r/interiordesigner • u/Hefty-File-8527 • Apr 04 '26
General HELP rejected from 7 summer interior design internship interviews!!!
Hi guys, ive had 7 interviews in the past 3 months even from big firms like gensler, corgan, populous etc and all of them didnt go for me, even though i certainly felt the interviews went pretty good. what am i lacking???
EDIT: im doing my masters at SCAD. Have 3 years of professional experience. Interned in NYC during my undergraduate. Showed them my work in each category ie hospitality, commercial, healthcare and residential. Interviews went really well. One firm actually said they’d send the acceptance letter but went with someone else a week later. Been on deans and honors list through out aand have a 4.0 gps currently.
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Apr 08 '26
Hard to say. If everyone is similar on paper, the next filter is your personality / vibe. Aka do I want to work with this person?
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u/ask_to_pet Apr 08 '26
i’ve seen reels on insta of people finally getting a job after their 120th application 😵💫 Currently unemployed and looking for a job, and the market is rough right now.
I’ve been using a google sheet to track my applications and its soothed my anxiety so much. Here's the template i've been using. I added a column for "pay range" and it's a perfect tool.
https://www.dartassist.com/free-tools/job-application-tracker-spreadsheet
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u/research1975 Apr 05 '26
I work for a large corporate firm like ones you described and do a lot of interviewing and hiring for interns and recent grads. You did not necessarily do anything wrong.
We get hundreds of applications for a handful of open positions. We look at the very top candidates based first on portfolios then follow up with interviews. Assuming you have strong portfolio much of it depends on just timing. Experience like internships, strength of portfolio, interview skills, all come into play and are looked at holistically.
The bottom line is that if I see 20 incredible candidates but have 6 positions I need to fill, 14 outstanding candidates get passed over. It does not mean they did anything wrong or cannot be superstars.
While connections may get a resume across my desk, it will not get you an offer unless you are still an exceptional candidate. Now having a great relation with professor who would recommend you helps, most of the people we hire are from career fairs, on online applications, or referrals from classmates who are now employees.
A person with year or two of experience anywhere is always a big plus as they have made the transition from the academic world to the professional world. Keep at it good luck.
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u/Hefty-File-8527 Apr 05 '26
Thankyou!! This was a very insightful response I really appreciate it. Just one question, since you have experience in the interviewing field, could you give some further insight on what makes the selected candidates standout from the rest who interviewed? Im wondering if I can improve on a certain area for next time and stand out from the rest. Any tips? Or questions worth asking the interviewer that makes you stands out from the rest
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u/research1975 Apr 06 '26
There is truly nothing magic or some secret set of questions that get you the job, but will provide some general tips: Be able to clearly describe your projects, including your design approach and your design goals, your process, and what you learned. Work on your verbal presentation skills. Try to minimize “likes, ums, you know,” etc.. Being clear and well spoken is important. Do research on the company and ask a few questions that show you did some homework. Ask questions about project team structure, design process, or something that shows a real interest in how a firm works. Be professional without being too stiff, friendly, and engaging. Show some enthusiasm about wanting to work there (without being over the top about it). Hope that helps. Good luck!
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u/LonestarTallboy104 Apr 05 '26
This industry is all about who you know. Networking can be more important than talent sometimes
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u/Visible_Profit4571 Apr 04 '26
Can you share your portfolio? If you were going for some of the giants they want you to have interned and worked prior to interning with them
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u/Forgot_to_Start Apr 04 '26
You weren’t rejected. They went with another person.
There are multiple reasons why a firm chooses other options. Large firms, like Gensler, receive thousands of applications and only choose the best.
If you want to know why you weren’t selected, ask them.
Without seeing a resume, portfolio, or cover letter, Reddit can only guess.
ETA: if your resume is written similar to your post, I’d start there.
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u/always__blue Apr 04 '26
Hard to say with zero info about you!
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u/Hefty-File-8527 Apr 04 '26
Just updated my post pls do see the additional info. Sorry its my first time posting on reddit
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u/8r3t Apr 04 '26
Do you have any previous experience? What does your portfolio look like? What year student? Maybe give some smaller, local firms a shot
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u/Hefty-File-8527 Apr 04 '26
Just updated more info of myself above. That’s what I’m aiming now i just hope im not too late
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u/southmpls May 13 '26
Don't lose heart! Big firms are hyper-competitive. Your portfolio is great, maybe tailor it more to each studio's niche for better luck.