1. Understand What the Interviewer Wants to See
Before you step into the interview, it’s important to know what hiring managers are looking for:
- Problem-Solving Ability: Hiring managers want to know how you approach design challenges and your thought process. They care more about how you solve problems than whether or not you have the "perfect" answer.
- Portfolio Presentation: Be prepared to walk the interviewer through your portfolio. This is your opportunity to showcase your design process, how you approach problems, and the impact your solutions had.
- Cultural Fit: They’re also assessing whether you’ll mesh well with the team, so think about your communication style and how you can show you’re a team player.
2. Prepare for Common UX Interview Questions
While each company and role is different, there are several common UX interview questions you can expect:
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Tell me about your design process.
- This is your chance to walk them through how you approach design from research to prototyping. Make sure to highlight the key steps of your process.
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Tell me about a time you solved a problem with design.
- They want to hear about how you approached a specific problem, the steps you took to solve it, and the results you achieved.
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What tools do you use for design?
- Be ready to talk about the design tools you’re comfortable with (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and why you use them.
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How do you prioritize user needs versus business goals?
- Show your understanding of the balance between user-centered design and business objectives.
3. Be Ready for Design Challenges
Many UX interviews include a design challenge or whiteboard exercise. These tests are meant to evaluate your problem-solving skills, creativity, and how you approach design under pressure.
Tips for tackling design challenges:
- Clarify the problem: Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the challenge.
- Think out loud: Explain your thought process as you work through the problem. Interviewers want to hear how you approach the task.
- Stay calm and take your time: Don’t rush. Walk through your reasoning, even if you’re unsure at first. Being methodical shows your problem-solving process.
4. Be Prepared to Showcase Your Portfolio
When walking through your portfolio, make sure to:
- Focus on the process: Explain how you arrived at each solution. Don’t just show the final design—highlight the journey that led to it.
- Emphasize impact: If possible, showcase metrics or qualitative data showing the positive outcomes of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, increased conversions).
- Keep it concise: Don’t overwhelm the interviewer with too many projects. Select 2-3 key pieces that highlight your skills and versatility.
Need extra help preparing for your interview?
Book a 1:1 Power Hour with me, where we’ll focus on your unique challenges, refine your interview skills, and boost your confidence. This personalized session is designed to ensure you’re fully prepared for any UX interview.
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5. Brush Up on Soft Skills
In addition to technical skills, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and the ability to take feedback are crucial in UX roles. Be ready to showcase these in your interview by discussing times you collaborated with others, handled challenges, or adapted to feedback from users or stakeholders.
6. Ask Thoughtful Questions
Asking questions during an interview shows that you’re engaged and have a genuine interest in the role and company. Some great questions to ask include:
- What does success look like in this role?
- What design challenges is the team currently facing?
- How does the design team collaborate with other departments?
