How do you prepare for a UX design interview? What should you include in a design portfolio? And do you need formal design education to land a design job in 2026?

In this episode of Our Design Diaries, I speak with Lyubomir Mateev, Principal UX Designer at the SAP Design Hub Sofia, about what hiring managers actually look for when reviewing portfolios and interviewing designers. Drawing from his experience as both an interviewee and interviewer, Lyubomir shares practical advice for junior designers, career switchers, and UX professionals.

We discuss creativity and design mindset, how portfolios are judged visually first, and why skills like networking, negotiation, and building credibility are critical for design careers but rarely taught in school.

Listen to learn how to tailor your UX portfolio, prepare for design interviews, and align your application with the company and role you’re applying for..