UX/UI Interview Questions with Answers & Tips! (from a Google UX Designer)

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares valuable tips for preparing for design-related interviews, particularly for entry-level and internship roles. As an introverted individual with social anxiety, they emphasize the importance of preparation to succeed. The video covers common questions such as 'Tell me about yourself,' 'What is your design process?' and portfolio-related inquiries. The speaker also discusses behavioral questions, user research, and handling ambiguity. Along with answering strategies like the STAR method, they encourage active listening, asking insightful questions, and researching the company to ensure a good fit. The video aims to help viewers confidently navigate interviews and secure their desired roles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially for introverts and those with social anxiety. Preparing thoroughly can help ease the stress.
• 😀 The question 'Tell me about yourself' is common in interviews. Prepare a concise pitch that highlights your background, interests, and relevant skills.
• 😀 Be ready to explain how you got into design and what makes you a unique candidate for the role. Tie your background to the company's needs when possible.
• 😀 Stay up-to-date with design trends and be able to explain where you find inspiration to show your ability to incorporate current design patterns into your work.
• 😀 Understand and articulate your design process. Frameworks like the Double Diamond are helpful to show familiarity with structured design methodologies.
• 😀 Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects, including your role, the challenges faced, solutions implemented, and any lessons learned.
• 😀 Be ready to talk about a situation where your designs were not accepted or someone disagreed with your design choices, showcasing emotional intelligence and conflict resolution skills.
• 😀 Expect questions about how you incorporate user research into your designs, whether qualitative or quantitative, and how it shapes your design decisions.
• 😀 If you lack experience with real-world projects, emphasize how user research or any testing influenced your design decisions in academic or personal projects.
• 😀 Learn how to handle ambiguity in projects by defining the problem and collaborating with cross-functional teams to clarify project goals and requirements.
• 😀 General interview tips: Avoid rambling, structure answers with the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and practice active listening to show engagement and understanding.

Q & A

Why do you think many people dislike interviews, particularly in the tech industry?

Interviews, especially in tech, can be challenging because they often involve multiple rounds and intense questions. For introverted individuals or those with social anxiety, the process can be overwhelming, which is why many people dislike them. It's important to prepare well to ease the stress and increase chances of success.

What should you include in your pitch when asked to 'tell me about yourself' in an interview?

Your pitch should briefly cover where you're from, some interesting facts about your background, and your interests. You also want to highlight the skills that make you a strong candidate for the role. It's important to keep this short and focused on key qualities that relate to the job.

How can you tailor your background to stand out in a design interview?

You can connect your background or interests to the role you're applying for. For example, if you're applying for a role at a video game company, mentioning your experience as a gamer could demonstrate a natural understanding of user experience that aligns with the company's goals.

What’s the best way to respond when asked about your design process?

A great way to answer this question is by using a well-known design framework like the Double Diamond. This shows that you’re familiar with structured processes, which will help you transition smoothly into the role and contribute from the start.

How can you effectively talk about a project in your portfolio during an interview?

When discussing a project, provide a summary that explains the design problem, your role in the project, and what you learned. Be ready to discuss what you would have done differently and the biggest challenges you faced, along with how you tackled them.

What is the STAR method, and how can it help in interviews?

The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. It’s a structured way to answer behavioral questions, where you describe the situation, the task you were assigned, the actions you took, and the results of your efforts. It makes your answers clearer and more memorable.

How should you handle questions about challenges faced in projects?

For questions about challenges, it's important to provide both the problem and the solution. Show how you overcame difficulties and what actions you took to improve the situation. This demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence.

What’s a good way to answer a question about handling design disagreements?

In such a situation, focus on showing that you're a team player. Emphasize your ability to advocate for the user, resolve conflicts, and come to compromises that allow the team to move forward. It’s important to show that you're easy to work with and can maintain a collaborative approach.

Why is it important to research the company before your interview?

Researching the company helps you understand its values, culture, and goals. This allows you to tailor your responses to align with the company’s mission, and shows that you're genuinely interested in the role. You’ll also be able to ask insightful questions, which is crucial for determining if the company is the right fit for you.

What should you do if you feel nervous during an interview?

If you feel nervous, try to focus on active listening. Pay attention to the interviewer’s questions and take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding. It’s also fine to let the interviewer know that you need a moment to think—this will help you answer more thoughtfully and confidently.