4 green flags hiring managers look out for in junior designers 🟢
by Gemma Olds ✦ 24 July 2024 ✦ 5 Min Read
Building a stellar design team is a bit like assembling the Avengers.
Every role is crucial - hiring managers are looking for the right mix of talent to create a brilliant team.
Whether it’s your portfolio, problem-solving skills, or a good understanding of design fundamentals, each becomes a piece of the hiring puzzle.
So if you're looking for a product design job, and want to make sure you're giving green flags from the get-go, here are the top 4 qualities and skills I look out for.
1. Portfolio
Let’s face it, a portfolio is a designer’s best friend. It’s your chance to show off your skills, creativity, and thought process.
If a portfolio is sparse and lacking variety? I might get a little nervous.
I'm looking for a diverse portfolio demonstrating versatility and the ability to tackle different design challenges, all crucial in a product design role.
For more portfolio advice, check out Sophie’s top 3 portfolio tips.
Tip: Use your portfolio to showcase your personality. Think visual design and copy, on top of user experience. Put yourself in the shoes of someone looking at up to 50 folios a day!
2. Problem-solving skills
Great product design is about solving problems in a delightful way, while staying true to a brand.
But it doesn’t stop there, you need to bring clients along for the ride.
So I want to see a clear thought process, evidence of user research, and how feedback was incorporated to improve the design.
Without strong problem-solving skills, a product designer might struggle to create user-centric designs that truly meet clients’ needs.
Tip: Practice presenting with someone. This might be a mentor, someone on a course or your most honest friend. I’d go with the latter.
3. Design fundamentals
Knowing the latest design tools is great, but tools are just that—tools. They’re only as good as the person using them.
Understanding design fundamentals is essential. Master these, and you're halfway there.
Tip: Nail your understanding of design principles, UX, and the fundamentals of good design.
4. Visual design
Visual design and branding are crucial for digital product design.
A well-crafted visual design enhances usability, while consistent branding builds trust and recognition.
Together, they differentiate a product in a crowded market and ensure a cohesive user experience, building retention and loyalty.
Tip: Find examples of brand guidelines like Monzo’s or Spotify’s and play around with how you’d bring their brand to life on an onboarding page.
Ok great, now how do I land my first job?
My advice: attitude is everything.
Bringing your A-game to interviews could be the thing that swings it.
Take this for example: a few years back I was hiring for a junior position. The candidate didn’t tick all the above points but, they excelled in the interview.
They were enthusiastic, passionate about design, creative, charismatic, presented brilliantly and their portfolio was full of personality.
I was engaged from the moment I met them. I couldn’t give them that job, but I fought to get them on a paid internship. I was adamant I’d get them a job by the end.
In 2 months, they had 2 job offers (and have been smashing it ever since).
So, if you’re a budding designer reading this, keep your head up, embrace feedback, and never stop learning. The design world is your oyster, and I can’t wait to see what you create!
