Recently, I came across a post where a designer grieved about the difficulty of securing a job in the current market. They said something that made me as a Ukrainian feel the pain: “It feels worse than when a rocket hit my home”. While this may seem overdramatic, it is indeed an unfortunate reality. Given the ongoing mass layoffs, finding a job in the Design field has become a daunting task, a mission impossible.
I see a lot of recommendations online regarding effective job search strategies, but many of them have become outdated due to changes in the market. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new and effective ways of standing out in a sea of applicants.
I see a lot of recommendations online regarding effective job search strategies, but many of them have become outdated due to changes in the market. Therefore, it is crucial to identify new and effective ways of standing out in a sea of applicants.
5 things that really work in 2023
job hunting for designers
job hunting for designers
1 Begin by identifying your ideal job and researching the relevant companies. Casting a wide net is unlikely to give favorable results. Instead, focus on your niche and develop your skills in that area. To beat the competition you need to be a superstar in a certain area.
2 Invest time in creating a portfolio showcasing your skills and case studies. Platforms such as Adobe Portfolio (which I’m using myself here), Squarespace, Webflow, or others can help you to create and keep your portfolio up to date. It works better than a pdf file because everyone will have the latest version and it’s easy to connect and watch analytics.
3 Proactively ask for feedback from interviewers. Not all companies provide feedback after the interview. If possible, ask for feedback at the end of the interview, focusing on areas for improvement rather than a simple "yes" or "no" response.
4 Avoid a company that asks for home tests (particularly if you are an experienced designer). Instead, consider requesting a whiteboard exercise or portfolio walk-through. Unpaid work is a big red flag.
5 Take advantage of available services, such as:
https://lnkd.in/egahjBwi - which can help you practice answering interview questions.
https://www.refer.me/ - if you need a referral to a specific company
https://h1bdata.info/
https://www.levels.fyi/ - for salary transparency
https://chat.openai.com/ - can help you prepare for possible interview questions.
