In today's digital age, standing out in a sea of talented UX designers requires strategies that both intrigue and resonate.
Let’s explore some ways to be genuine AND unconventional 😄
1. Dive Deep with a “Day-in-the-Life” Walkthrough
❌ Don’t: Just present your portfolio.
✅ Do: Share a “day-in-the-life” of a project.
Instead of merely showcasing a case study of a finished project, take the interviewer on a journey of a day, or a significant moment during one of your projects.
Example:
Interviewer: “Now, please walk me through some of your work.”
You: “Sure, let me take you through a particular day when we faced a challenge in Project X, and how thinking strategically helped me avoid a disaster.”
2. A UX Thought Experiment
❌ Don’t: Limit to what's asked.
✅ Do: Introduce a UX thought experiment.
Propose a brief hypothetical scenario or problem that highlights your strategic UX skills.
This isn’t about knowing the company’s product in-depth (even though it wouldn’t hurt 😉), but more about demonstrating your problem-solving skills.
Example:
You: “Imagine a scenario where users are frequently dropping off a sign-up page. Let me walk you through how I'd diagnose and address this situation.”
3. Spotlight on Soft Skills
❌ Don’t: Only focus on technical prowess.
✅ Do: Share an anecdote that underlines your collaborative or empathetic nature.
Being a great UX designer is not just about understanding users, but also about collaborating with different teams effectively.
Example:
“I remember a project where the developers were skeptical about a design decision. Instead of a heated debate, we held a joint brainstorming session, ensuring mutual respect and understanding. It fostered a much better team dynamics and refined the final design.”
4. Ask Reflective Questions
❌ Don’t: Only answer what’s asked.
✅ Do: Pose a reflective question to the interviewer.
Turn the tables subtly by making them reflect on their product, not as a challenge but as a means of engagement.
Example:
You: "Users change their minds and habits pretty fast these days, right? How did your team handle a time when users started using your app differently than you expected?"
5. The Appreciation Close
❌ Don’t: Finish with a regular goodbye.
✅ Do: Conclude by acknowledging something unique about the company’s UX you genuinely appreciate.
It’s a humble way of showing that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested.
Example:
You: “Before we conclude, I just wanted to mention how I admired the intuitive onboarding flow of your app. It’s evident there's a strong UX team here.”
Be authentic in your praise, it’s critical!
By mixing humility with your ability to think strategically, you’re bound to leave a lasting impression!
—Marina
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