Most UX designers over-prepare their portfolio.

• They tweak the layout endlessly.

• They rewrite case studies over and over.

• They spend weeks adjusting fonts and colors.

But when it comes to interviews?

They wing it.

And then they wonder why they don’t get the job.

Here’s the truth: A perfect portfolio won’t save you if you bomb the interview.

I’ve seen great designers get rejected because:

❌ They ramble and over-explain.

❌ They freeze during whiteboarding challenges.

❌ They can’t clearly explain their design decisions.

It’s not a skill problem. It’s a prep problem.

So how do you fix it? Start practicing interviews before you need them.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Use the “Trust Sequence”

Hiring managers need to know you’re not just a good designer—but a good decision-maker.

• Can you clearly walk through your design choices?

• Can you connect your work to business goals?

• Can you communicate with stakeholders effectively?

Your portfolio shows what you did.

Your interview proves how you think.

2️⃣ Do mock challenges.

• Set a timer for 30 minutes and run through a whiteboarding exercise.

• Get feedback from a peer, mentor, or coach.

• The more you simulate real interviews, the less nervous you’ll be.

3️⃣ Start before you’re “ready.”

• If you wait until you have an interview lined up, you’ve already lost.

• Practicing before you need it gives you a massive advantage.

If you’re ignoring interview prep, you’re leaving job offers on the table.

Want my go-to list of UX interview questions? Reply with “questions” and I’ll send it your way.