Interview Process Overview for Senior Content Designer at Instacart

The interview process for the Senior Content Designer position at Instacart is a multi-stage procedure that focuses on assessing both technical writing skills and cultural fit. It includes a mix of technical assessments, portfolio reviews, and behavioral interviews. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Recruiter Call

The first step is typically a phone call with a recruiter. This is a general screening to confirm your interest in the role and assess your fit for Instacart’s culture. The recruiter will ask about your experience, particularly your ability to create content for mobile apps and web interfaces, and your proficiency with UX writing.

Common Questions:

• “Can you walk me through your experience with UX/UI writing?”
• “How do you ensure that the content you write aligns with a product’s tone and user experience?”
• “Why are you interested in this role at Instacart?”

This call is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company and the role, so be prepared to discuss why you’re interested in shaping the user experience at Instacart.

2. Portfolio Review

For content design roles, a strong portfolio is key. After the initial call, you’ll be asked to present your portfolio. You should have a well-organized collection of your work that showcases UX writing for both mobile and web interfaces. Instacart looks for evidence of clear, concise, and user-friendly writing that supports product goals.

Portfolio Tips:

• Include examples of microcopy, onboarding flows, notifications, and error messages.
• Make sure to explain the design thinking behind each piece, focusing on how your content supports the overall user experience and business goals.
• If possible, include case studies that show how you collaborated with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers.

3. UX Writing Test or Assignment

You may be given a writing test or assignment. This task is meant to assess your writing style and your ability to tailor content to Instacart’s tone of voice, which is clear, human-centered, and helpful.

Typical Task:

• Microcopy exercise: You might be asked to write content for a specific feature, such as an error message or a CTA for a product page, making sure it aligns with Instacart’s tone and enhances the user experience.
• Content for onboarding: You could be asked to create clear and concise copy for a new user onboarding flow that guides users through key features of the app.

The goal is to evaluate your ability to distill complex ideas into simple, user-friendly content that enhances the product experience.

4. Technical Interview

In this interview, you will be asked questions related to information architecture, design frameworks, and the intersection of visual design and language. You may also discuss how you handle collaboration with other design and product teams.

Sample Questions:

• “How do you ensure your content is accessible and works well with the visual design?”
• “What are the key principles of writing for mobile interfaces, and how do you adapt your style for different devices?”
• “Can you give an example of a time you had to rewrite content to better align with user feedback or data?”

In addition to your writing skills, they want to understand your approach to designing content that serves both the user’s needs and the business objectives.

5. Collaboration and Culture Fit Interview

Instacart places a strong emphasis on collaboration. This stage will likely involve conversations with cross-functional team members, such as product designers, engineers, or data scientists. They’ll assess your ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, and handle feedback.

Behavioral Questions:

• “Tell me about a time when you worked with a cross-functional team to solve a content-related issue.”
• “How do you handle conflicting feedback from stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of the user experience?”
• “Describe a project where you had to balance user needs with business objectives. How did you navigate that?”

This interview is also an opportunity for you to demonstrate how well you understand and fit into Instacart’s company culture, which values collaboration, flexibility, and a user-centric approach.

Key Skills and Tools for Success

To succeed in the interview, you should demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:

• UX Writing: Your ability to craft clear, concise, and helpful content for mobile and web interfaces is crucial.
• Design Thinking: Instacart values candidates who can think about content within the context of the overall user experience. Be prepared to discuss your process for designing content that solves problems and enhances the product experience.
• Information Architecture: Understanding how content fits within the broader structure of the product is essential. Be ready to talk about how you collaborate with designers to ensure your content works well within the UI.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires working closely with product managers, designers, and engineers. Showcase your experience in cross-functional teamwork and your ability to align content with the product’s overall goals.
• Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or other design systems platforms is beneficial. Having experience with AI tools for content generation is also a plus.

Final Tips for Preparation

• Focus on your portfolio: Instacart will expect a portfolio that demonstrates your expertise in UX writing and your ability to create content that enhances user experiences.
• Practice writing: If you haven’t already, try practicing microcopy exercises, focusing on clarity, tone, and brevity.
• Prepare for collaborative scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others to produce content that meets both user needs and business goals.