FAANG-Standard Interview Preparation Guide: Design Researcher (Staff Level)
Design Researcher
Staff
7 rounds
Updated 11/23/2025
This guide is based on general FAANG interview practices and may not reflect specific company procedures.
Staff-level Design Researcher interviews at FAANG companies assess deep expertise in research methodologies, ability to lead complex multi-phase research initiatives, strategic influence on product direction, mentorship capabilities, and alignment with company leadership principles. The process evaluates not just technical research skills but also the ability to drive organizational impact, influence cross-functional teams, and think systemically about research operations and infrastructure.
Interview Rounds
1
Recruiter Screening Call
30 min3 focus topicsbehavioral
2
Research Methodology and Fundamentals Assessment
60 min5 focus topicstechnical
3
Research Project Deep Dive and Case Study
60 min4 focus topicscase study
4
Research Operations, Tools, and Scalability
60 min4 focus topicssystem design
5
Leadership, Mentorship, and Strategic Influence
45 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
6
Behavioral and Leadership Principles
45 min4 focus topicsbehavioral
7
Hiring Manager and Executive Alignment
30 min3 focus topicsbehavioral
Additional Information