Want to know how to carve out a career as a professional designer? Envato's design manager shares his tips on turning your creative passion into your dream job.
As designers, our path to success can be unique and winding. Each pixel, color scheme, and project you complete is a step towards that dream job. But how do you get there? What makes a portfolio pop? What skills and attributes make design managers say, “You’re the one we’ve been searching for”?
I won’t lie – landing your dream design job can be challenging. Graphic design is becoming increasingly competitive, with new skilled creatives and designers emerging every day – not to mention the rise in evolving design technologies such as AI.
However, becoming a professional designer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream, I promise! Landing your dream job as a designer can rely on many factors: showcasing your creativity, honing your skills, letting your personality shine through, and – of course – hard work. So, if you’re ready to turn your passion for design into your dream job, we’re here to help you make it happen.
As a design manager who has reviewed countless resumes and portfolios and interviewed numerous designers, I’ve gained valuable insights into what makes an applicant stand out. Here are my top five tips to help you secure your dream design job.
1. Build a Killer Portfolio
A stand-out portfolio is equal parts presentation and personality. Demonstrate your skills in producing work and show how you might communicate that work to clients. Present your commercial work alongside passion projects to express your personality and display a broader range of skills.
Your portfolio should be one of your finest pieces of design work, where you can showcase your creativity and skills. Here’s how to make it stellar:
- Quality Over Quantity: It’s not necessarily about how many projects you include but the quality of the work you showcase. Pick your best pieces that demonstrate your versatility and problem-solving abilities.
- Tell a Visual Story: Organize your portfolio to tell a story about your design journey. Explain the challenges you faced, how you tackled them, and the impact of your work. Visual storytelling is a powerful tool.
- Diversity Matters: Include a mix of projects highlighting various design skills, commercial projects, and passion projects. Employers want to see high levels of creativity and personality, but they also want to see examples of work that has gone into final production and seen financial success.
- Keep it Fresh: Keep your portfolio up-to-date. As you evolve as a designer, your portfolio should evolve with you, so regularly update it with your latest and greatest work. We’re all guilty of not doing this, but it’s crucial!
2. Lead With Your Skills
In terms of what’s more important – experience or skills – I’d choose skills every time. Typically, skills come with experience, but sadly, it isn’t always true. I’d always prefer to work with someone with little experience but all the skills to get the job done. Note that soft skills like project management, stakeholder relations, and communication fall into this skills bracket.
So, when applying for your dream job, make sure your skills take center stage:
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for the specific job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. I’ve found it helpful to create a modular portfolio with multiple projects addressing different skills and industries. When applying for a role, I can then select the top six projects most suited for that role.
- Quantify Your Achievements: Use numbers to show the impact of your work. For example, mention how your website redesign led to a 30% increase in user engagement.
- Stay in the Know: Design is constantly evolving. Show your commitment to growth by mentioning any recent certifications or courses you’ve completed.
3. Talk Through Your Creative Process
One of my favorite questions to ask in an interview is, “Run me through the design process of one of your most memorable projects.” Someone who can talk about their involvement in the work they’ve presented and explain the rationale behind the decision-making in their creative process always makes a memorable candidate. Potential employers want to know how you approach design challenges, so present your creative process to illustrate your problem-solving skills:
- Case Studies: Create detailed case studies for some of your projects. Describe how you identified the problem, your research process, your ideation, and the steps you took to reach the final design.
- Collaboration Is Key: Highlight your ability to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams. Show that you can communicate and adapt within a team environment.
4. Create a Stand-Out Resume
Your resume is your ticket to an interview, so spend the time to design it well and focus on the details. Hiring managers scan resumes quickly, so ensure your information is clear and easy to absorb. Focus on perfecting the typesetting, spelling, grammar, layout, and learn how to write a CV to look more professional.
- Design it: Your resume is your chance to showcase your design skills right off the bat. Use a clean and organized layout that’s easy to read. Remember, less is more.
- Customize it: Don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Tailor your resume for each job application, emphasizing skills and experiences that match the specific role.
- Use Keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Include relevant keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed.
5. Focus on Your Strengths
Your technical skills are crucial, but your personality strengths are just as essential in determining whether you’ll be a good fit for a particular workplace or team. Some qualities I look for in a creative are curiosity, passion, optimism, collaboration, and detail-orientedness. On top of that, they also need to be an excellent visual and verbal communicator. Here’s how to showcase your strengths and personality:
- Craft a Unique Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to reveal your personality. Be authentic and let your passion shine through.
- Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Expect questions about your soft skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss situations where you demonstrated teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving.
- Express Enthusiasm: Show genuine enthusiasm for your discipline and the role you’re applying for. Research the company’s values, projects, and culture, and explain how you align with them.
Land Your Creative Dream Job Today
Landing your dream job as a designer takes a blend of creativity, skills, and personality. Keep refining your craft, stay persistent, and remember – your perfect role might be just around the corner! With some dedication and this guide in mind, you’re well on your way to landing your dream job. Good luck!
To get inspired, read this interview on how to build a successful design career with world-renowned designer, Jessica Walsh. Or head to Envato Elements to start creating today!
