‘If you’re good, you’ll be hired on full-time. All you have to do is show you can do the job ‘- Neeman Patrick, UX design expert.
Any job interview requires the nerve, the grit, and the composure. But the key here is to RELAX. You are well qualified, have the best degree, but landing up with the best job can never be guaranteed. But don’t worry you can do this, you probably love the job, you love the idea of what you’ll be doing, you think the office fit out regarding its furniture is great, and you can just imagine yourself working there. So this interview means a lot. It is difficult to predict the interviewer’s mindset and the kind of questions that will be thrown open to you. Talking to New York recruiters or similar professionals beforehand can help you understand where they might go with their line of questioning but you do not know for sure. Remain calm; keep your head high, do thorough research, and then go well prepared for the job interview. Some interviews may have more than one stage, so be prepared to have to go back for a second interview if you’re successful at first. Once you’ve completed the interview process, some employers may request that you undergo a drug test to check that you’re going to be safe to have in the office. Employers use drug tests to ensure they’re not employing people with substance abuse problems as this could cause productivity issues or workplace issues. To learn more about drug tests, people could try this link here to visit the Countrywide Testing website. Hopefully, you’ll be able to pass that if you’re asked to do a drug test. However, some employers won’t ask for this. It’s just important to understand that it could happen. Hopefully, you’ll be successful throughout the interview, ensuring you get the job.
You have to nail the interview first! Here are the 8 most likely questions that the interviewer will ask a candidate for a UX design interview.
Questions and tips to crack them
Define UX design?
This is the basic question expected in every design interview. It is a good chance of revealing the technical aspects of the design program, combined with your personal thoughts and preferences of the users. Though the basic idea of defining the ‘design’ should be correct, it has to be creatively crafted so that it reflects your ability to conceptualize and visualize. Also, do solid research about the interviewer and his views on design so that can be reflected in the way you shape your answer. So on a lighter note, a UX designer is a person who should,
“Date the idea, functions, and the working team, and marry the design with the consent of the client”.
What do you know about our company/product?
This is a question you’ll find in every interview, but it is a very important one. It shows you’re interested in the company and have done your research. In UX design the answer to this question is a little different, especially if they ask about the software or website product you’ll be working on. You need to show you can see the areas that work most in terms of UX. For example, you’re applying to a company like Synario who provides financial planning software. If you mention that you appreciate how the software reduces spent on financial planning which consumers often want to cut down on – then you’ve just shown the interviewer that you are able to analyze and apply UX design principles on the fly.
Tell us about your biggest achievement in the field of design?
The portfolio of the candidate should be designed in a way that it speaks of all its achievements, in a subtle manner. Be very clear in stating your contribution in the successful execution of the project. This question gives you the best chance of showcasing your achievements and capabilities. Starting from the background to the adversities and hurdles that were involved in the project, discuss everything that justifies your triumphs but does not sound exaggerated. Make them experience your journey by weaving an interesting story, which does contain facts. It will have two advantages. Firstly it will highlight your accomplishment in the design process and secondly, will also make your ability to express your thoughts clearly, more rampant. Talk about the technical details, the applications, and high-end tools used, but also describe the minute details of UI which you focused on.
Focus on the contribution of the team members, how this project was important to you, and what was your knack in making the project a success. Leave an indelible impression of the story in the mind of the interviewer.
What is your working style, alone or in a team?
This is a vital question, where your ability to work with others will be judged. Do your homework before going for the interview and clearly state the areas of the project where group performances are important and the instances where personal capabilities are more workable. Try and create a balance between the two, so that it becomes evident that you are a team player and also a solo decision-maker where required. Take this question as an opportunity to inquire about the work culture, business dynamics, and nature of the projects, of the organization.
Discuss one project, which did not go as well as expected?
Firstly, do not get nervous or freeze on hearing this question. This is a part of the interview process and if this question is dealt well, it might just be pivotal in converting the interview to a job.
Even the best in the business stumble and flounder, it’s ok, you basically have to highlight how you kept your grit through the downfall and the crucial lessons learned in the process. Be honest in answering the question as it will make the interviewers feel your humility and they will warm up towards you. It will also highlight a positive aspect of your persona ‘Your ability to accept mistakes and learn from them’.
Who are your mentors in the design industry?
For this question, conduct thorough research on LinkedIn, Twitter, and specialised design blogs. Learn about the UX design specialists and their contributions to the UI/UX world. Also, be prepared to answer questions like, what is the designer’s greatest achievement? Or, why did you consider him your mentor, discuss his design concepts? The interviewer would like to ascertain how aware you are of the design world and how much you follow your mentors. The few renowned experts in the field of UX designs are Mike Matas (facebook), Bret Victor (Apple), Nicholas Felton (timeline Facebook), Julie Zhuo (Facebook), Daniel Burka (Google Ventures), Bo Ren (Facebook), Ximena Vengoechea (LinkedIn).
How would you balance the business perspective with the end user needs?
A good UX design must comply with the needs of the business objectives, the working team and the needs of the client. A happy user recommends is the best return on investment, and the business should generate good profits which, is the primary motive. You have to explain how you will achieve this balance by creating personas, test usability, crowd sourcing, and working in compliance with your teammates, keeping in mind the financial feasibility, all the while. Give live instances from your past projects or create examples quickly to justify your point of view.
What are the steps before starting the designing process?
The answer to this question involves discussing the various problems and questions to be asked before starting work.
The steps involve
- Clarifying doubts related to various matters
- Convincing the client for the ideas and concepts that will help in framing the design
- Tools and apps to be used
- Complying with engineers to make a feasible design
- Discussing deadlines
- Thoroughly analysing clients requirements
- Ensuring good design
- How to co-ordinate well with other designers
Explaining the above-mentioned steps and discussing ideas with the interviewer will help the interviewer understand your skills better. Listen to the interviewer’s suggestions, and respond politely if they react negatively on your viewpoint. This discussion will give the interviewer an insight into your thinking concepts.
How will you do the job once you get it?
Cite good examples to show your work performances. Mention the various apps and websites involved in designing and also talk about the new innovations in the field of UX that are inspiring and how you would want to innovate something on lines of those. This is also your opportunity to ask interviewers questions regarding the organisation and its style of functioning. Discuss your abilities to work in a team with the engineers, product managers and other UX designers, comply with the business objectives and consider the end user needs to ideate a successful UX design.
Wrap up
Be confident about your concepts and abilities and give answers that reflect your personal design choices and tools you want to use to create dynamic and interesting user experiences. Always talk to the company in lieu of the design perspective and demonstrate your visions in an interesting format.
Lastly, be honest and do not lie or cover up for unsuccessful UX design projects, and always express your willingness to learn!
