Interview Tips

The design interview process can often seem an intimidating maze of challenges that can put you off applying in the first place. But that should never put you off pursuing your design ambitions. If you’ve got the skills, and the right attitude, you deserve that job – so let us walk you through some simple but effective tips to both landing that design job interview and sailing through it…

600x600_interviewtips1Common UI Position Interview Questions

Can you describe your ideal work day as a UI designer?
By answering this question, a designer should reveal a lot about his or her preferences of processes, orders and setups. You should be able to find out how much of a team player the applicant is, and how much does s/he expect from other team members: Developers, UX designers, and Information Architects.

A good UI designer should mention how important it is to communicate with UX designers about changes in prototypes or wireframes. Another good sign is if the designer mentions keeping end-user goals in mind when designing each element, as well as how s/he is aware of any technical limitations.

Why do you want this position?
As long as the answer isn’t “I need the money,” this should be an easy one.
What are your core areas of UI design expertise?
Any UI designer who has worked long enough on various, unique projects, will have developed areas of expertise, or at least, preferences. The designer’s answers should revolve around preferred client types or around certain type of platforms: Designing websites, mobile apps, backend dashboards, for instance. Professional UI designers would also cover the journey itself, describing how they arrived at these areas of expertise and experience.
What UX information you need to have before you start designing?
Every professional UI designer should have as much information as possible about the user experience (UX) and user journey that the team intends to create. This UX experience is usually planned out based on gathered data, including user surveying, usability testing, and so on.

So, the foundational information a UI designer needs before starting will revolve around the end-user needs and some business goals. It would also be wise to discover the designer’s reasoning behind any UX information s/he feels is necessary prior to commencing work on the project.

What interests you about our company?
Read through the company’s website and any other marketing materials you may have access to. Good, safe answers are:

“I love the work your company does and I want to be part of it.

“I’m looking for a place where I can apply and further develop my skills”

“I believe I can be a valuable asset to your company”

What makes you an asset to our company?
This is the chance for your sales pitch. Tell the interviewer how awesome you are and why your skills are a great fit for the company.
Where you see yourself in 5 years?
The answer will vary for each person. Some people will want to be experts in what they do, while others may see themselves in a more of a management role. Think about what you want for yourself, and confidently answer this question.
What’s your greatest strength? Weakness?
This helps us identify where you fit into the company. There’s no “right” answer. Just be honest and concise.
If a client is in the (______) industry and wanted to do (_______) with their website, what advice would you give them?
We like creative thinkers and well rounded people. Be prepared to answer these types of questions if you’re applying for an agency type of company or one with a very broad range of clients.
Do you read any industry publications or websites? If so, which ones?
Showing interest in your field outside of office hours may indicate you really love what you’re doing (and that’s always a good thing). If you don’t subscribe to any publications or websites, it’s never too late.
How do you handle pressure and multiple deadlines?
More often than not, you’ll be working on multiple projects with deadlines that may overlap. This is an excellent opportunity to show off your project management and task prioritization skills.
What do you do when you’re faced with something you’ve never done before or if you’re stuck on a problem?
Like all things in business, time is money. Show how resourceful you can be here. Think about how you can make use of the Internet, your coworkers, and your own network to complete projects within or under budget.
What’s your favorite portfolio piece?
Be prepared to tell us what it is and why.
Why should we hire you instead of the other people applying for this position?
This is often the closer. Think about what makes you unique, what skills separate you from the others, and why you want it or deserve it more than anybody else. Hopefully this inside info will help you on your next job interview. If you have any other questions to add to our list, please add them to the comments below.
Why are you leaving your current company?
This is a helpful question to help identify any underlying issues. If you were fired or laid off from your previous position, please be honest and explain the circumstances. It’s much better to hear it from you than finding out from checking out references. Being terminated isn’t always a red flag or a deal breaker as long as you can explain yourself. If it’s something work related, like you weren’t satisfied with the projects or you were hitting a career ceiling, it’s often helpful for both your potential employer and you to see if you’re a right fit for each other.

600x600_interviewtips2Other Tips for Interview Success

Be punctual

It may sound obvious, but arriving late creates a bad impression, and feeble excuses about late-running trains or traffic congestion just won’t impress anybody. Clear enough time in your schedule that you’ll be there in good time and without sweat pouring off you.

Do your research

This is the most obvious thing to do when preparing for a design interview, but is all too often forgotten. If your excuse is you ‘didn’t have time’ then you don’t want the job enough and your prospective employer will know straight away. Take a close look at the company’s site and search the creative press for stories about them.

Dress the part

How you present yourself is very important. A good rule of thumb is to dress smart-casual. Wear clothes you are comfortable in: this will also help portray your confidence in a design interview scenario. If you’re meeting a creative, don’t wear a suit because they won’t be. But turning up in shorts and flip-flops for client-side interviews will speed your exit out the door.

Sell your skills appropriately

Studios are always looking for people who can add something new to their business, but not at the expense of what they actually want you to do. So don’t blurt out your skills with, say, augmented reality apps, before you have given them confidence in your ability to do the specific job you’re interviewing for. Instead, portray these additional skills as a good way to add value to the business in future.

Remember your resumé and portfolio

Just because the company interviewing you has already seen your resumé, don’t assume that part of the application process is over. You may well be asked to talk through your resumé in the interview, so make sure you bring a number of copies in a presentable form, and familiarise yourself with what you say you’ve done and what you’re able to do. And you will almost certainly be asked to talk through your portfolio, so the same goes for that.

Preparing your resumé

Start with a mission statement that captures who you are, and really sell yourself. Name-check clients and brands you’ve worked with in your design interview, and always list your employment in reverse order, current job first. Don’t say: “I work well individually, or in a team” – everyone does, it’s not a unique skill; and don’t include a picture of yourself.

Print or digital resume?

on Schindehette, art director at Wizards of the Coast says: “The truth is, you must have both a digital and a printed portfolio. The latter can be a basic mailer or brochure of your work. As far as an online portfolio goes, a bespoke site is always best – but that doesn’t necessarily mean coding from scratch. All art directors will agree, though, that you have to follow the Keep it Simple, Stupid formula with your online portfolio, because if it’s not simple in its navigation and design, you’ll be the one who looks stupid. Oh, and never use Facebook photos to showcase your work: it screams ‘amateur’!”

Showcase your personality

Ensure your personality shines through in the interview and your portfolio. The best portfolios are expressions of the owner’s personality, both as a creative designer and – equally important – as a person with opinions, a point of view, a stand-point and a life outside of design. The most effective portfolios are those that take the viewer on a journey – tell a story, inspire, impress and innovate. These portfolios are rare, of course, but they are in a place that the most ambitious should aspire to reach.