What I actually look for when hiring designers (confession of a hiring manager)
10.9K views · 2026-10-03
Product DesignDesign Thinking
After a long break, I am sharing the specific criteria I use for hiring designers. Learn what managers prioritize in a candidate.
Finding the right fit for a team involves more than just a resume. I am breaking down the hiring designers process by combining my own observations with insights from other industry leaders. If you are preparing for interviews, these points will help you understand what actually matters during the evaluation phase.
We will also cover the importance of the intent of joining a company and how that influences your overall application. This overview is designed to help anyone navigating a product design career understand the reality of the hiring process. Whether you are building your first portfolio review or aiming for a senior role, knowing what a hiring manager is looking for can shift your approach.
Subscribe for weekly design career insights and comment below what part of the hiring process you want to hear more about next.
Finding the right fit for a team involves more than just a resume. I am breaking down the hiring designers process by combining my own observations with insights from other industry leaders. If you are preparing for interviews, these points will help you understand what actually matters during the evaluation phase.
We will also cover the importance of the intent of joining a company and how that influences your overall application. This overview is designed to help anyone navigating a product design career understand the reality of the hiring process. Whether you are building your first portfolio review or aiming for a senior role, knowing what a hiring manager is looking for can shift your approach.
Subscribe for weekly design career insights and comment below what part of the hiring process you want to hear more about next.