Eye Movement Patterns in Design

8. Design Interview Preparation

Understanding What Interviewers Look For

In interviews, you hold the opening cards. How you introduce yourself often sets the tone and directs the first set of questions. Similarly, what you showcase in your portfolio will guide the interviewer’s perception of you. Remember, to the interviewer, you are a complete stranger. They won’t typically ask questions unrelated to what you’ve introduced. Your first impression in these brief interviews is crucial, often lasting around 30 minutes to an hour. Aim to sell yourself—but don’t oversell to the point where it’s unsustainable. Portraying yourself as an extraordinary designer can lead to challenges if you cannot substantiate it under in-depth questioning about the design process.

Avoid mentioning anything you can’t confidently explain, and be prepared to answer follow-up questions related to your initial responses. While overanalyzing every possible question is impractical, it’s clear that interviews serve a purpose. Most interview questions have common themes that reveal your motivation, understanding, and approach.

Common Interview Questions

A major goal in interviews is to uncover what drives you. Here are some typical questions aimed at revealing your motivations, choices, and goals:

1. Why do you want to join this program?
   
   
2. Tell me about yourself.
   
   
3. What do you hope to gain from this specific field?
   
   
4. Why did you choose particular inspirations for your portfolio?
   
   
5. Why are you switching fields? (commonly asked of non-designers transitioning to design)
   
   
6. What are your plans after completing this course?

The second category of questions focuses on your work, design process, and reasoning behind your choices. These questions might look like:

1. Show me your best work and describe it.
   
   
2. Discuss your portfolio materials and manufacturing processes.
   
   
3. Describe your engineering or architecture thesis.
   
   
4. What factors do you consider while designing a product?
   
   
5. Explain a studio or aptitude design project and your idea behind it.
   
   
6. Who is your favorite designer, and why?

Finally, you might encounter questions unrelated to your portfolio but intended to test your thinking skills. These could involve general knowledge, puzzles, or trick questions designed to gauge your creativity and problem-solving skills:

1. Compare or differentiate between two related concepts, like:
   
   
   • Form and Function
   • Usability and UX
   • Product design and industrial design
   • Engineering and design
   • Hue, saturation, and value
   • Shade, tone, and tint
     
     
2. Provide ten unique uses for a particular product (a test of creativity).
   
   
3. How would you improve a specific design?
   
   
4. Who is the inventor of this design?
   
   
5. What are the material and manufacturing processes for this product?
   
   
6. Should a product be more aesthetically pleasing or functional?
   
   
7. What role does cost play in design?

Developing Your Personal Narrative

To confidently answer personal questions, you need a clear sense of yourself as a designer. Have a well-defined image of your inclinations, problem-solving style, and unique attributes. This will allow you to present a consistent and honest picture of yourself. In an earlier chapter, you’ll find questions that help you discover and articulate your unique identity as a designer. Think of yourself as a brand—what’s your unique selling point?

Crafting an Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive introduction that captures someone’s attention within 30 seconds to 2 minutes. It’s essential for networking, job hunting, and pitching ideas. Your pitch should clearly convey what you do, the value you offer, and what sets you apart, all while sparking interest.

Elevator Pitch Template

1. Introduction:
   • Start with a brief introduction.
   • Example: "Hi, I’m [Your Name]."
2. What You Do:
   • Summarize your role or project.
   • Example: "I am a [your profession/role] at [company/organization] focused on [what you do]."
3. Value Proposition:
   • Describe the unique value you bring.
   • Example: "We specialize in [service/product] that helps [target audience] to [benefit]."
4. Unique Selling Point:
   • Highlight what makes you or your work unique.
   • Example: "Our distinguishing feature is [unique approach], enabling [specific advantage]."
5. Call to Action:
• Invite further conversation.
• Example: "I’d love to discuss how we can help you with [specific problem/need]."

Example Elevator Pitch:

"Hi, I’m [Your Name], and I’m thrilled to be here today. I’m a [UX/UI designer, graphic designer, etc.] with [number] years of experience in [field]. At [company], I’ve led projects like [describe significant achievement or responsibility], focusing on [specific area] to help [target audience] achieve [benefit]. My unique approach combines [unique feature] to create impactful solutions. I’m drawn to this opportunity at [company] because of [specific reason related to the company]. Thank you for considering my application."

---

Building Confidence for Interviews

Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself, then review the recording to catch any areas needing improvement. Self-review will refine both your delivery and content, helping eliminate any potential for confusion, redundancy, or questions you’re not prepared to answer. Effective communication is as much about content as it is about delivery.

1. Clarity

Definition: Ensure your message is clear and easily understood. Tips:

• Use simple language and avoid jargon.
• Be specific about your main points.
• Make sure the purpose of your message is evident.

