How can you present your wireframing and IA portfolio effectively during an interview?

When preparing your portfolio, first learn about the company you are applying to. Look at what kind of work they do. This helps you to show them projects from your portfolio that they will find interesting. Think like them: What problems do they have that you can solve? What do they value in a design? Try to guess what questions they will ask about your work and have answers ready. For example, they might want to know why you chose a certain layout or how your design helped users better. By knowing your audience, you can pick the best examples from your portfolio that will show them you have the skills they need.

Organising and choosing which projects to showcase while going for an interview should be the first priority. You need to pick the project that aligns with the firms domain, showcases your skills in the best possible manner, showcases your design thinking process and finally should be presented in a very streamlined and concise manner. If the project has proper visuals and uses Visual representation of data then it would give the candidate brownie points because correct data visualisation is a skill that not everyone has and is also one of the most important skills. Furthermore focusing on the kep insights and takeaways from the project to highlight the final Impact can set you apart.

When selecting pieces for your portfolio, consider the business side of your designs. Your best work should not only show good design but also how it helped the business. Explain how your design choices were guided by business goals. Maybe you made the checkout process simpler to reduce cart abandonment, which is a common business problem in e-commerce. Show data or feedback that proves your design had a positive impact on the business, like increased sales or better customer reviews. Your portfolio should tell a story not just of good design, but of design that understands and meets business needs. This will show employers that you can make decisions that are good for their business, not just make things look nice.

Make your portfolio straightforward. Sort it by project with a quick summary: the client, the goal, scope, timeline, and results. Clearly state your role and how you worked with others. Include key wireframes and IA documents, but also briefly explain your thinking behind them, considering user research and feedback. Keep it concise; recruiters have limited time and need to quickly see your value and how your design choices meet user needs and business goals.

Your portfolio's format should reflect ease and clarity, showcasing your ability to create user-friendly designs. Choose a simple format that can be easily opened and viewed on any device or browser. Whether you opt for a link, PDF, slide deck, or website, the layout should be consistent, and the file size optimized for quick loading. By presenting a portfolio that is accessible and uncomplicated, you're demonstrating to recruiters your commitment to simplicity in your design approach. It’s essential that the portfolio itself requires minimal effort to navigate, mirroring the user-centric principles that guide your work.

Prepare your portfolio presentation as if it's a captivating story about your professional journey. Craft a brief yet intriguing introduction and succinct explanations for each project. Enhance your narrative with examples and stories of obstacles you've overcome, achievements, and lessons learned. Repeated practice is essential—treat each run-through as a performance where you immerse yourself in your professional character. This technique can alleviate nerves and helps to deliver a polished presentation. Rehearse with someone who can provide constructive feedback, and focus on making your presentation impactful, regardless of your audience's stature. Remember, confidence in your story can make a powerful impression.

As a professional who builds teams, I can tell you - if it applies - that good interviews are the ones where you feel at ease and feel you are able to express your thoughts. One task the interviewer has is to try to create an environment where (despite the stress of an interview) the interviewee can present who they really are so we can decide if you are the right person for the role. The job of the interviewee (if this is you) is to present your best self. Not your fake self. I want to know how you reason, and rationalise, your process, how you've dealt with design failure or success, and present convincing reasoning to stakeholders. I'm examining your persona. Focus on exposing your design thinking and soft skills. That's your gold.