Difficult Computer Aided Design (CAD) Designer Interview Preparation Guide

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My motivation is to become a good drafter and successful employee

I believe that I can be better than the other next guy is that I am a detailed oriented CAD drafting person with experience, patience, and in the name of maturity where I can handle the stress of this job requires me to do it just as make sure that I get the work done on time.

Being under appreciated like my job is not an important part of getting a job completed

I've always loved 3D CAD and 2D drafting. You're making informative design drawings as part of a team while doing something that feels more like play than work.

Yes, I can do the layouts of architectural plans based on floor plans on each floor from the foundation to the roof, cross sections, front and side elevations, and structural designs in wood, cement, or steel.

5 years in architectural school and use for my clients in my design work.

Yes, sharing others is good idea , they can create a lot of new ideas.

This is a tuff question to ask. It may expose your shortcomings out loud and that can be difficult to handle. However, it will tell you the issues you need to address in order to get the job. It creates an opportunity for you to demonstrate why you are the person for the job and removes fears they may have of hiring you. Don't get offended by anything they list. They may be correct in their comments.

No, I want to expand my horizon as a architectural technologist and learn new skills and assets to achieve my goals.

This question will tell you exactly what they are looking for. It also gives you the opportunity to sell yourself efficiently in that you won't give them information they don't need. Too much information may lead them to believe you are overqualified or don't have the right set of skills. They may also mention something you didn't realize they needed but can do.

It would look simple and neat. Everything would be where I would need it to be. I prioritize the organization by function first rather than aesthetics.

I feel that I have a good feel on the industry. I know what it takes to complete a project to satisfaction of the requirements set.

I am interested and passionate about taking painting and drawing classes. I took those classes at Fleisher Art Memorial, Main Line Art Center, and Wayne Art Center. Also, I usually go to the Philadelphia Art Museum, Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Woodmere Art Museum, and the art galleries in Old City and Chestnut Hill.

Well I figured it would be to my advantage to know the required programs an engineer is required to know and it has helped me especially in my Statics&physics class.

Asking this one is just a good conversation starter. First CAD experiences vary a lot. Entertain the conversation, share your own CAD software experiences and learn a lot about the kind of user they are, preferences, successes, failures, etc...

B. False

A 3D design that had been drafted in 2D and needed to be brought into 2D. It was difficult because there was a lack of time, so I had to work overtime to get the job completed on time.

Ask this one to understand if they grok PDM / PLM, if appropriate for your company.

A. True

I was able to stay focused on to be on the same page with the architectural team to work on specifications, construction documentation, to work on the design aspects of the buildings that needs to be revised and edited for any other drawings, and mostly importantly I was able to get in touch with other drafters and architects to go over front elevations, roof framing, and windows in the name of architectural design.

I advance in working with people as a team and learning something out of my comfort zone.

This is where the dancing begins. Both sides are afraid to commit to a number for fear of giving away too much or not getting enough. The employer wants to pay as little as possible and you want to get paid as much as possible. This is obvious. Before you walk in to the interview determine what you want to make. There is no max so determine what you want and determine your minimum. Don't start with the minimum because it is very rare that the employer will give you more than what you ask for. It does happen from time to time but if they feel they can get you for less they will try. Don't ask for what you were making at your last job; go higher, at least a little bit. Make sure you feel that the pay fits the role and responsibilities. Never work for free.

A. True

B. the ending point of the last line

Yes I do, I would like to become a project manager. I am also interested in building codes and specifications.