Sample questions:

1. Tell me about yourself and your background.

I am Lyra Dela Rosa, a fresh graduate from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design
2. What motivated you to apply for this position?
Apart from the fact that it is related to the degree I worked hard for and earned
for 4 and a half years, I very much appreciate the creativity and immersion that comes
with it. The job scope of a Junior Designer is quite broad which makes it all the more
interesting. I want to participate in projects that allow me to conceptualize and
collaborate with fellow designers.
3. Can you provide an example of a project or experience where you demonstrated
your [relevant skill]?
During one of our finals for an elective course, my group and I were tasked to
create a brick & mortar retail store that will exhibit a concept that is transparent from the
brand to the structure and interior. Our specific client during the time was Cora & Bear, a
local family-owned shoe brand that crafts designs that are considered as cheerful and
playful. All of us participated in formulating the inspirations which were jolens, walis
tambo, duyan and abanico — all of which represent our childhood and being Filipino.
These inspired us to create a cheerful design that is sustainable and reflects the identity
of Cora & Bear. I also contributed to the drafting of plans and the creation of
perspectives that helped us exhibit the look and feel of the space.
4. How do you prioritize your tasks and manage your time effectively?
For me to track down and prioritize my tasks, I create outlines or to-do lists. This
helps me observe which tasks weigh more than the other. This also gives me a
framework of the workload I need to accomplish so I don’t feel overwhelmed. I try to
finish tasks that are easier first, then proceed with the harder ones after.
5. How do you handle challenges or setbacks in a project or task?
I handle it by attempting to create progress bit by bit. A task can feel very
overwhelming, so I try to narrow it down to more specific and small tasks. An example
would be drafting a floor plan for a residential space. I cut it down to drafting a floor plan
for the living room specifically for a specific time or day. It is all about trimming the work
load into pieces that allow us to make progress bit by bit.
6. What are your strengths and how will they contribute to this role?
I personally think one of my strengths is creating sketches and conceptualizing a
design. This skill can contribute to the initial part of the design process, where I
communicate with the client of their specific requirements and vision of the space, or
during the meetings with fellow designers where we collaborate to envision an
appropriate design.
7. Can you describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team? What was
your role and how did you contribute?
We were once tasked to create a hospital design that would appear welcoming
rather than eery or depressing towards the patients. My group and I decided to
contribute equal parts throughout the design process. We all drafted our own
schematics, proposed our own concepts, and drafted parts of the floor plan. This helped
us to become collaborative and equal with each other’s contributions.
8. Tell me about a time when you had to demonstrate leadership or take initiative.
I tried to take initiative during one of our elective courses. Since we were
practically irregular students because of the pandemic, my group mates and I had
different subjects with different time schedules and workload. However, we all happened
to take the same elective course during that time. It was a period where my group
mates were struggling to juggle their heavy workload. I tried to take initiative for our
plates by asking them when they were available to meet online and plan about the
plate. I tried to create time schedules and deadlines of our tasks so we would create
small progress and meet the deadline and refrain from cramming. At the same time I
understood their situation and respected it.
9. How do you stay updated and informed about the industry or field you are
interested in?
An application I frequently visit is Pinterest. This is already a staple for all
designers, but it is something I personally enjoy a lot. It inspires me a lot to create my
own designs. Apart from that I like to watch Architectural Digest content on Youtube
especially the one where Interior Designers are invited to design a canvas-like space. I
also follow Interior Design related content in my social media platforms.
10. Describe a situation where you had to quickly adapt to change or learn a new
skill.
This occurred specifically during the pandemic. I was not proficient in AutoCAD
or Sketchup at all, since our classes were cut off. There was no other way to learn, no
one in my family had knowledge of it, so I simply resorted to Youtube. I searched for the
basics and learned from there. I realized there were a lot of free resources available
online.
11. How do you handle feedback and criticism? Can you provide an example?
I try to see it as something that will help me improve and grow rather than
something that negatively defines who I am. I accept the fact that I am simply a human
who makes mistakes, and I cannot always please everyone with my designs.
12. What are your long-term goals and how does this position align with them?
One of my long-term goals is to start my own firm. It is such a long way to go but
I know the experience I will garner from the job position of a Junior Designer will help
me build stepping stones or bridges to my goals. This industry will help me practice and
hone my skills as well as improve my shortcomings and mistakes.
13. How do you handle stress and pressure in a work or academic environment?
I simply take breaks, and let it out. I also like to pray and ask God to take the
stress and pressure away. When I cannot handle it anymore, I cry it out in private, and
move on after. When I’m too tired, I try to take breaks or nap. I also try to meet up with
other people whom I can confide in.
14. What do you know about our organization and why do you want to work for us?
I was able to find out about the organization through my college. I trust CSB
Interior Designs because it focuses on sustainability, inclusivity, and functionality other
than the designs.
15. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to communicate complex
information effectively to someone with limited knowledge of the subject?
I remember having to explain to a friend about my thesis topic which involved Transition
Spaces. At first she did not understand what I was talking about, which made me resort to citing
examples or using simple language.