---
title: Getting a Job as a Web Designer
teaser:
tags: design
author: Fred Yates
published_on: 2009-12-10
---

So you're a designer, let's say a web designer, and you want to get a job with a
sweet company somewhere. How do you do this? Hopefully some tips I've picked up
along the way can help. Let's skip all of the typical, boring stuff (be early,
firm handshake, eye contact, references, business cards, etc.) and get right to
the point.

First and foremost, you definitely need to know how to make designs pop! That
was a joke, don't ever say that unless you want to be the next big laugh at the
office water cooler. It's acceptable when clients say that but industry
professionals know better.

## Be confident and be classy

> **Confidence** The best quality meter I have when doing any kind of design is
> looking at the finished product and knowing that I want my work to be seen, I
> want it shown off. If I don't feel this way, I know it's not good enough.
> Adopt this mentality and you'll see much success.

Employers look for quality talent. They want designers who are respectable and
are proud of the work they produce. Be sure to maintain a confident demeanor
without crossing the cocky line. To be confident in the first place, make sure
you are applying for jobs at places you know you can run with the pack, hold
your own so to speak. Don't apply for a Senior Designer position at Apple.com if
you're just beginning your career. At the same time, don't sell yourself short.
Don't apply for some hole-in-the-wall agency that produces whatever a client
wants and doesn't take any pride in their work.

## Be a Designer

You're a designer, make sure they know it. Being part of a visually creative
field has its benefits, especially since most people judge a book by it's cover.
You should be able to take advantage of this if you're good at what you do. One
of the biggest ways to impress people as a designer, other than having an
all-star portfolio, is to have consistent branding. Having visual styles and
elements consistent throughout your resume, portfolio, business cards, etc. is
great but should be obvious already. Try for that little extra touch. For
instance, my brand is my name with my favorite tie and an Indiana Jones style
fedora resting on it. I actually own this tie and wear it wherever I'm going to
be presenting my brand, including my thoughtbot interview back in June. Giving
the company hints to remember you by is always a great addition to a good
interview. Think about when they look at your website in the future and see that
tie, they'll likely remember you wearing it in person and put a name/brand/face
together. Obviously a tie or any other piece of apparel might not work for
everyone, but you should be creative enough to think of that little extra touch,
you're a designer!

## Be Comfortable

> **Dressing Down** We recently interviewed a potential designer who came
> dressed down. I remember them because of this and then remembered their
> portfolio and personality. They were very comfortable around us and great for
> the position.

Don't go to an interview in formal business attire unless you know it's a very
corporate job with very corporate styles. I know this is contradictory to the
whole, "wear a tie and dress nice, son" interviewing mentality, but did your mom
ever apply for a designer position? My guess is no but if she did, she wasn't
dressed like a lawyer. My suggestion is to wear what you're comfortable in (but
keep the pajamas on the bedroom floor). I know I said I wore a tie to my
interview, but that's because I'm actually comfortable in a tie, paired with
some pretty casual clothes.

## Make Them Want You

Let me wrap this up with maybe the most important tactic of all. Make them want
you. I have to admit my mother taught me this, and it's one of the best tidbits
of knowledge she has passed on to me. If you want the job, make them feel like
the position would be inadequately filled unless it was filled by you. Do this
modestly without crossing the cocky line.

The best advice I can give on how to do this is to be personable and to be proud
of your work. Answer questions calmly but assertively. Don't be afraid to ask
questions yourself, a company is going to be much more interested in you if you
are excited about them. On top of all of this, don't be fake. Everything you say
should be sincere, there's a lot to be said for integrity. If this job isn't
right for you, and you aren't excited about it, you shouldn't be applying here!

## Places to find jobs

Hopefully some of my ideas about getting a job as a web designer have helped
you, or at least interested you a little. It just so happens that thoughtbot is
also [hiring](http://thoughtbot.com/jobs/) an additional web designer, so bring
your A game. Other than us, here are a few of my preferred places to find full
time or freelance work. (I'm 2 for 2 on Authentic Jobs)

- [Authentic Jobs](http://authenticjobs.com)
- [Smashing Jobs](https://jobs.smashingmagazine.com/jobs/)