Egor Krasnoperov · June 27, 2025 · 13 min read
What are design interviews, really?
Design interviews are essentially a multi-stage process where different people evaluate different aspects of your skillset. This includes both technical expertise and how you collaborate with others. Each stage has its own evaluators, from junior designers to C-suite executives, all working together to understand whether you're the right fit for their team.
But here's the important perspective shift: you're interviewing them too. This mutual evaluation is crucial. I've completed entire interview processes, received offers, and ultimately decided to pursue other opportunities because the company culture didn't align with my values or their product vision didn't resonate with my goals. That's not being selective. That's being strategic about your career.
Important disclaimer
Every company approaches this differently. Some have 3 stages, others have 8. This guide isn't a universal template. It's a roadmap to help you understand what each type of interview is actually evaluating. The corporate cases cited in the article are based on open sources.
Pro tip that will transform your experience
After you pass the first round, always ask HR what's coming next. What's the format? Who will be in the room? What should you bring? How long will it take? This isn't being demanding; it's being professional and prepared. When I was hiring, I'd send candidates a detailed breakdown of what to expect because I wanted them to succeed and feel confident walking into each conversation.
Let's be honest: interviews can feel overwhelming. They're even more challenging when you're going in blind, not knowing what to expect or how to prepare. But here's what I've learned after years of hiring (and being hired). Once you understand how different companies structure their design interview processes, you can transform what feels like a stressful experience into an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Interviews are incredible opportunities to showcase your strengths, learn about potential growth areas, and discover what truly motivates you as a designer. Each conversation is a chance to reflect on your work, articulate your impact, and connect with fellow designers who share your passion for creating meaningful experiences.
Introduction: Reframing the interview experience
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