That Disastrous Interview Answer
This is a true story.
The interviewer asked a question that struck me to the core: “What is your true aspiration as a creative?” I was left reeling, my mind churning with the gravity of such an inquiry.
My personal accomplishments and capabilities have always been a source of pride. Initially, I started as a graphic designer with a flair for writing scripts that were only obvious in hindsight. Why hadn’t I pursued a career in creative writing earlier, you ask? I remain uncertain.
In the early days of the internet, I learned Java 2 and MySQL and even created a rudimentary shopping cart while simultaneously honing my skills in HTML and CSS. WordPress was a blessing for designers, eliminating the need to build a website from scratch. I eked out a living customizing WordPress templates for small business owners in the mid-1990s before falling in love with photography. The art form opened up a plethora of opportunities, but it also necessitated a steady investment in pricey equipment. From events and studio portraits to travel and editorial assignments, I found my calling.
As a creative director, I have penned scripts for commercials, corporate videos, speeches, and short social media narratives. This offered me a sense of satisfaction and enriched my storytelling skills. My partnership with a savvy strategist exposed me to new skills that I later added to my creative arsenal. Currently, I develop brand and creative strategies for my clients, a task that I have grown to love. Crafting strategies enables me to interweave visuals and writing into a cohesive narrative. All my experiences and learnings have culminated in this newly acquired skill, which I consider a career milestone.
Again, what is it that I aspire to do as a creative? I could have responded in this manner.
I want to create stories that will resonate with people. I want to build enduring and impactful brand narratives through cohesive strategies, utilizing insights derived from various channels encompassing a variety of touchpoints.
But instead, I mumbled, uttering an incoherent statement. Alas, my answer to that single question cost me the job.
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