Innocean Interview Questions
& Process

I applied for a freelance gig working on a big digital thing, and the interview process was really good – organized and quick, and I got a clear idea of the team and how they operate. First, there was a call with the recruiter. They were nice, answered my questions, and explained the project scope, what they needed, and how the freelance work fit in. They kept me updated and were professional. Next, I had a meeting with some of the UX people to talk about my portfolio. It felt like a real chat where I could show my projects, talk about how I tackle tough problems, and share experiences working in busy settings. The team seemed engaged and supportive, making it easy to picture myself working with them. The last chat was with the UX Director, the hiring manager, and it was more about how I approach design problems in real life, digging into how I make decisions when things are complex. It was a tough but good conversation, and it was obvious the director cares about good design and making the project a success. Overall, the whole thing felt right for a freelance role – detailed enough to know what's expected but also mindful of my time. It left me with a great impression of a thoughtful UX team doing important, visible work.

It was a pretty standard interview process. First, I had a recruiter screen to see if I was a good fit and what my expectations were. Then, I had an intro chat with the hiring manager about my experience and how I approach things. After that, I did a case study presentation to show my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Finally, I got a formal offer letter with the details and what to do next.

I went through 3 interview rounds for a role in their LA office - only for the role to be but on an indefinite hold Recruiter Screening Call – The recruiter was friendly, encouraging, and provided a clear overview of the company culture and expectations for the role. Team Interview – A one-hour session with members of the design team, where I shared my portfolio and answered a mix of technical and culture-focused questions. The team was collaborative and approachable, and this conversation gave me a good sense of how they work together day to day. Hiring Manager Round – I was told this round would be a portfolio share, but it turned into a one-hour technical interview and design challenge without prior notice. The questions asked were not reflective of the role’s responsibilities or title as discussed in previous rounds, and the overall format felt unstructured, making it difficult to demonstrate my work effectively. Next, there would be a fourth round involving a design and whiteboarding challenge, however I was notified that the role was being put on indefinite hold to be rescoped.

The company spent a lot of time detailing the responsibilities of the junior role before asking about me. They mentioned a 'Korean-style' work culture and a 'start-up' vibe. They also criticized my previous employer, which made me uncomfortable. They asked me to email them work samples from my previous job that were intended for customers to their personal email, which was strange even though I understand they want to see my work. After this, I was ghosted with no response, even after follow-ups. I found the interview stressful.