Reflections and tips from a design hiring manager
2023 Has been a tough year for the tech industry, particularly for designers. Thousands of layoffs, tough historical and technological contingencies, and an impression that designers were the perfect victim to be sacrificed at the altar of productivity and cost-cutting.
And it’s true that finding a job in the current job market can be tough. A few years ago, designers having some experience in the field and evidence of project delivery would have been enough to land a well-paid position.
Today, for several reasons, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a job as a designer, and I know how it can be frustrating, scary, and sometimes overwhelming.
But I have some good news.
First, companies are still hiring designers. Just have a quick look on Linkedin; although there might be fewer design opportunities, they are still there.
The second piece of news is that (UX) design is far from dead. Design is still crucial for companies. While some CEOs and managers believe that reducing design expenses is logical as design might tend to not have an immediate impact on business, a shift in trend is predictable as the consequences of cutting design resources become apparent in the long term.
As a Design Manager, in the last 5 years, I have hired tens (~150) of designers for both consultancy and product companies. I’ve observed how things have evolved and the patterns and mistakes designers make when applying for a new job. Great talent might often miss low-hanging fruits to raise their chances of getting further into the process.
I want to share some of these perspectives, hoping they might resonate with you as you navigate the art of design hiring.
Before applying
Show your face
The story of your job search begins well before you send out your first application. It starts with how you present yourself to the world. Consider your resume: is it merely a document, or does it tell your story?
I have found that a personalized resume, in which designers describe their achievements, interests, and what they do in their lives, can create a positive first impression and make them stand out from the rest.
A real photo, instead of an avatar, often creates a more genuine connection; while having a logo or an avatar might be funny and original, using avatar pictures in your resume or social media platforms might be a trap if you are not yet a well-known personality. Having the impression of engaging with a real person is already a good start. It will raise confidence in your profile and give the impression of having someone real to talk with.
Have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is often a neglected space for designers. Some don’t like it and avoid spending time designing their content there. Some might even claim that you don’t need it. However, for recruiters, LinkedIn is a primary tool.
All CMS (candidate management systems) use a variety of integrations and processes that rely on LinkedIn. Having all your experiences tracked there, with links and descriptions, is very helpful for recruiters who often have to review hundreds of profiles per week.
The advantages are that LinkedIn CV is a real standard and makes it easy to generate a printable version. Scanning your past experience, skills, and referrals is easier for recruiters. Having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile will strengthen your candidacy and make hiring managers’ and recruiters’ lives easier.
Share your work
I have another big news for you. In our hyper-competitive market, you need a portfolio to find a design job. Being busy at your current job is no longer an excuse. Recruiters and hiring managers have hundreds if not thousands of prospects in their pools, and a less-experienced designer showcasing good craft could easily outshine a more senior one with a limited or outdated portfolio.
By looking at your website, recruiters and hiring managers can quickly evaluate your design skills and avoid engaging in a long process without being sure your skills match what they are looking for.
As one that has neglected for years to update their website, I can’t regret more about the time lost. Content that speaks about you and your work is more and more important. With the rise of AI and mass design production, craft, narrative, and uniqueness will make a huge difference in the hiring selection process. Design teams will probably be smaller, and hiring managers will look for more quality and diversification of skills in their organization.
Tips for your portfolio
There are countless good articles out there about drafting good portfolios, but I want to share some of my observations as I believe there are many quick wins that could raise your chance of success.
Be sure to have at least a couple of case studies describing your design process with text descriptions. You don’t need more. Do not forget to have an eye-pleasing and minimalistic presentation, taking care of details and trying to find a good visual balance in the layout as well as in the assets you show. But attention: try not to be too lengthy or too scholastic in the way you present your work.
Present your work with a few images that are well constructed with descriptions of the problem that you are solving, and your solutions are much more accessible than lengthy case studies where you show every single step of your process.
Do not undervalue the importance of written narration, as the quality perceived is a mix of good usage of visual and written content.
Always remember that details matter: take extra care of your past work’s visual assets, wording, and general narrative. You will be surprised to learn that hiring managers will remember your work if it’s accessible and easy to navigate.
During the interview
Be prepared and stay curious
Being passive is not good; show that you really care and are genuinely interested in the company you are interviewing for. Be prepared by reading about the company and showing interest in what is important for them, asking meaningful questions to know better about the job, and showing that you are curious.
Smile
Yes, smile. Not a lot, but a sincere smile at the interview’s beginning or end makes everyone more relaxed. Introverts might have problems with that, but having a positive attitude will raise a chance to get a good first impression and more chances to get remembered later on in the process. In the end, everyone wants to hire empathetic and nice team players for their team, so be one!
Build a story around your work
When you talk about your past experience, try to be careful with the narrative and try to give context to each design you present. Describe the goal, the reasoning, and the objective of your project, as well as the solution and the impact of your work. Be honest, and try to show your strengths, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement.
Remember: speaking about failures is also a good way to showcase lessons learned and your maturity and ability to embrace mistakes to grow.
Closing your hiring process
A hiring process might often end with not getting hired. And when you are looking actively for a new job, it will certainly happen. No worries, even the greatest designers get a rejection!
Recruiters take note and record most of the experience and communication with a candidate. Showing a positive attitude will keep you considered for future opportunities. Even if you are disappointed, never share passive-aggressive thoughts with the recruiters.
Leave a nice memory behind you.
Showing a low ego will add points to your future candidacies. The industry is not so big, and design recruiters will for sure keep your profile somewhere. So be kind to the hiring teams, as a failed attempt can become a new career opportunity in the future.
I hope these tips will help you find your dream job.
💌 If you would like to hang out for a virtual coffee and ask more questions, feel free to drop me a line. I am always happy to give something back to the design community!