From Novice to Experienced: My Evolution as a Design Interviewer

As a young designer with only two years of experience, I unexpectedly found myself taking part in candidate interviews for design roles. Through shadowing numerous interview rounds at Cognizant, the art of interviewing became ingrained in me. Thanks to my manager, Arun Franklin, a remarkable mentor during my early career, I eventually gained the confidence to conduct standalone interviews.

Fast forward ten years, last year at Smartly.io, a hyper growth startup in Finland, I conducted over 30 interviews for various design positions, significantly changing my perspectives on hiring and interviewing.

In this newsletter, I’ll explain some interview practices I follow.

❤️‍🩹 Well being status
For instance, I make it a habit to inquire about candidates’ well-being and mood at the start of the interview. Why? It is crucial to create a conducive environment for candidates to perform at their best. When clear-minded and less stressed, they can truly showcase their potential. Rescheduling interviews for candidates facing personal challenges, illness, or busy schedules led to remarkable improvements when they were given the opportunity to prepare without added pressure.

👨🏾‍💻 Prepare like a candidate
Additionally, interviewer preparation is crucial. Just as candidates prepare, interviewers should invest time and effort to tailor their approach for each round. Evaluating portfolios and conducting technical…