I applied online. I interviewed at Verve Portraits
Interview
First stage is a group interview focused on what photography means to us and selling verve images to the interviewers.
Second interview was one on one with a photography portfolio.
I applied online. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Verve Portraits (Brisbane) in May 2021
Interview
First interview is a group one that goes for several hours. Be prepared to be there for a while. During the first group interview they tell you about the culture of the company and how the role works. You are then paired up with another interviewee to take photos of each other within 2 minutes. Everyone then goes back to the group and must ‘sell’ and ‘uptalk’ the opposite persons image.
They tell you if you are hired you will be signed on as a contractor and not an employee. There is no guarantee if offered the role that you will keep it - no job security. The company gets most of its clients through marketing (offers free session and canvas for people to come in) and there is no guarantee of hours or work. Explained that you will only be paid IF a client who comes through makes a purchase with the Design team - which you aren’t directly responsible for. If a client cancels their appointment, even if you are already on-site you will not be paid. High pressure expectations and KPI’s. You must be highly creative and able to think on your feet as during a 45 min session you are told you must take minimum 40 photos which have to be completely different from each other. Would suit Uni students or people who don’t rely on income coming in to pay the bills. Essentially told during the interview that the only people who’s jobs are safe are those in higher management. Not what you want to hear during a global pandemic.
Second interview is one on one discussion with the director.
If you get through you then do a 5 day training and are paid $500 for the week. If you need more training it is unpaid and told if you don’t understand the role from there, you will be dropped.
You are paid a base rate of around $140- $170 for one photography session.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
What is your favourite movie and why.
‘Sell’ an image to them and explain how you would display it.