As someone who conducts interviews now at my new job, I can say that it's given me a new perspective. I have a sheet of question I need to go through, and throughout it 1 or 2 are crucial enough that if the candidate doesn't answer them properly, I'm to speed through the rest because they are an immediate no.
I always thought those who make site layouts/templates would excel in getting work pertaining to it because of the monumental talent they have to do what they do. But it's sad to know that the industry like so many others is not kind. sorry to double post but i just wanted to comment!
as someone who's also hired ppl i think it's a little dismissive to completely write someone off for one or two fudged questions. what if they're nervous, or what if they're bad at interviewing? and if you keep them for the rest of the interview, you're wasting everyone's time really. that's just...being a decent person imo.
and people are really talented at layouts/templates in the rpc! it's just not enough to compromise the entire skillset of what a graphic designer needs. you really need to consider things like branding & identity, logos, illustrations, and so on. it's like hiring a programmer because you can code templates! it helps, but you need a more varied skillset.
while i don't deny that the industry is tough, there are plenty of ppl who are willing to share their knowledge if you're interested in becoming a good designer!