Use the Internet to research potential employers or companies interested in interviewing you. Company websites often feature portfolio and submission requirements.

How to Research Companies via the Internet and Other Tools
The Internet can help identify potential employers, or provide research on a company interested in interviewing you. There are scores of useful websites that list animation and visual effects companies. One of the best is aidb.com. You can search the site by company name, location, or use shortcuts such as visual effects companies or animation specialty. For example, selecting “visual effects companies” gives you a list of countries. Clicking on the United Kingdom brings up a list of companies. Choose Framestore and you will see their phone number. Clicking on the Framestore name shows you a link to the company website. The jobs category on Framestore’s website indicates that they accept portfolios on DVDs and that they are always looking for runners.

Besides job openings, company websites often feature portfolio requirements. Disney’s website has information on both traditional and CG portfolio requirements. Many companies have similar submission requirements.

Researching specific companies on the Internet is easy. Some worthwhile search engines include Google and Dogpile. Just type in what you are looking for such as “Company Name” and click to search. You can search anything, including people’s names.

If a company is public, the annual shareholders report is a good source of information. Companies are also listed in a myriad of directories. Ask a reference librarian at your local library to help you in your research.

Congratulations: You Have an Interview
After weeding through a stack of résumé and portfolios and many candidates, the employer has decided he wants to meet you. Getting an interview means you are a finalist. To confirm their already positive impression of you, you must:

1. Do your homework. Know what the company is doing and how you can contribute to its efforts.

2. Make yourself irresistible. Tell them something that is not on your résumé to enhance their view of you. Give them something extra.

3. Avoid doing anything stupid.

On interview day, be confident, on time and don’t do anything stupid.

Before the Day of the Interview (Do Your Homework)
Brush up on information about the company and the particular position you are being interviewed for. Prepare questions to ask about the company and the job.

Decide what you want the employer to know about you. Prepare a pitch of your five most marketable skills or accomplishments.

If possible, drive to the location of your interview to find out how long it will take you to get there. Allow for traffic.

Try to determine what the dress code is at the company and dress accordingly. Make sure the outfit you plan to wear is clean, pressed and still fits.

It’s Interview Day (Confirm Their Positive Impression and Make Yourself Irresistible)
Arrive a few minutes early. Greet the receptionist or security person cordially. Employers look for how well you deal with others. Be pleasant and professional to everyone. The art director you meet with might ask the receptionist or security guard about your interactions with them. Your interview starts the moment you enter the company’s grounds.

While it may be true that your life history is in your résumé and your work is in your reel and portfolio, the reason someone wants to meet with you is to learn what’s not on your résumé, and answer three basic questions: Can you do the job? Will you do the job? And will you fit in? The last question is the most important and your homework and research will help you know how to convince them you are the perfect choice. If you’ve done your homework, you know how you can contribute to what they are doing. Prepare in advance to tell the interviewer how your skills can enhance the company’s work on a specific project. Show them you are a problem solver, can take initiative and are a team player. Use “we” or “our team” when talking about group accomplishments.

Be confident and competent but not arrogant. Demonstrate a positive attitude and show enthusiasm. Be prepared to explain your work. Be honest and stick with facts.

Explain why you want to work for their company — what makes their company so special to you. Establish a connection with the company, a specific project, or the type of material they deal with.

Thank the interviewer for his or her time and leave a card with your contact information.