Hugo Bermúdez, an experienced Principal UX Designer at Mews, recently shared valuable insights during our UX Webinar. He offered helpful advice for UX designers preparing for interview, discussing essential topics such as understanding the hiring process and creating portfolios that stand out and secure job interviews.

Preparing for your next Job Interview

1. Stick to the Basics

Hugo’s mantra is simple yet profound: relax and breathe. Besides the nerves of interviews, remember that it’s fundamentally about people connecting with people. Focus on articulating your design thinking and approach authentically.

2. Understand the Process

Familiarize yourself with the hiring process. While there’s no magic formula or checklist for success, understanding the nuances and stages of recruitment can provide clarity and confidence.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Embrace the power of practice. Whether simulating interviews at home or engaging in real-world scenarios, honing your interview skills is essential. Bermúdez underscores the importance of repetition in boosting proficiency.

4. Embrace Authenticity

Be yourself. Don’t get into the temptation of adopting a persona that isn’t genuine. It’s okay to feel nervous or ask for time to give responses. Embracing your authenticity fosters genuine connections.

 

Storytelling over tools and processes. Design is about more than just the “how”; it’s about understanding the “why” behind your creative decisions and communicating them effectively.

5. Ask Thoughtful Questions

Remember, interviews are a two-way street. While the company seeks to learn more about you, don’t hesitate to inquire about them as well. Thoughtful questions demonstrate your interest and engagement.

6. Structure Your Design Narrative

Hugo introduces the STAR framework—a narrative approach to presenting design thinking. This framework comprises four main blocks: Situation, Task, Action, and Result, providing a structured method for showcasing your problem-solving skills.

7. Soft Skills in UX Design Interview

When asked about the most valued soft skills in UX design interviews, Hugo mentions stakeholder management, storytelling, communication, and strategic thinking as essential skills.

8. Asking Questions in Interview

Hugo suggests inquiring about company alignment, decision-making processes, success measurement, team dynamics, career growth, and challenges.

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Portfolio creation

Your portfolio is your design calling card. Hugo advises focusing on quality over quantity, showcasing a select number of robust case studies aligned with your desired design discipline. He also stresses the significance of a well-prepared portfolio as a supporting tool for interview pitches, advising candidates to focus on effectively communicating their passion and skills during interviews.

1. Establish Personal Branding

Create a dedicated website to showcase your portfolio and establish your personal brand. A well-designed online presence speaks volumes about your professionalism and commitment to your craft.

2. Balance Process Emphasis

While process artifacts like wireframes and design systems are valuable, Bermúdez cautions against overemphasizing them. Strive for balance, ensuring your portfolio reflects your design thinking rather than just your process.

 

Don’t just focus on the happy outcomes; share the challenges and unexpected turns you faced. This demonstrates your ability to work through uncertainty and tackle challenges head-on.

3. Focus on the “Why”

When presenting your case studies, prioritize explaining why you made certain design decisions. Recruiters and hiring managers want to understand the rationale behind your choices, not just the end result. Make sure your case studies highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

4. Invest in Personal Branding

Your personal brand is crucial in shaping how others perceive you. Bermúdez emphasizes the importance of intentional communication and branding across all channels, from interviews to your portfolio and CV. Be authentic and avoid mimicking others; instead, study successful brands to understand strategies that align with your own identity.

5. Iterate and Evolve

Your personal brand, like your career, should evolve over time. As you grow as a designer, your brand should reflect your changing skills and values. Invest time and effort in curating your online presence, but be selective about the platforms you engage with to avoid burnout.

 

Check out our Free Stuff and download a Design Portfolio, CV & Case Study Template

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Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a common experience for designers at all levels, from juniors to leaders. Rather than viewing it as a negative, Bermúdez encourages embracing it as a sign of growth and challenge. Recognize that imposter syndrome is part of the journey and an opportunity for personal and professional development.

1. Focus on Quality over Perfection

Strive for quality in your work rather than chasing perfection. Set high standards for yourself, but understand that perfection is unattainable. Learn from others and focus on continuous improvement, embracing feedback and iteration as integral parts of the design process.

2. Seek Challenges and Uncertainty

Growth as a designer comes from embracing challenges and uncertainty. Instead of shying away from difficult projects or unfamiliar technologies, see them as opportunities for learning and growth. Reframe negativity as a chance to explore new solutions and expand your skill set.

 

Design is a passion, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Recognize that design is just one aspect of your life, and prioritize self-care to prevent burnout. Remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint, so pace yourself accordingly.

3. Emphasize Problem-Solving Skills

Whether you specialize in UX or UI design, problem-solving skills are paramount. Tailor your portfolio to highlight your ability to solve complex problems and meet business goals effectively. Understand the specific requirements of the roles you’re applying for and showcase relevant skills accordingly.

4. Take Initiative

If you’re a designer with no experience, don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Take initiative by working on side projects or concept projects to build your portfolio. Be proactive in networking and seeking out job opportunities, even if they’re not explicitly advertised.

5. Understanding Oneself

Hugo emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself, especially in terms of one’s fulfillment and happiness in specific areas of design, such as interaction design. He advises candidates to focus on the aspects they enjoy the most in their case studies.

6. Highlighting Preferred Areas

Hugo suggests that candidates should emphasize the design stages they enjoy the most, even if they have experience in other areas. He recommends showcasing what they are passionate about, as it reflects their skills and preferences.