2. Conciseness

Definition: Keep your message brief and to the point. Tips:

• Avoid unnecessary words and repetition.
• Focus on key points and eliminate filler content.
• Be direct and straightforward.

3. Concreteness

Definition: Communicate specific and tangible information. Tips:

• Use facts and figures to support your message.
• Provide clear examples to illustrate your points.
• Avoid vague statements.

4. Correctness

Definition: Ensure your message is free from errors and is accurate. Tips:

• Check for grammatical and spelling mistakes.
• Use the correct level of language for your audience.
• Verify the accuracy of the information provided.

5. Coherence

Definition: Ensure your message is logical and well-organized. Tips:

• Structure your message in a logical order.
• Use transitions to connect ideas smoothly.
• Ensure each part of your message supports the main point.

6. Completeness

Definition: Provide all the necessary information. Tips:

• Address all relevant questions and aspects.
• Include important details and explanations.
• Ensure the audience has enough information to understand and act on the message.

7. Courtesy

Definition: Communicate in a respectful and considerate manner. Tips:

• Use polite language and a friendly tone.
• Show respect for the audience’s time and viewpoint.
• Be empathetic and considerate of the audience's needs.

Applying the 7 Cs

When crafting a message, whether it’s a report, email, presentation, or conversation, using the 7 Cs can help ensure that your communication is effective. By focusing on clarity, conciseness, concreteness, correctness, coherence, completeness, and courtesy, you can improve your ability to convey information and achieve your communication goals.

---

Common Themes in Interview Experiences

Portfolio Focus:

1. • Emphasis on Quality Over Quantity: Candidates often find that presenting a concise, well-curated portfolio with only their strongest work is more impactful. This suggests that interviewers value depth and mastery over the sheer volume of projects.
     
     
   • Diverse Skill Showcase: Successful portfolios often highlight a variety of relevant skills, from technical sketching to problem-solving and design thinking, showing versatility within the candidate's skill set.

Spontaneity and Creative Problem-Solving:

1. • Unexpected, Open-Ended Questions: Many interviewers challenge candidates with spontaneous questions to test quick, creative thinking. Examples include designing from a random object or explaining unique problem-solving approaches.
     
     
   • Practical Skill Demonstrations: Interviews sometimes require on-the-spot tasks like sketching or modeling to assess how candidates can translate ideas into tangible designs under pressure.

Field-Specific Knowledge:

1. • Technical Questions for Specialized Backgrounds: For candidates with technical backgrounds (e.g., engineering), interviewers may ask questions that require them to integrate their technical expertise with design principles.
     
     
   • Design Fundamentals: Interviewers often assess a candidate’s grasp of core design concepts like usability, ergonomics, and aesthetics, especially as applied in portfolio projects.

Personal Motivation and Program Fit:

1. • Career Path and Motivation: Candidates are often asked why they chose design and how it fits into their broader career aspirations, especially those transitioning from other fields. Articulating personal motivation is key.
     
     
   • Future Goals: Interviewers frequently probe candidates' long-term goals and how they align with the specific program, looking for candidates with a clear vision and purpose in pursuing design.

Emotional Dynamics:

1. • Nervousness vs. Confidence: While many candidates report pre-interview anxiety, thorough preparation often builds confidence. Managing nerves and maintaining composure during unexpected questions is seen as a positive trait.
     
     
   • Reflective Relief Post-Interview: After interviews, candidates often experience relief and introspection, considering what went well and identifying areas for future improvement.

Strategies for Success

1. Preparing a Targeted Portfolio:

   • Tailored Content: Focusing on projects and skills most relevant to the program or job helps candidates present a cohesive story. Practicing how to present each project builds confidence in discussing them fluently.

2. Mock Interviews:

   • Practice for Realism: Mock interviews simulate interview conditions and help candidates prepare for possible questions, building confidence and reducing anxiety.

3. Researching the Program Thoroughly:

   • Understanding Focus Areas: Knowing the program’s specific goals and culture allows candidates to tailor responses, showcasing why they are an ideal fit.

4. Building Mental and Emotional Resilience:

   • Stress-Management Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, visualization, or deep-breathing techniques helps candidates remain calm and focused, especially when handling unexpected questions.

---

Challenges and Opportunities for Improvement

1. Responding to Unpredictable Questions:

   • Practicing Creative Thinking: Unexpected questions can be challenging, so candidates benefit from practicing lateral thinking exercises to build confidence in handling the unexpected.

2. Balancing Technical and Creative Responses:

   • Integrating Knowledge Seamlessly: For candidates with technical backgrounds, finding the right balance between technical explanations and creative design thinking is essential for conveying versatility.

3. Overcoming Nerves:

   • Developing Self-Calming Skills: Nervousness is a common hurdle, but using strategies to remain calm and confident can significantly enhance interview performance.