Steven Madden Designer interview questions

I had my first interview in person and the second interview via zoom. For the first interview, I was brought into their office and met with the director and CEO. I shared with them my portfolio and answered some basic questions. They really didn’t want to see too much of my work as it wasn’t an exact replica of the items you’d find for their market. This is also where I learned that the position wasn’t actually focusing on the specific category I was informed of from the start of the interview process. It really came across like they weren’t aligned on the role or still figuring it out. Overall, it was a quick meeting and although the job was no longer what I thought it was, I remained open to learning and giving it a try - which I communicated to them. Post first interview, I was assigned a project. The project was very large, especially still working full time. I was asked to research and design nearly 50 garments as a full collection (color + black and white sketches) including mood board, color palette and print direction in 5 days. None of these garments were in the specific category that was my specialty, and what the position was originally presented for - which I had stated I likely wouldn’t know everything but I would learn quickly. This was the point that they should have assessed if they really would be willing to teach someone or if they wanted to transition to someone who was an expert in this specific category. They clearly did not do that and had no regard for abusing anyone’s time. The presentation was held via zoom and it was a very uncomfortable maybe 15 minutes. I tried to create conversation and that was rebuffed each time. I was genuinely proud of the work I had done and actually wanted their feedback and thoughts. I know that it was logically all probably not correct or exactly their vision but I didn’t just throw it together last minute. At one point the director even laughed under her breath at something I shared. At the end, I asked if they had any questions about what I presented and the CEO started quizzing me about technical measurements for the garments. This was not a technical position and although as you step into these roles you will know these numbers and have a clear view on the fit - I had made it pretty clear that I hadn’t worked in this size division for some time so I wasn’t overly familiar with the market but in the time given I did my best to educate myself. After the brief spec quiz, they said that’s all bye! and hung up the call. I never heard from them again. I don’t think they ever actually considered me a candidate, it was more an experimental power trip and I was their subject. I think that given all the time and effort put in, a brief ‘thanks but we’re going in a different direction’ would have been appropriate. Interviews do go both ways, and you can learn a lot during these times about the employer too. If these two woman could not provide me with even the slightest amount of respect in this short time, how would they know how to create a healthy work environment? You can expect the absolute best out of your employees, you can push them, challenge them, question them - but you also should respect them.

I had a phone interview with hr then an in person interview with the Design Director. The design director asked for a test project to redesign a bag and do a moodboard on a current trend. The next interview was to present and discuss the test project. The director came in complaining about her team and the designers she has to work with. While talking the director flinged the pen she was holding across the room by accident. I thought she was uncomfortable and inexperienced. I requested to meet the team but was denied when I was offered the job. This is a red flag as you should be allowed to meet the people you are going to work with unless you have something to hide. This should never be a problem. After all, the interview is a two way street. I don't recommend going with this company as they seem unprofessional.