.
Bibliography
Service, National Careers. Interview Tips. n.d. Web. 12 2 2023.
Theatre, Lyric. Deputy Supervisor Role. 2022 December 12. Web. 3 January 2023.
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