Strategic Storytelling for Product Design Interviews
Erin Essex
15+ years in Product Design | YouTube
Ready to transform the way you communicate in product design interviews?
Let’s be honest—interviewing is tough. But you don’t have to go in unprepared. In this interactive 6-session course, you’ll learn how to use storytelling as a powerful tool to stand out in interviews, build connection, and speak with confidence.
We’ll break down what interviewers are really looking for in design candidates and how to craft narratives that communicate your strengths with clarity and purpose. Through interactive workshops, practical exercises, and real-time feedback, you’ll develop compelling stories on key topics so you can walk into any interview feeling ready and self-assured.
You’ll leave this course with a personalized story toolkit, polished answers, and a deeper understanding of how to adapt your message for different positions, companies, and audiences.
What you’ll learn
Transform your interviews with strategic storytelling. Learn through real-world examples, deep scenario analysis, practice, & live speaking.
Learn the proper stages for design challenge approach
Walk through real world examples and understand a strong approach from a weak one
Rehearse and present your own case study
Learn what recruiters and hiring managers are really looking for
Explore components and techniques you can incorporate to enhance your profiles
Learn how to leverage LinkedIn like a pro
Understand why some stories land and others fall flat
Learn physical and verbal techniques to improve your storytelling and communication
Practice and build your storytelling skills with the help of live constructive feedback
Explore the psychology of interviewing
Understand what different interviewers are looking for based on different variables
Learn how to decide what stories to tell to develop and leverage a connection with your interviewer
Define your identity and understand the message you want to convey
Refine your story and design direction
Practice and improve your intonation, pacing, and vocal inflection through storytelling demos with active feedback
Understand how to read your interviewers and different scenarios through real examples
Develop a story band for difference scenarios
Learn how to decide what stories to use and emphasize for the best outcome
Learn directly from Erin
Erin Essex
Design Leader at Youtube | Ex. Product Design Director of MongoDB & Shutterstock
Who this course is for
Design Professionals
Looking to land job or move up? Learn how to communicate your value strategically in this course.
Struggling Interviewees
Let's build your confidence and speaking skills through proven analysis and practice.
Product Professionals
Everything covered in this course can be applied to product interviews. Learn how to communicate your expertise.
What's included
Live sessions
Learn directly from Erin Essex in a real-time, interactive format.
Lifetime access
Go back to course content and recordings whenever you need to.
Community of peers
Stay connected and share insights with like-minded professionals.
Certificate of completion
Share your new skills with your employer or on LinkedIn.
Maven Guarantee
This course is backed by the Maven Guarantee. Students are eligible for a full refund up until the halfway point of the course.
Course syllabus
6 live sessions • 22 lessons • 5 projects
Week 1
Apr
28
Day 1: Foundations of Identity & Storytelling
Tue 4/2810:30 PM—1:00 AM (UTC)Apr
29
Day 2: Q&A (Optional)
Wed 4/2910:30 PM—12:30 AM (UTC)OptionalApr
30
Day 3: Connecting with Advanced Storytelling Techniques
Thu 4/3010:30 PM—1:00 AM (UTC)
Day 1: Foundations of Identity & Storytelling
Day 2: Building Professional Profiles
Day 3: Connecting with Advanced Storytelling Techniques
Week 2
May
5
Day 4: Tailoring Responses
Tue 5/510:30 PM—1:00 AM (UTC)May
6
Day 5: Q&A (Optional)
Wed 5/610:30 PM—12:30 AM (UTC)May
7
Day 6: Storytelling Mastery & Application
Thu 5/710:30 PM—1:00 AM (UTC)
Day 4: Tailoring Responses
Day 5: Navigating the Design Challenge
Day 6: Presentations & Post Interview Advice
Free resource
The Psychology of First Impressions
Factors that impact the first impression
Explore the nuances of communication and how verbal, non-verbal, and behavioral cues can affect your first impression.
Navigating confirmation bias
Learn how to leverage confirmation bias and the halo effect to go further in interviews.
Creating impressions that stick
Understand the psychology of a lasting impression and the steps you can take to make yourself more memorable.
Schedule
Live sessions
5-7 hrs / week
Wednesday are optional bonus lessons
Tue, Apr 28
10:30 PM—1:00 AM (UTC)
Wed, Apr 29
10:30 PM—12:30 AM (UTC)
Thu, Apr 30
10:30 PM—1:00 AM (UTC)
Projects
2-3 hrs / week
Practice and story building time
Frequently asked questions
$449
USD