Mentally I was ready for a small interview with perhaps one executive, HR, art director or even associate art director. There was no mention of a panel style review or group interview which are always more stressful. I probably would not have done it or prepared a lot more if i had known. But to my slight horror the entire interview was with Mr. Hamagami and Mr. Carroll as well as another AD and an Associate AD.
The office was beautiful the place looked amazing. I was just flustered and unprepared for a hardcore, full frontal style interview (does that bring up a good mental picture). Also the questions seemed to come fast and my answers stuttered out of my mouth. The first question was a doozy - How much do you want to make?
Another mistake of mine: I didn't bring a full physical portfolio ( I mean the job is interactive designer most of my work is digital ) and they wanted to review a full portfolio. It felt like there was no option given to review my work online, as in no one offered to just pull up my website. They had no work to refer to as they went over my resume.
It went fast, which isn't a good sign and the only compliments I received came from the associate AD. I would say the interview was intimidating at best. And obviously I didn't get the job. But I don't really have any regrets because after that interview I felt it wasn't the right work environment for me. The Hamagami/Carroll design house is more of a corporate workhorse, I think the work is definitely quality but not right for someone who is slightly crazy like me.
The best part is I think they have been trying to fill that position for over a year and half.