A Designer’s Guide to Organizing a Job Hunt
Carl has hired thousands of Product Designers. As a product designer, searching for a new job can be a daunting task. With so many opportunities available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you stay organized and focused throughout your job hunt.
Step 1: Define Your Goals
Before starting your job search, take some time to reflect on what you’re looking for in a role. Consider your values, interests, and long-term career goals. Ask yourself:
- What type of design work do I want to do?
- What industry or sector appeals to me?
- What are my salary requirements?
- What kind of company culture do I thrive in?
Step 2: Update Your Online Presence
Make sure your online profiles are up-to-date and showcase your design skills and experience. This includes:
- Your portfolio website
- LinkedIn profile
- Dribbble or Behance accounts
- Resume and CV
Step 3: Network and Make Connections
Attend design events, meetups, and conferences to connect with other designers and potential employers. You can also:
- Reach out to designers in your network for advice or referrals
- Join online design communities and forums
- Participate in design challenges and hackathons
Step 4: Research and Apply
Research companies and roles that align with your goals and values. When applying, make sure to:
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each role
- Showcase relevant design work and case studies
- Follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter
Step 5: Prepare for Interviews
Before interviewing, research the company and role, and prepare to talk about your design process and experiences. Consider:
- Reviewing common design interview questions
- Practicing whiteboarding or design challenges
- Preparing thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
By following these steps and staying organized, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream design role. Good luck!
Carl is a Talent Sourcer Building Design, Product & Engineering Teams at Meta. Carl is also a Mentor at Mento Design Academy. Before recruiting, he was a product designer working with many tech startups to design mobile apps. Carl is also the co-founder of a Meetup called Global UXD where he helps connect designers with each other and create new opportunities. Having completed Thinkful and DesignLab bootcamps before becoming a recruiter, he’s an expert at helping designers land their first design roles. Find Carl on carlwheatly.com and LinkedIn.