How to ace different types of interviews.
Design role interviews in the tech industry are typically focused on evaluating a candidate's ability to solve complex design problems and demonstrate their creativity and technical proficiency. Design interviews usually involve a combination of design exercises, case studies, and behavioral questions that aim to gauge the candidate's design process, communication skills, and ability to work in a team.
Photo by Firmbee.com on Unsplash
Interviews for design roles, particularly Product and UX, can vary in format, but here are some common types of interviews you may encounter:
Portfolio Review: A portfolio review is typically the first stage of the interview process for a product designer role. During this interview, the interviewer will ask you to walk them through your design portfolio and explain the design challenges you faced, the design process you followed, and the outcomes of your designs.
Design Exercise: A design exercise is a common component of the interview process for product designer roles. This type of interview may ask you to complete a design exercise to assess your design skills and problem-solving ability. The exercise may involve creating wireframes, prototypes, or design solutions to specific problems.
Behavioral Interview: A behavioral interview is designed to assess your soft skills and how you work in a team. This type of interview may ask you questions about how you approach design challenges, manage conflict, or communicate with stakeholders.
Case Study Interview: A case study interview is designed to test your ability to solve design problems. You may be given a hypothetical design challenge and asked to explain how you would approach the problem, the design process you would follow, and the outcomes of your design.
Culture Fit Interview: A culture fit interview is designed to assess whether you are a good fit for the company's culture. This type of interview may ask you questions about your values, work style, and communication style to determine whether you would fit in with the team.
It's important to prepare for each of these different types of interviews and understand what the interviewer is looking for. By preparing your portfolio, practicing design exercises, and brushing up on your soft skills, you can increase your chances of success in product design interviews.
Tips to prepare for design role interviews
Preparing for a design interview in the tech industry can be a daunting task, but there are some tips that can help you feel more confident and prepared:
Research the company: Before the interview, research the company and its products or services. Learn about their design philosophy, the team you will be working with, and the types of projects they work on. This will help you tailor your responses to the company's values and design needs.
Review your portfolio: Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your best work. Prepare to discuss each project in-depth, highlighting your design process, challenges, and solutions.
Practice design exercises: Practice solving design problems by completing mock design exercises. You can find practice exercises and prompts online, or create your own. Use a timer to simulate the interview setting and practice communicating your thought process out loud.
Brush up on design principles: Review the basics of design principles, such as color theory, typography, and layout. This will help you apply these principles to your design solutions during the interview.
Prepare for behavioral questions: Prepare to answer behavioral questions about your design process, collaboration skills, and problem-solving abilities. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses.
Be ready to ask questions: Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer about the company's design process, culture, and future projects. This shows that you are interested in the company and have a desire to learn and grow.
Get feedback: Practice your interview skills with friends or colleagues and ask for feedback. This can help you improve your communication skills, clarify your thought process, and build confidence.
Remember, a successful design interview is not just about your technical skills but also your communication and problem-solving abilities. Show your enthusiasm for the company, be confident in your abilities, and be ready to demonstrate your design process.
