What do you do if your problem-solving skills aren't shining during a product design interview?

1 Stay Calm

When you feel your problem-solving skills dimming during an interview, the first step is to remain calm. Panicking only exacerbates the situation and clouds your thinking further. Take a deep breath and remember that it's okay not to have an immediate answer. Use this moment to show that you can maintain composure in the face of uncertainty. Interviewers appreciate candidates who can stay poised and think on their feet, even if that means taking a moment to collect their thoughts.

2 Communicate Clearly

If you're struggling with a problem during the interview, communicate that to the interviewer. It's better to articulate the difficulty you're encountering than to pretend you have it all figured out. This honesty can actually work in your favor, as it demonstrates self-awareness and a desire for collaboration. Explain your thought process and where you're getting stuck; sometimes, just talking it out can help you find a new angle or solution.

3 Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask clarifying questions if you're not sure about something. Seeking more information can give you a better understanding of the problem and might even spark some ideas for a solution. It shows that you're proactive and engaged in solving the issue, rather than giving up when faced with a challenge. Remember, asking questions is a key part of the problem-solving process in product design.

4 Leverage Experience

Draw upon your past experiences when you're in a tight spot. Reflect on similar challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Even if the situations aren't identical, the lessons learned can be invaluable in tackling the current problem. Sharing these stories with the interviewer not only provides evidence of your problem-solving skills but also highlights your resilience and ability to apply past learnings to new contexts.

5 Offer Ideas

Even if you can't come up with a perfect solution on the spot, offer some preliminary ideas. This shows that you're willing to explore different possibilities and are not deterred by a challenge. Your ideas don't have to be fully fleshed out; they can serve as starting points for further discussion. The interviewer is interested in your thought process and creativity, so share your brainstorming openly.

6 Reflect and Learn

Finally, view every interview as a learning opportunity, especially if you feel that you didn't perform at your best. Reflect on what went well and what didn't, and consider how you can improve for next time. This self-reflection is crucial for personal and professional growth. It's not just about getting the job—it's about becoming a better product designer through every experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?