What I Focus on in UX Interviews | A hiring manage's perspective | Ujjwal | Senior Manager @Myspinny

Summary

In this video, designer and design manager Ojel shares key qualities he looks for when interviewing candidates for design roles. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication, the ability to tell engaging stories, and showing intent through preparation. Ojel also highlights the significance of asking insightful questions and being adaptable, especially when faced with questions you don’t know the answer to. With over 200 interviews under his belt, he offers valuable insights into how candidates can stand out and impress interviewers by demonstrating both technical skills and a passion for problem-solving.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clarity in communication is essential in a design interview. Being able to express ideas simply and effectively demonstrates strong problem-solving abilities.
• 😀 Being a good storyteller is a crucial skill in interviews. Candidates should present their work with a compelling narrative that includes a beginning, middle, and resolution.
• 😀 High intent to join the company can set you apart. Research the company’s culture, mission, and values to demonstrate genuine interest.
• 😀 Preparation is key. Having well-prepared answers to common interview questions shows thoughtfulness and professionalism.
• 😀 Asking questions during the interview signals curiosity and a desire to understand the company and its team dynamics.
• 😀 Core design skills are a must, including visual design, problem-solving, and user research. Be ready to demonstrate these abilities through practical exercises.
• 😀 How you handle questions you don’t know the answer to reveals creativity and problem-solving ability. It's important to show composure and logical thinking.
• 😀 Practicing your presentation skills regularly will help you communicate your design process more clearly during interviews.
• 😀 Researching the company’s goals and product offerings beforehand helps tailor your answers and shows that you’re well-prepared.
• 😀 Passion for the projects you’re presenting will make your storytelling more authentic and convincing, helping you engage the interviewer better.

Q & A

What is the first quality the speaker looks for when interviewing a designer?

The first quality the speaker looks for is clarity in communication. This includes the ability to simplify complex problems and present them in a clear and understandable manner.

Why is clarity in communication important during a designer interview?

Clarity in communication is crucial because a designer’s job often involves simplifying complex problems. If a designer can’t clearly articulate their thought process or solutions, it’s difficult to assess their problem-solving abilities.

What is the recommended approach to prepare for common interview questions?

The speaker recommends preparing answers to common interview questions in advance. This way, you’ll be more confident and organized when answering during the actual interview, helping to ensure clear communication.

How does storytelling play a role in a designer interview?

Storytelling is important because it helps keep the interviewer engaged. A good story structure (beginning, journey, climax, resolution) can make the designer’s experience or project more compelling and memorable.

What makes someone a good storyteller in an interview setting?

A good storyteller in an interview setting keeps the listener hooked, builds anticipation, and effectively conveys the journey of a project, making the interviewer eager to know the outcome.

How can a designer show their passion for a project during an interview?

A designer can show their passion by presenting projects they genuinely believe in. If they feel strongly about the project’s impact or the problem it solved, their enthusiasm will naturally come through during the storytelling.

What does the speaker mean by 'intent' in an interview?

Intent refers to the candidate’s motivation and desire to join the company. The speaker values candidates who demonstrate a strong intention to contribute to the company’s goals, culture, and mission.

How can a designer show high intent during an interview?

A designer can show intent by researching the company’s culture, mission, and goals, and aligning their own values and skills with what the company needs. Demonstrating knowledge of the company and its challenges shows the candidate is well-prepared and genuinely interested.

What type of questions should a candidate ask during the interview?

A candidate should ask questions about the team structure, design processes, and the company’s mission. Asking insightful questions shows the candidate is actively engaged and wants to learn more about the organization they might join.

What core skills should a designer demonstrate during an interview?

Core skills that should be demonstrated include visual design, problem-solving abilities, user research, and the capacity to tackle challenges through exercises like whiteboarding or take-home assignments.

How should a candidate handle questions they don’t know the answer to?

The speaker appreciates creativity in handling such situations. Candidates can be honest about not knowing the answer, reason through the problem logically, or approach it with a creative mindset. This helps the interviewer gauge how the candidate handles uncertainty.

Why does the speaker recommend candidates to ask a lot of questions after the interview?

Asking questions after the interview shows that the candidate is thoughtful, engaged, and interested in understanding more about the company and its culture. This behavior indicates curiosity and a proactive approach, both important qualities for a designer.