# Guide to interviewing designers

> A comprehensive guide to conducting effective designer interviews, including interview plans, example questions, and evaluation criteria.

## Interview plan structure

### First round: Initial screen

- Duration: 30 minutes
- Interviewer: Dover Interviewer or Recruiter
- Focus: Initial qualification and cultural alignment

### Second round: Portfolio review

- Duration: 30 minutes
- Interviewer: Hiring Manager
- Focus: Design skills assessment and project discussion

### Final round: Onsite interviews

- Total duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

#### Schedule breakdown:

1. Introduction (15 minutes)
   - Overview of interview day
   - Led by Recruiter or Head of Talent
2. Behavioral Interview 1 (30 minutes)
   - Cultural fit assessment
   - Led by Hiring Manager or Business Area Leadership
3. Technical Assessment (30 minutes)
   - Role-specific skills evaluation
   - Led by Business Area team member
4. Team Social (30 minutes)
   - Non-evaluative meet and greet
   - Led by two team members from different areas
5. Behavioral Interview 2 (30 minutes)
   - Additional cultural fit assessment
   - Led by another Hiring Manager or Business Leader
6. Wrap-up (15 minutes)
   - Final questions and company overview
   - Led by executive team member

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## Portfolio review guidelines

### UI/UX Designer assessment

#### Structure

- Introduction and background (5 minutes)
- Portfolio review (15 minutes)
- Design exercise (10 minutes)
- Closing discussion (5 minutes)

#### Key evaluation areas

- Design process
- User interface design
- Information architecture
- User research methods
- Visual design skills

### Product Designer assessment

#### Structure

- Introduction and background (5 minutes)
- Portfolio review (15 minutes)
- Design exercise discussion (10 minutes)
- Closing discussion (5 minutes)

#### Key evaluation areas

- Product design process
- User research capabilities
- User experience design
- Prototyping skills
- Problem-solving approach

### Visual/Graphic Designer assessment

#### Structure

- Introduction and background (5 minutes)
- Portfolio review (15 minutes)
- Design exercise discussion (10 minutes)
- Closing discussion (5 minutes)

#### Key evaluation areas

- Visual design skills
- Brand understanding
- Typography expertise
- Layout principles
- Software proficiency

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## Evaluation criteria

### Design expertise

- Understanding of design principles
- Technical proficiency
- Portfolio quality
- Design process methodology

### Problem-solving abilities

- Analytical thinking
- Creative solutions
- Decision-making process
- User-centered approach

### Communication skills

- Presentation abilities
- Design explanation clarity
- Stakeholder management
- Team collaboration

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### What should I look for in a designer's portfolio?

Look for a clear design process, problem-solving methodology, and the impact of their work. Strong portfolios demonstrate both visual skills and strategic thinking.

### How do I evaluate technical skills during the interview?

Use the design exercise portion to assess technical capabilities. Ask candidates to explain their tool choices and workflow processes.

### What are red flags during a designer interview?

Watch for inability to explain design decisions, lack of user-centered thinking, or portfolio work without clear problem statements and outcomes.

### How do I assess cultural fit for designers?

Focus on collaboration examples, ability to receive feedback, and how they handle design iterations and stakeholder input during the behavioral interviews.