Real, anonymous reports from people who interviewed for UX/UI Designer at Perkins & Will, newest first and distilled into what to expect across the loop.
I started with a discussion with the design team that I would’ve been working with, and it felt like a genuinely solid conversation. After that, HR joined for the next part. Most of the HR time was spent selling their workplace culture as something uniquely amazing, using a “group drone photo” as their clearest example of cultural pride.
I got pulled into the process fairly quickly once they were interested, and it mostly felt organized and straightforward. I had conversations that were friendly and informative, and I shared work that matched what they were actively working on. Portfolio review was a big part of it, and I ended up walking through projects I felt represented my skills and how I thought about design. Along the way, I answered the usual mix of background questions, including what I’d done before and what I wanted to do next.
The interview process typically consists of multiple short, focused conversations, often around half an hour each, involving various team members. Candidates should be prepared for a mix of portfolio reviews and background discussions throughout the rounds.
Candidates should expect a strong emphasis on their portfolio, as discussions often revolve around specific projects and how they relate to the candidate's design philosophy and experience. Clear connections between portfolio pieces and the candidate's design approach are crucial.
Interviews include discussions about team dynamics and workplace culture, with HR often highlighting the company's values. However, some candidates found this aspect felt scripted and less genuine, so it's important to gauge the authenticity of these conversations.
Candidates reported varying experiences with communication post-interview, with some experiencing delays or lack of feedback after initial conversations. It's advisable to follow up proactively if there are long gaps without updates.
The overall tone of interviews can range from casual and friendly to formal and tense, depending on the interviewers. Candidates should be prepared for both relaxed discussions and more structured, high-pressure environments.
Some candidates experienced a separate assessment of technical skills after the initial interviews, indicating the firm's interest in confirming software competencies in addition to design thinking. Be ready for potential follow-up evaluations.