System design interviews are a key part of the hiring process for senior roles, and they can be as much about communication and adaptability as they are about technical depth. Based on what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!), here are five tips that can help you stand out:

1. Show Up with a Clear, Focused Slide Deck

If you receive the problem in advance, create a concise presentation (5–8 slides). Even if you feel confident discussing it verbally, visuals help structure your thoughts and show that you’ve invested time and effort. A good deck reflects both preparation and clarity.

2. Present Your Slides During the Interview, Not Before

Avoid sending your slides in advance unless explicitly asked. Presenting live helps you:

• Control the narrative,
• Avoid premature judgment or bias,
• Keep your strategy impactful and fresh,
• Stay aligned with the flow of conversation.

(Of course, adapt to each company’s process, some may expect early submissions.)

3. Facilitate the Conversation, Don’t Dominate It

Use your slides as a guide, not a script. Lead with confidence, but stay flexible and open. Interviews aren’t presentations; they’re conversations. The best moments often happen when you pause, ask questions, and adjust your direction.

4. Prepare for Evolving Requirements

Expect the interviewer to change or extend the original problem. They want to see how you adapt. Often, this second phase is more important than the first. Before the interview, think through possible edge cases, scaling concerns, and trade-offs. You won’t have much time to think on the spot.

5. Structure Your Thinking Around the SDLC

Organize your design using the Software Development Life Cycle:

Start with requirements, then move through architecture, implementation, and so on. Tailor your depth to the role you’re applying for. As a developer, I typically focus more on architecture, implementation, and testing than deployment or operations. Reading the job description closely can help you align your emphasis.

Bonus: Keep Learning

No matter how experienced we are, there’s always room to grow. Each interview is an opportunity to sharpen our design skills, our communication style, and our ability to think clearly under pressure. When you return home from an interview, take a moment to go over the questions and challenges. Learning from missteps is the surest way to improve.

What are your go-to strategies for system design interviews? I’d love to hear them. Let’s learn from each other!