User Interface Designer Interviews?
Hello, I am looking for some advice from people applying for positions related to Web Application Design/User Interface Design, basically – Front End/Web GUI development
I am having SERIOUS PROBLEMS convincing the hiring manager/interviewers, that I have the required skills (XHTML/CSS/Fireworks/Photoshop/UI/FLASH, etc.) because they don’t see a good portfolio with working live prototypes.
My beef with this is a lot what I have done is NO LONGER UP LIVE,
1. Either the site design has been changed/redesigned
2. Or the page(s) was on a temporary domain (a landing page or microsite, or email campaign)
3. Or the application interface was internal to the Company/ITDept
And I am screwed either way, because either my portfolio is weak or I don’t have the related experience/language to get the job or I don’t have experience in any other field to start at entry level (like sales/marketing or finance or other technical, because I don’t have a BA or BS, I am completely SCREWED
It is hard to base your technical skills on a portfolio, even if you have a large one. Most employers prefer to see a BA or BS, as it shows that you are able to learn the skills and concepts as well as apply them.
One thing from your question that I have trouble with is how they don’t believe you when you have worked for another company/IT Dept using those subset of skills. (Granted they validated that).
Unfortunately it seems that you are in a tough spot. My suggestion would be to at the very least gain some type of certification, such as web development/Microsoft/Java certification. If you have the time/money, maybe think about going back to school to get a technical based degree (CS,BIS,MIS). I foresee it to be increasingly harder to compete for a position against other individuals who do have certifications/degrees, even if your portfolio is full of content.