I have a problem that the majority of my friends can relate to - my arts education is preventing me from getting a full-time job. I didn't feel pressed to get a Business, Education, or Medical degree, I wanted to pursue my passion and I don't regret a moment of it. But I've had to teach myself how to defend my artistic pursuits in job interviews. So, I'm passing it on to you!

These are just some of the most common asked questions *according to Monster* and how I make it work for me.

1. Can you take a moment to tell us a little bit about yourself?

Oh my gosh I hate this question, lol. You can't be honest about that - "My hobbies include sleeping until noon, Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and singing Opera to nearly empty theaters." No one wants to hear that, but I'm unemployed so I don't have much else going on!

Instead, take this opportunity to make a real impression on them. We're artists, show them some of your work! Even if it isn't relevant to the job this is an opportunity to make them passionate about what you're passionate about. Bring in photos of your performances, a portfolio, etc. (I would avoid videos or anything that takes more than a few moments to show and talk about.)

This is likely the only time your role as an Artist will be of any interest to them. Being visual in your presentation makes you instantly memorable.

2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Ok, we have to redefine these words if they are going to work for us.

Strengths are any qualities that you are guaranteed to excel at; i.e. communication skills, multi-tasking, public speaking, etc.

Weaknesses are any qualities that you are perfectly capable of but are working to getting better.

Remember both strengths and weaknesses are a PRACTICE. We will spend our entire lives adjusting this list and it's ok to admit that. This is a chance to show some humanity. A couple of rules I follow are to avoid using the word weakness, instead I talk about areas I'm working to improve. Try to be honest but not self-deprecating; you never want your interviewer to lose confidence in you.

Since we're all creatives here, these are some of your strengths and 'weaknesses'.

You're both a great leader and a great follower: if you've ever been a featured artist, soloist, speaker, etc. it means you're comfortable in the leader spotlight. As a follower you know not only when to speak, but when to listen. When it is important to be heard and when it is necessary to act as support.

Where you need improvement is up to you, unfortunately. I insert a truth that they'll want to be aware of and something to make them laugh. For example, I'm always improving my multi-tasking abilities but I make up for it with good task-prioritization (any Stage Managers out there?). Also, fun fact, I'm left handed and most people only carry right handed scissors. So if you need something cut nice and even, I'm not your dude.

3. What makes a good team player?

Honestly, I've never been asked this question directly. But employers are looking for an answer from the moment you sit down. It's easy to answer but it can be hard to sell.

Something that helps me is to answer it head on before they get the chance to word it in a way your not expecting - like a scenario, philosophical question, or a real life example. I tend to segue into this on my own from the "Strengths and Weaknesses" question.

Artists are taught teamwork in reverse, especially solo artists. To oversimplify it: we are taught to think of the self first and the team second. Most project based jobs in the work force function in reverse: the team is first, and the self is second. BUT we Artists also recognize that the self fuels the team and vice versa. Much like a ballet or a football team, it takes many individual parts to make the whole thing come together.

So what makes a good team player? Someone who functions well as an independent worker AND as an interdependent worker. As a soloist you know how to do the independent work to be prepared for when the entire project comes together. Painters work on individual pieces to be exhibited under a greater whole. From there it becomes a collaboration that everyone is working to the same means. WE ARE FREAKING AMAZING AT THIS SO MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM!!!

4. Why do you want to work here?

Well, why do you want to work there? Again be honest, but not foolish. Tell them why you're trying to work there and not somewhere up the street.

It helps me to answer this one sequentially: Why did I apply? What did I learn about the organization in the meantime? What did I see that I liked? Why did I take the interview?

You don't need to answer all of these questions, but it can help create an arc to the conversation. It's a good trick to avoid rambling or getting stuck on answers.

5. Do you have any questions for us?

Okay everybody, the answer to this is ALWAYS GOING TO BE YES! Do not ever leave the conversation without asking them a question. Period.

These should always be educated questions. I never ask about pay, vacation/sick time, or benefits in the interview. Instead I ask to hear more about a specific aspect of the job, or where the organization wants to be in the future.

If you feel like you're saturated on company details, which is fine, turn the tables on your interviewer(s). Ask them about themselves, how they got to their current positions, and what they like about the organization. You can also ask something to the effect of "What do YOU personally need most from the position you're hiring?"

It furthers the dialogue and lets you bring up more examples from your life, either in art or employment history, that makes you valuable to them!

I've been on the job hunt many times so I really do understand the frustration of landing the interview but not getting the job. But following this guideline has also never failed me. I've landed tons of jobs over the years, and I no longer feel that I'm defending my education, but that it's enhancing me. It definitely took some time to figure out how to do it right but it's pretty polished by now.

No matter where life takes you do not ever feel that your art is in vain. Never give up on the fact that your accomplishments are valid and useful to you for the rest of your life. Hopefully I've given you some extra things to be proud of!

In bocca al lupo!