I got a job!… x2
Since the last blog post I was given the opportunity to have 2 interviews, one for the associate user researcher role and the other associate service designer role. Unfortunately I didn’t get an interview for the associate interaction designer role, but it isn’t something that I am caught up on or feeling demotivated about as I am just glad I got the opportunity to have two interviews, which is something I was not expecting at all.
To start the interview preparation, with only a week to prepare for the associate service designer role and a week and a half to prepare for the associate user researcher role, I began my research. I also had the added pressure of university projects, like the virgin wines group work and my research report proposal. The pressure to not let the group down as well as a good enough draft for submission of my research report proposal, and perform my best for the two interviews.
As the service design interview was first (3rd May) I felt that it was best to start with this one as early as possible. I also had a chat with Dave as soon as my interview dates were confirmed to ask him for advice on the next steps, what to research specifically to gain a better understanding of service design as well as questions they may ask. I found this to be exceptionally helpful as part of my interview prep as it helped guide my research and things to focus on when talking in the interview.
I wasn’t that familiar with service design and what it entailed but through reading various articles, YouTube videos and podcasts like these I was able to gain a better undertstanding:
- Service design 101 – https://www.nngroup.com/articles/service-design-101/
- Yes. We. Can. (Think like Service Designers!) | Leeds Digital Festival 2020 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDOi_re2N-s&t=2914s
- Service Blueprints: Definition – https://www.nngroup.com/articles/service-blueprints-definition/
- https://www.thisisservicedesigndoing.com/methods
- Gov.uk – what we mean by service design – https://gds.blog.gov.uk/2016/04/18/what-we-mean-by-service-design/
From this I decided that it was best to draw out the parallels from the service design, knowing that ux and service design are both user based, the importance of attention to detail, also mentioning what I learnt through research showing my interest in the role and how proactive I was to ensure I had something to talk about. I found out that service design isn’t just for users, there is a back-end to the system in which other people like employers and data analysts also interact with.
For the user researcher role I followed the same process and focused on research techniques, using the STAR method to give real examples. This interview (Tuesday 7th May) although being familiar with research, didn’t go as well as the associate service designer role. Unfortunately I was really unwell and kept loosing trace of my thoughts, however I still believed that under these circumstances I performed to my best ability, showing that I am willing to try my best even when unwell.
These pictures show the notes I made to help me with scenarios and answers to say, ensuring I was addressing and hitting the essential criteria. I practiced interview techniques and answering questions with Dave, my cousin and parents which made it much easier for the actual interviews. The long bulleted list shows the key words I made sure to say when answering questions, so I didn’t miss anything out while under pressure and feeling nervous.
The associate service designer interview went really well, initially being very nervous for it I then calmed down after seeing how relaxed the people on the panel were. The interview felt a bit like a conversation as after I answered the main questions, they asked follow up questions allowing me to open up more about what I know. I believe that I am very good at reading the room and is someone that can have a comfortable conversation with anyone which meant I could have a few laughs with the panel in the interview, making it a much less nerve wracking experience.
On Wednesday 8th May I got an email to say I have received a provisional offer for the 9 month full-time industrial placement, in which I immediately accepted (as soon as I saw the email… on Friday 10th May) as I was not expecting it at all, especially with it being such a competitive job role. The feedback I got from the interview showed that I got a grade 6, in which a grade 7 is the highest you can get. As this was my first ever interview I am exceptionally proud of what I have achieved and proved to myself that I am capable to doing anything I put my mind to and to not underestimate my own capabilities. With the digital design industry being a strong passion of mine, user centred design and UX, I am happy that this role was offered to me. As service design is an all encompassing role I also having the opportunity to learn on the job in a working environment which is something not many people my age get the opportunity for.
Thursday 16th May – I received another email to say that I got a provisional offer for the associate user researcher role which is something that really took me by surprise considering it didn’t go as well as the associate designer one. I do still believe that if I wasn’t ill I would’ve definitely done better in this interview, however, it showed me that although I doubted myself and how well I did, I did good enough to get a job offer, also ranking a grade 6!
