Today, I want to share my recent experience in a job interview that taught me some valuable lessons about showcasing my skills and creativity in the world of app design.
When I applied for the position, I made my first mistake by not including any examples of app UI/UX design in my portfolio. I had solid experience working on web designs, but the absence of app design examples became a hurdle during the interview process. As they say, “Show, don’t tell,” and I realized I needed tangible proof of my abilities.
The interviewer, recognizing the gap in my portfolio, presented me with a challenge: recreate a given app design. Initially, I opted for Adobe, my trusted design tool. Little did I know that they preferred Figma. The transition from Adobe to Figma caused some hiccups, but I was determined to prove my adaptability and skill set. Despite the initial setbacks, I successfully recreated the app design in Figma after a bit of extra time.
This experience highlighted the importance of being versatile with design tools, as different companies may have different preferences. Lesson learned!
The challenges didn’t end there. The interviewer threw in another curveball – creating a loading animation behind a button after a click. It was a task that required time and precision. I sought clarification on the theme, and after reassurance, I tackled the challenge head-on.
Reflecting on this journey, I want to emphasize the importance of having a diverse portfolio. If you’re passionate about UI/UX design, invest time in creating examples of your creativity, even if they aren’t from real-world projects. This not only showcases your skills but also makes it easier for potential employers to understand your capabilities.
So, fellow designers, let’s remember that our portfolio is our visual resume. It’s not just about the quantity of work but also the variety and relevance. Learn from my experience, and make sure your portfolio tells a complete story of your design prowess.
