UX Hiring Process: 6 Steps to Land Your Dream Design Job

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What actually gets you hired

I remember my first full-time design job hunt—it was a mess. Months of applying, interviewing, waiting, and repeating. While it was great practice, I wish I’d had someone to tell me what works (and what doesn’t).

The UX hiring process isn’t just about proving you’re a great designer. It’s about proving you’re the right designer for them. And that? That’s where most people trip up.

You could be insanely talented, but if someone else showcases their problem-solving skills and ability to learn better than you do, they’ll get the job.

Some of the best designers I work with today weren’t the most skilled when they interviewed. But they had potential. They asked questions. They put themselves in situations that stretched them. They made it clear they wanted to get better.

If you’re interviewing for a UX role, don’t just list your strengths; explain how those strengths help solve real problems.

Companies eat that up.

The UX hiring process

Most tech companies follow a similar structure when hiring UX and product designers. Here’s what to expect and how to nail each step:

1. The application

Your application is your first filter. More often than not, HR or the hiring team will review it to determine whether you move forward. You’ll need:

Resume

Portfolio

Contact information

Cover letter (optional, but can help)

Hiring teams look for experience and a solid portfolio. If you pass this stage, you’ll get a phone screen.

2. The phone screen

Expect a 10–30 minute call with a recruiter or HR rep. They’ll cover:

Your experience

Your current job status

What you’re looking for in a role

This is mostly a vibe check. They want to know if you align with the company’s needs before bringing you in for interviews.

Common questions asked on a phone screen ⤵️

How do I pass first round of UX job interviews?

To improve your chances of passing the first round of UX job interviews, focus on researching the company, preparing your answers in advance, and asking questions with enthusiasm.

https://uxplaybook.org/faq/how-do-i-pass-first-round-of-ux-job-interviews

3. The portfolio presentation

This is not just about showing off pretty designs. Hiring managers want to see how you think.

Portfolio presentations typically last an hour. To nail yours, remember these points:

Start with a quick problem summary.

Structure it like a UX case study.

Get to the meat fast.

Don’t waste time on fluff.

Keep it to 10–12 slides.

Use bullet points for key takeaways.

Encourage questions.

If you don’t know something, admit it. Nobody knows everything.

A good metaphor can also help connect the dots. Explain the business or product context in a way that sticks.

🎯

This framework is part of Job Sprint—165+ micro-video lessons directly from years of experience hiring UX designers as UX Managers.

Sprint towards your next UX job — UX Playbook

Job Sprint is a video course helping UX designers land their next role. Build a memorable personal brand, a killer strategy for job applications, and tactics to nail job interviews. If you’re looking for a new UX role, then battle-proven frameworks, interactive workshops, and real-world examples wil

https://uxplaybook.org/jobsprint

4. The design challenge (if applicable)

Some companies will throw a design challenge your way. It’s not just busy work; it’s a test.

What they’re checking for:

How do you handle pressure?

Your thought process

Your ability to ask the right questions

A real-time look at your skills

If you submit a design challenge, always include a presentation or annotation explaining your decisions. Don't just send a Figma file with no context.

5. The interviews

This is where you get real face time with the team. Follow these golden rules for your interview:

Research the company’s mission and values.

Be yourself—don’t put on a fake persona.

If possible, learn about the hiring team.

What I did? I told a story.

What? — Explain your design process and experience.

How? — Give real-life examples of how you’ve applied your skills.

Why? — Highlight the impact of your work.

❌

What NOT to do:

Lie about your experience.

Use big words with no substance.

Mention projects you didn’t work on.

✅

What TO do instead:

Be upfront about your gaps.

Show that you’re eager to learn.

Back up your portfolio with real impact.

Master the whiteboard challenge in 5 steps ⤵️

Crack The Code: Essential Tips For Nailing The Whiteboard Design Challenge In UX

Whiteboard challenges can be scary, but they don't have to be! With the right preparation and mindset, they can actually be fun and exciting.

https://uxplaybook.org/articles/ux-whiteboard-design-challenge

6. The offer (or rejection)

This stage goes one of two ways:

🔻 You get the offer.

Congrats!

If you haven’t discussed compensation, now’s the time to negotiate. UX salaries can be all over the place. Don't (and I repeat, DO NOT) undersell yourself.

A guide to your first 90 days in a UX design role ⤵️

Navigating Your First 90 Days in a UX Design Role

Your first UX job is just the beginning. Learn how to onboard successfully with my 90-day expert guide and build momentum for long-term success.