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Five things to look out for when hiring a designer

In addition to the apparent qualities you want.

Rey Node
UX Collective

Books, covers, and judgment — by Taylor Harding

I’ve had the luxury of never having to apply for a design job. We founded our agency nearly 12 years ago, in 2008, and we’ve have had just enough clientele since then to afford a place to live and the occasional craft beer. Oh, and MacBooks, of course. Can’t be seen without a MacBook.

I did, however, hire people — mostly designers. Recently, I was in the opportunity to witness a job-hunt from the other side — the designer’s side — and I noticed some anomalies in how other agencies interview people, and the hiring process in general. It turns out; I hire differently. And for good reason, I believe.

This realization got me inspired to find out what exactly I look for when hiring a designer (or other creative). Here’s what I found.

A note beforehand: these are not vague or arbitrary hiring requirements, rather they are focus points that help me understand better who someone is as a designer. Only looking at a portfolio and job history gives you a very limited idea of what kind of designer someone is. Having other things to look at helps make better judgements, from my experience.

Investigate her mistakes, not her successes

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Responses (11)

What are your thoughts?

She doesn’t have to be a cook — but she has to be an adventurous eater, or she’s out.

I feel like everyone who comes up with some wacky, left field, pass/fail interview criteria thinks they’re really into something.
I read another one of these style articles where the hiring manager would offer a glass of water to the candidate and if…

“I don’t think a junk-food-fuelled designer can be a great designer.”
This honestly reads like “no fat girls allowed”. And regardless, I can’t imagine judging design candidates based on whether or not they’re foodies, and think I’ve stumbled onto…

Yikes, you don’t hire people based on how they enjoy food? I feel sorry for anyone who works for this entitled snob. Clearly 12 years of success has done nothing for your character as a person.