Prepare for your Head of Design interview. Understand the required skills and qualifications, anticipate the questions you may be asked, and study well-prepared answers using our sample responses.
This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience with the company’s design software products. If you have previous experience using these products, share what you like about them and how they’ve helped you achieve success in your career. If you don’t have any experience using these products, consider asking about them during the interview so you can learn more about them.
Answer Example: "Yes, I am familiar with the design software products that you use here. I have been working as a Head of Design for the past five years, during which time I have had the opportunity to learn about different design software programs and their capabilities. I am familiar with Adobe Creative Cloud, Sketch, and Figma, and I know how to use them to create beautiful and effective designs."
This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills and abilities they’re looking for in a head of design. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important qualities, such as communication skills, leadership ability and problem-solving skills.
Answer Example: "I believe that a head of design should have a strong understanding of design theory, principles and practices. They should be able to apply this knowledge to create innovative designs that meet the needs of their organization. A head of design should also be able to communicate effectively with their team members, as well as other stakeholders within the organization. This helps them to effectively manage projects and ensure that they meet deadlines and budget constraints. Finally, I think it’s important for a head of design to have a passion for what they do. This can help them motivate their team and create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas."
Employers ask this question to see if you can work well with others. They want to know that you can collaborate with other departments and share ideas with your team. When answering, think of a time when you worked well with others. Explain how your teamwork skills helped you achieve success in that situation.
Answer Example: "I believe my teamwork skills are exceptional. I have been working in the design field for over 10 years, and during that time I have developed strong relationships with my colleagues. I am always willing to lend a helping hand, and I believe that my willingness to collaborate has helped me become a successful Head of Design."
This question can help the interviewer understand your leadership skills and how you’ve managed a team in the past. Use examples from your experience to highlight your communication, problem-solving and team-building skills.
Answer Example: "I’ve had experience leading a team of designers for several years now. In my current role as Head of Design, I am responsible for overseeing all aspects of design for our company’s products. This includes hiring new designers, creating a culture of collaboration within the team and ensuring that all projects are completed on time and within budget."
Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you handle conflict. When answering, it can be helpful to focus on the specific steps you took to resolve the situation.
Answer Example: "In my last role as head of design, I had a client who was very picky about the colors used in their website design. They wanted to make sure the colors matched their brand’s colors exactly, which is something I can understand. However, they kept sending me different color palettes that didn’t match at all. After several emails back and forth, I finally told them that I couldn’t continue working on the project until they gave me the correct colors. They were upset at first, but we eventually figured out the right colors."
This question can help the interviewer get a better sense of your personality and style. It’s also an opportunity for you to show off your office decorating skills. If you have a unique or interesting office space, this is a great time to show it off.
Answer Example: "If we were to walk around my office, we would see a space that is both organized and creative. My desk is clear of clutter, but I still have plenty of space to work on projects. I keep a bulletin board near my desk where I can pin ideas and inspiration. On the wall behind me, I have a whiteboard where I can write down ideas as they come to me."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a situation that could potentially be challenging. Your answer should show that you are willing to hold your team members accountable and encourage them to follow company policies.
Answer Example: "If I noticed that a designer was not following the company brand identity guidelines, I would first have a conversation with them about the issue. I believe in providing feedback in a constructive manner so that the designer understands why they are doing something wrong and how they can improve. If they continue to not follow the guidelines, I would take disciplinary action such as reducing their hours or removing them from the team entirely."
Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the pressures of the job. They want to know that you can stay calm under pressure and complete projects on time. In your answer, explain how you manage stress in your daily life. Share a few strategies that have helped you in the past.
Answer Example: "I am an organized person, so I always make sure to plan ahead for projects. This helps me stay on track with deadlines and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work I have to do. I also try to take breaks throughout the day to relax my mind. Taking five minutes to meditate or walk around the office can help me refocus my thoughts and get me back into work mode."
This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific type of user testing. Usability testing is a method of evaluating how easy it is for users to use a product or service. It can help designers create more effective designs by identifying problems with their initial ideas.
Answer Example: "Yes, I have experience with usability testing. In my current role as head of design, I conduct usability tests on all new designs before they go live. I also use feedback from previous tests to improve existing features. This helps me ensure that our users have an optimal experience when using our product."
This question can help the interviewer determine how committed you are to your career and whether you’re likely to stay with their company for a long time. Your answer should show that you have an interest in staying up-to-date on the latest trends in design, but it’s also important to mention any certifications or training you’ve completed recently.
Answer Example: "I’m always looking for new ways to improve my design skills. In fact, I just finished reading an article about the newest trends in web design. The author discussed how responsive design has evolved over the past few years and how it’s now becoming more important than ever to have a mobile-friendly website. This information has inspired me to create more mobile-friendly designs in the future."
This question is a great way to test your creativity and design skills. It also shows the interviewer that you are willing to take the time to create a unique design style for their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain how you would go about creating a design style from scratch or adapting an existing design style to fit the company’s needs.
Answer Example: "I believe that creating a unique design style for a company starts with understanding its mission, values and goals. I would first spend time researching the company’s history and who their target audience is. This will help me determine what colors, fonts, imagery and other design elements would work best for the company. Next, I would create a draft of the design using these elements and get feedback from others within the company before finalizing the design."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and whether your process aligns with the company’s. Use examples from past projects to describe your steps in creating a design, from initial research to final presentation.
Answer Example: "When I start a new design project, I like to begin by getting to know the client and understanding their goals and objectives for the project. This helps me create a plan for how I’ll approach the design and ensures that I’m meeting their needs throughout the process. Next, I research similar projects and look for trends in the industry to get inspiration for the design. Then, I create wireframes or prototypes to test out different layouts and colors before settling on one. Finally, I present the final product to the client."
Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate. Focus on what you can bring to the role rather than what you lack.
Answer Example: "I believe my experience and qualifications make me stand out from other candidates. I have over 10 years of experience in the design industry, having worked on projects for both small and large companies. My portfolio showcases my ability to create innovative designs that resonate with customers’ needs and desires. My expertise in both digital and print design make me an ideal candidate for this position."
This question can help the interviewer understand your background and how it relates to their company. If you have experience in an industry that’s similar to theirs, share that information. If not, consider sharing another industry that you’ve worked in that may be helpful for the role.
Answer Example: "I’ve worked in both consumer goods and technology industries. In my current role as head of design for a tech startup, I’m responsible for creating designs that appeal to our target audience while also meeting their needs. In my previous position at a large consumer goods company, I helped create new products that would sell well in stores."
This question is a great way to show your research skills and how much you know about the company. It’s important to answer this question honestly, but also with some humor if possible.
Answer Example: "I think it’s important for a head of design to know everything about their company. I’ve done extensive research on this company and I’m impressed with everything I’ve learned. Your company has a unique culture and values that I plan on integrating into my leadership style."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you communicate with your team and manage their workload. Your answer should show that you are aware of what’s happening in the company and able to communicate important updates to your team.
Answer Example: "I believe it’s important to update the design team regularly on new projects, updates to existing projects and any changes in deadlines or goals. I try to meet with my team at least once a week to go over these things, but if there are more urgent matters, I make sure to communicate with them through email or Slack."
This question can help the interviewer understand how you would handle a challenging situation. Your answer should show that you are willing to confront someone who is not performing well and have a plan for helping them improve or leaving the company if necessary.
Answer Example: "I would first try to speak with them privately to find out what was going on. If it’s something minor like a computer glitch, I would be able to help them fix it. If it’s something bigger, like an illness or family issue, I would work with them to find a solution. For example, I might allow them to take extended vacation time or work from home until they feel better."
