How to ace your Flipkart Design interview
As a Design Manager, I’m always on the lookout for great talent. Part of connecting to that pool of talent is our rigorous interview process. In this article, I will give you an open look into how we structure our interview rounds, what interviewers really want to know, and what you can expect about your potential role on the design team here at Flipkart.
The fact is, just as you might be looking for the right next role for yourself, every company also struggles to attract the right talent. Finding the right designer who has a fierce commitment toward solving user problems, exhibits exceptional craft skills, and adds to the dynamic team culture can be a real challenge. That’s why we’d like you to know, not just what would be expected of you, but how you can prepare as you progress through the different rounds of your interview process. When we’re both prepared, we’ll be that much closer to achieving a mutual fit.
It’s prep time
So, while you have your portfolio ready and your application submitted,, before your actual interview process starts, some important context building will happen.
You will have discussions with:
- A Talent Acquisition (TA) executive who will help you to understand the position you’re applying for and get your availability to schedule the interview(s).
- A designer for an initial screening. This is a relatively informal discussion to find the fitment for the expected role. For UX design (here we call it Product Design), the discussion may happen around:
- Your work experience, areas of expertise, craft skills, etc.
- Knowledge of design process and way of execution
- Willingness to learn
- Any specific expectations from Flipkart
Once done, you’ll have a fair idea about the position and expectations for the role. Your TA will let you know if you’ve been invited to move ahead at each step of the way.
Now it’s the time to get yourself prepared for the next set of detailed interview rounds.
The Detailed Interview Process
The full interview process is divided into five rounds — but don’t be intimidated! They are designed this way to give you a chance to showcase the many facets of your skills and capabilities, so each is focused from a different perspective. Let’s break them down one at a time.
Round 1: Portfolio Presentation ( Duration: 1hr )
In the portfolio round, you will be asked to share your introduction followed by a walk-through of 1 or 2 best project work that you have from your portfolio, in detail. It is usually presented to a small panel of 2–4 designers.
The interviewing panel wants to see from you:
- Storytelling and presentation skills
- Understanding of user-centered design approaches from your previous work
- Design craft skills (remember that everything you show demonstrates this, even if it never launched)
- Collaboration between stakeholders, ability to take ownership
- Articulation of design decisions
Tip: Don’t just show what you think is the most polished work. Delving into a project that “failed” or that had to recover after an approach was disproved by research is a great way to showcase all of these. Demonstrating design growth is a strong skill in itself.
Round 2: Design Thinking ( Duration: 1hr — 1.5 hrs)
In this round, you will be given an open-ended problem which you will solve with the interviewer. Here, we want to better understand your design process by getting to know:
- Your ability to clearly understand, clarify, and scope the problem statement by asking the right questions
- How you really apply the design thinking process while solving this problem
- Your ability to think broadly for diverse solutions
- Your articulation of the design decisions, taking on feedback, and working with clues
- How you incorporate or identify research opportunities
- And the most important thing is how do you empathize with the user
Tip: Don’t just look to diverse solutions — consider diverse users
Round 3: Product Thinking ( Duration: 1hr )
In this round, you will be mainly observed on how you approach design problems at the same time as looking at product solutions. In the product thinking round we want to know:
- Your ability to clearly understand the problem statement with empathy while setting expectations with product managers and other stakeholders well
- Will you be able to hold the product accountable to justify the feature and, ask the right question before starting work on the design solution
- How well you handle disagreements with your design
- Your ability to collaborate on ideas to make solutions better
- User context, pain points, metrics orientation
Tip: While the Design Thinking round is wide open and considers broad approaches, the Product Thinking round applies design thinking to concrete projects in motion. Focusing on data-driven design is a strength in this round.
Round 4: Hiring Manager Discussion ( Duration: 45min- 1hr )
In this discussion, you will be meeting the hiring manager and discussing more on the responsibilities expected in this role. It will be an open discussion where you can ask any doubt you have about the role to help you to make your own informed decision also.
You will be evaluated on:
- What you bring to the team
- Your passion for the craft
- Your enthusiasm towards solving a user problem
- How open you are for feedback and how well you apply the feedback
- How well you collaborate within the team and with other stakeholders
Round 5: HR Discussion ( Duration: 30min- 45min )
In this round, you are considered for how you would thrive in the diverse culture at Flipkart. The round is as much for you as well and there are no right or wrong answers. So be honest and think thoroughly about your answers. There might be questions around your past experiences, career aspirations, hypothetical scenarios, your perceived strengths and weaknesses, and similar considerations.
What’s next?
Whew! Now you are all done. So keep your fingers crossed 🤞and keep in contact with the Talent Acquisition(TA) executive for the final interview feedback.
I hope this will help you to prepare well for the interview & wish you all the very best.
Few Interviewing Tips
Though this article is mostly focusing on the Flipkart product designer interview process, there are lots of points in common for other organizations and positions as well. Here are some tips and best practices:
- It’s always better to practice every interview session multiple times which can help to communicate better while in the actual interview session
- Manage your time well so that you can finish your presentation on time and also have some time for Q&A
- Be honest, positive and let your confidence in your design solution show through.
- It’s always better to present a design solution with data (derive data from user research, usability, analytics, measurement metrics, etc.)
- Try to switch on your camera (for virtual onsite interview) so that you can have a face to face connect with your interviewer
- Always be on or before time for the interview
