Cracking the UX Design Interview: What Beginners Need to Know

So, what happens in a UX design interview process? What kind of candidates are they looking for, and how can you prepare for it?

Expectations for a Beginner UX Designer

As a fresher or beginner UX designer applying for your first job, what are you expected to do? Let's start there.

The first expectation is that you work closely with senior or more experienced UX designers. You might think, "Of course, that's obvious!" But this is crucial.

Since UX design is an ambiguous role and hiring managers know that freshers lack experience, it's essential for beginners to collaborate with senior designers. This helps you gain the right perspectives on solving problems in a company setting.

Now, you might ask, "Well, obviously, I'll work with seniors. What's there to learn from this?"

One of the most critical qualities they look for in freshers is a willingness to learn. More than anything else, hiring managers want to know: Is this person eager to learn?

Many candidates mistakenly believe they need to prove they are experts. But let me tell you - many people get rejected because they try too hard to act like they know everything. Instead, you need to show that you are open to learning.

However, this doesn't mean you should say, "I don't know anything!" No! Instead, express:

 "I have learned the fundamentals, and I am eager to apply my knowledge in real-world situations with guidance from experienced mentors."

Your willingness to learn is one of the most important qualities you need to demonstrate when applying for UX design roles.

Your Role as a Beginner UX Designer

As a beginner UX designer, your role will mainly involve assisting senior designers or the leadership team with tasks that may not seem highly impactful at first. Let me explain.

For example, let's say a team is working with an existing design system. There might be a small part of a problem that needs to be solved using existing components. Your job would be to gather relevant data, assist in solving the problem, and execute solutions quickly - essentially supporting the senior designer who is tackling larger challenges.

So, the first key responsibility is collaborating with senior stakeholders, and the second is understanding and applying the UX design process effectively.

Understanding the UX Design Process

It's not just about knowing the UX design process theoretically. You need to understand which part of the process to apply in a given situation.

Hiring managers don't expect you to rigidly follow every UX process step just because you learned it while building your portfolio. Instead, they look for maturity in decision-making - whether you can choose the right UX methods to solve a specific problem.

They assess:

• Do you understand multiple UX processes?
• Do you have logical reasoning behind your decisions?
• Can you assist senior designers effectively without blindly following steps?

Execution Over Strategy

As a beginner UX designer (or in any entry-level job, for that matter), you'll be involved more in execution than strategy.

For example, a senior UX designer working at a fashion app like Ajio might focus on strategy - analyzing how users filter between different clothing sizes and gathering data to refine the process.

As a beginner UX designer, your role would be more execution-focused - figuring out which filter options to display and ensuring users get accurate results.

What does this mean for you?

It means you need to show that you can deliver results. UX isn't just about research; you must also create screens, build UI, test usability, and refine designs based on feedback. Users interact with screens, not research reports.

So, when preparing for a UX design job, focus on demonstrating your ability to turn ideas into real solutions.

The UX Design Interview Process

Different companies have different hiring processes, but here's a general structure that many follow:

Portfolio Screening

• First, they'll review your resume and portfolio.
• A resume provides an overview of your background, skills, and projects.
• A portfolio showcases how you think, problem-solve, and execute designs.
• Many candidates get rejected at this stage because their portfolios lack reasoning - just a collection of generic UX case studies with no depth.
• Avoid formulaic portfolios. Even if your project is small, be genuine and showcase your unique learning process.

Phone Screening

• If your portfolio impresses them, they'll schedule a phone screening.
• One of the first questions they'll ask is: "Tell me about yourself and why you got into UX design."
• This is where storytelling matters. Be prepared to explain your journey, skills, and passion for UX design in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Portfolio Presentation Round

• If you pass the phone screening, you'll be invited to present your portfolio.
• A panel (senior designers, product managers, developers, etc.) will assess your thought process and potential.
• Pro Tip: Create a 5-minute video summarizing your project before the interview. This helps you structure your presentation and ensures clarity.

Whiteboarding Session (Some Companies)

• Some companies conduct a whiteboarding session where they give you a problem and ask you to solve it in real time.
• The goal isn't to create pixel-perfect designs but to think out loud and explain your approach.
• Keep talking - share your thought process, assumptions, and reasoning. This shows how you approach problem-solving.

Design Assignment (Some Companies)

• Some companies give a take-home design challenge with a deadline (e.g., 48 hours or 5 days).
• Key tip: Prioritize planning over perfection. Don't try to cram everything you know into the assignment - focus on delivering the best solution within the given time.
• Communication is crucial! Don't just submit your assignment at the last moment. Provide regular updates, ask clarifying questions, and state your assumptions if needed.

Salary Negotiation

One of the most important yet overlooked aspects of the interview process is salary discussion.

Many candidates wait until the end of the process to discuss salary, only to be disappointed when they hear the offer.

Pro Tip: Start the salary conversation early - during the first phone screening.

You can say:

 "I believe my skills and potential align with a salary range of X to Y. If this is within your budget, I'd love to move forward."

This sets clear expectations and avoids wasting time if the company's budget doesn't match your expectations.

Final Thoughts

To succeed in a UX design interview, focus on:

 ✅ Showing a willingness to learn

 ✅ Understanding the UX process and applying it wisely

 ✅ Demonstrating execution skills over just strategy

 ✅ Presenting a strong, genuine portfolio

 ✅ Communicating effectively during assignments and whiteboarding sessions

 ✅ Discussing salary expectations early

By keeping these points in mind, you'll be well-prepared to land your first UX design job.

Thanks for Reading!