Guide to interviewing designers
A comprehensive guide to conducting effective designer interviews, including interview plans, example questions, and evaluation criteria.
Interview plan structure
Section titled “Interview plan structure”First round: Initial screen
Section titled “First round: Initial screen”- Duration: 30 minutes
- Interviewer: Dover Interviewer or Recruiter
- Focus: Initial qualification and cultural alignment
Second round: Portfolio review
Section titled “Second round: Portfolio review”- Duration: 30 minutes
- Interviewer: Hiring Manager
- Focus: Design skills assessment and project discussion
Final round: Onsite interviews
Section titled “Final round: Onsite interviews”- Total duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Schedule breakdown:
Section titled “Schedule breakdown:”- Introduction (15 minutes)
- Overview of interview day
- Led by Recruiter or Head of Talent
- Behavioral Interview 1 (30 minutes)
- Cultural fit assessment
- Led by Hiring Manager or Business Area Leadership
- Technical Assessment (30 minutes)
- Role-specific skills evaluation
- Led by Business Area team member
- Team Social (30 minutes)
- Non-evaluative meet and greet
- Led by two team members from different areas
- Behavioral Interview 2 (30 minutes)
- Additional cultural fit assessment
- Led by another Hiring Manager or Business Leader
- Wrap-up (15 minutes)
- Final questions and company overview
- Led by executive team member
Portfolio review guidelines
Section titled “Portfolio review guidelines”UI/UX Designer assessment
Section titled “UI/UX Designer assessment”Structure
Section titled “Structure”- Introduction and background (5 minutes)
- Portfolio review (15 minutes)
- Design exercise (10 minutes)
- Closing discussion (5 minutes)
Key evaluation areas
Section titled “Key evaluation areas”- Design process
- User interface design
- Information architecture
- User research methods
- Visual design skills
Product Designer assessment
Section titled “Product Designer assessment”Structure
Section titled “Structure”- Introduction and background (5 minutes)
- Portfolio review (15 minutes)
- Design exercise discussion (10 minutes)
- Closing discussion (5 minutes)
Key evaluation areas
Section titled “Key evaluation areas”- Product design process
- User research capabilities
- User experience design
- Prototyping skills
- Problem-solving approach
Visual/Graphic Designer assessment
Section titled “Visual/Graphic Designer assessment”Structure
Section titled “Structure”- Introduction and background (5 minutes)
- Portfolio review (15 minutes)
- Design exercise discussion (10 minutes)
- Closing discussion (5 minutes)
Key evaluation areas
Section titled “Key evaluation areas”- Visual design skills
- Brand understanding
- Typography expertise
- Layout principles
- Software proficiency
Evaluation criteria
Section titled “Evaluation criteria”Design expertise
Section titled “Design expertise”- Understanding of design principles
- Technical proficiency
- Portfolio quality
- Design process methodology
Problem-solving abilities
Section titled “Problem-solving abilities”- Analytical thinking
- Creative solutions
- Decision-making process
- User-centered approach
Communication skills
Section titled “Communication skills”- Presentation abilities
- Design explanation clarity
- Stakeholder management
- Team collaboration
Frequently Asked Questions
Section titled “Frequently Asked Questions”What should I look for in a designer’s portfolio?
Section titled “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?
Section titled “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?
Section titled “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?
Section titled “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.
