How to prepare for remote UX design interviews
Remote user experience interviews can seem daunting because technology seems to stop working at the most high-pressure times, but here are our favorite tips on removing the anxiety and pressure.
1. Review your portfolio in great detail
Get extremely familiar with your case studies, and know exactly what is in each of your pages. It’s very uncomfortable to be caught off guard when an interviewer asks about a project and you are jumping from tab to tab, trying to find the best example.
Write out which projects in your portfolio answer for specific keywords, and have the best projects you really want to highlight, pulled up, ready to be discussed and reviewed.
2. Practice your portfolio case study descriptions ahead of time
A common question during the interview process is “Show me something interesting! Show me your favorite project. Show me something that encapsulates your work.”
Practice discussing your favorite (but really, practice all!) pieces, to tell an engrossing story. Hit on specific key moments including any challenges you’ve had to overcome during the project, anything new you’ve learned during the time, what you would do differently in the future, etc.
3. Test the video link about 5-10 minutes before the interview begins.
Confirm that the video link works by accessing it about 5-10 minutes before the interview. If something is broken, test your internet, or get in touch with the HR representative or the recruiter. If the link is broken, the interview can always be moved to a different platform, held over the phone, (not all rounds, but maybe the intro ones), or simply re-scheduled. Don’t panic! Technology breaks a lot, so there is usually a backup process in place.
4. Sit in front of a window, facing the light. Clean up the clutter behind you.
No need for fancy lights! Sit in front of a window and make sure to test the video ahead of time. Take a look at your background to make sure the background is neat and organized. Even if you use a background, any time that you need to put something up to the camera, you will need a background sans the digital back drop. Be ready for anything!
5. Emulate real world with body language!
Virtual, remote interviews are awkward by default so don’t forget to be personable and charismatic. Nod along, smile, or do whatever feels comfortable to you! Interviews are a conversation, not an interrogation, so speak and behave as though you’re back in the office. Loosen up your shoulders ahead of the interview, practice the body opening poses as advised by Amy Cuddy, and be confident in your approach.
6. Clean up your desktop & tabs
Take a look at your desktop, your search history, and the tabs on your computer to make sure there are no silly searches (including the bios and Facebook accounts of your interviewer’s. Been there, done that. 😭👀)
7. Send a thank you note
Pay attention during the interview to any interesting information about the company, the projects, the team, that you can incorporate into the thank you letter after. The thank you note can be short and sweet, thanking the interviewee for the time, and confirming excitement and interest in the company.
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