How to approach a design test for an job interview

A portfolio tells me what you made. A conversation tells me who you are. When I think about what actually moves me when evaluating someone early in their career, it is not a polished body of work. It is the level of participation. Who showed up? Who was curious enough to be in the room?

What I would actually do is a design festival, a three day event where students from across the country come together. Talks, exercises, competitions. Not to make design competitive, but to use it as a filter for genuine interest. Because at that stage, you are way too young to have any meaningful body of work. What you will probably show me are logos made for a college fest. But have that. Show me you were there, that you wanted it.

That interest is the only honest signal at the start.