How to Succeed at an Animation Job Interview

Smash that job interview

Landing your first animation job is mainly about having a strong demo reel - and making sure that your demo reel is easy to find, not password protected, and (ideally) embedded at your Linkedin profile. 

Once you get to the interview, the studio is already very interested.  But, they want to hire animators who not only produce great work, but who are collaborative, easy to work with, and ready for the realities of production.  Below are a few key tips to help you succeed at an animation job interview.

1. Know Your Demo Reel Inside Out

Your reel is the centrepiece of the interview. Be ready to talk confidently about every shot:

• What was the brief?
• What challenges did you face?
• What would you improve now?
• Studios want to see self-awareness and growth, not perfection.

2. Show You’re a Team Player

Learn to work with other artists

Animation is a collaborative process. Directors, leads, and fellow artists will all give you notes.  Demonstrate that you:

• Take feedback well
• Enjoy teamwork (or, at least, learn to manage the process)
• Are open to learning and mentorship

A great animator with a great attitude is far more valuable than a “genius” who won’t take notes.

3. Do Your Homework on the Studio
Research their recent projects, style, and pipeline. Mention specific shots, shows, or films you admire.  It shows you genuinely want this job (not just any job).  Try and find out who is interviewing you, look them up at IMDB and Linkedin, and have something to say about their work.

4. Be Ready for Technical Questions

Maya - still the industry standard

Depending on the role, you may be asked about:

• Your workflow (blocking, splining, polishing)
• Use of live action reference
• Software proficiency (Maya, Blender, Houdini, etc.)

Don’t bluff. If you don’t know something, say so – but show curiosity and willingness to learn. Remember, you can learn a new piece of software over a weekend; strong animation skills take much longer to acquire. 

5. Prepare Questions of Your Own

Bring a printout of your CV

Interviews are a two-way conversation. Smart questions show you’re thinking like a professional. For example:

• “How do you give notes to the animation team?”
• “What does success look like in the first few months?”

6. Don't Talk About Money (yet)
Avoid questions about salary or time off at the first interview. And don't ask about work-life balance; employers may assume you're afraid of hard work. And great animation is always hard work. 

Final Thought
Studios hire people, not just demo reels. Be enthusiastic, be curious, and be someone they’d enjoy working with in the animation trenches. Combine strong work with a positive, collaborative attitude – and you’ll stand out for all the right reasons.

To find out more about Animation Apprentice, click here for a link to Frequently Asked Questions. To sign up for our next classroom at Animation Apprentice, follow this link.