10 Rules to Hiring a Designer
by Bennett Holzworth, (11 comments)
While looking for a new job I was soon reminded that graphic design is an incredibly competitive field and one in which employers don’t have to do much to get hundreds of applicants pandering to be in their very presence. And while graphic design jobs are fairly numerous, ones that seem exciting are much more rare. Going into a job search is an incredibly humbling experience and one in which you should enter with a great deal of energy and the knowledge that employers can be complete … well you fill in the blank. While egotistical design gods love to write articles for design pubs on how to impress them and win the coveted seat at their right hand, I would like to turn the tables on them. While the employers are holding all the cards at this point, I can’t help but see a future where the designer demands more respect. You could almost take what follows here as the perspective designers Cluetrain Manifesto. If designers continue to be treated as poorly as they do by potential employers, the resentment will surely create a need and desire to share with other designers. One can only imagine an online employer rating system or an epinions for design firms. While I see that getting pretty ugly, I would instead urge creative directors and principals to read the following manifesto and rethink your hiring process.
This is the big one. We are human beings. Treat us as such. You are no better than the people you hire. What you decide about our employment will change our lives drastically. Everything else in this list hinges on this fact.
Please send me a rejection letter. If you posted a job, please let me know when you decide not to hire me. I don’t need a personal phone call or a hand written note. Just a previously formated form letter will suffice. I don’t care. Hire a temp secretary for a day to send out letters to the five hundred rejectees.
Don’t play games with me. If you say in your job posting that you want a cover letter, resume and four samples, don’t reject me because I didn’t call three times and address you as Mr. Fancy Pants The III. Don’t test my interest with silly mind games. You will most definitely miss out on some great people.
If you say you will contact all qualified candidates, follow through and do so.
If someone creates a highly personalized promotional piece just for you, at least acknowledge that you received it. A harsh critique of the piece would be much better than no response.
If we have talked about an interview, please don’t leave me hanging for weeks on end. This may just be business for you, but it affects our actual lives.
If you asked me to mail a portfolio, please don’t just send it back to me without a response. There is nothing more depressing and vague than a returned portfolio. Please notify me before (or when) you return my portfolio.
Please pack my custom portfolio case like I sent it to you or how you would send you own work. Otherwise FedEx will break it!
Try your best to keep interview appointments.Remember. If you are hiring an experienced designer, they probably had to take a vacation day, or lie to their boss just to to meet with you.
If at all possible, respond to emails. Some of the biggest names in the business (even more respected than you) respond to emails on a regular basis from total strangers. If they can find the time, so can you.
The main thing that employers should take away from this list, is that old “walk in their shoes” idea. Those that are looking for a job are continually reminded of an employer’s impressive Pradas. Maybe try walking in our Sketchers for once.
And as an end note. I did end up finding a new job with a group of people that treated me like a valued human being.
Comments (11)
Respiro, the logo design guy said:
“If at all possible, respond to emails. Some of the biggest names in the business (even more respected than you) respond to emails on a regular basis from total strangers. If they can find the time, so can you.”
Very-very true!
Let’s say that all of us should stay humble.
Posted on April 2, 2007
Josh said:
I don’t know if that is quite turning the tables, but it is a welcome shout out to those who are guilty offenders.
To add on to(but tangent)from this topic, are those that are CD’s or owners interested in training new designers? I have felt that when i talk to students looking for jobs, that many of my area firms are completely unwilling to take chances and or even commit to nourish and help a young designer develop.
If you haven’t notice the graphic design community isn’t largely populated by designers of the ilk of our luminaries. Yet, each of them, regardless of talent was actually a student at one time. One of infinite promise, insecurities in need of rectifying and a chance to really show themselves and an employer what they can really do.
I’ve seen the dismissed land in great positions and the over-confident pulling espressos at the local coffee shop.
The professional community seemingly ignores the fact that one day people will have to replace them and that without chances given or mentorship opportunities, the profession it loves may soon fall into an abyss of uncertainty.
This is not really trying to be a doomsday comment, but shape up really by starting with the comments from this post.
Posted on April 3, 2007
Prescott Perez-Fox said:
I completely agree. Yes, people are busy, but it’s a sad truth that many in our industry don’t promote a culture of learning/mentoring.
Where can I get a hi-res copy of that badge? I’m totally going to make an actual badge and wear it on my next interview.
Posted on April 5, 2007
Bennett said:
Prescott Perez-Fox,
It is on its way. Enjoy!
Posted on April 5, 2007
Doug said:
Before you make those badges, it’s “Prospective” not “Perspective”. As in prospecting for gold.
Posted on April 5, 2007
ben swift said:
I am a terrible speller, and I agree with Doug.
Posted on April 5, 2007
IfThenLoop said:
Seriously, can’t we all just get along!
Posted on April 6, 2007
darryl ohrt said:
Great post. A quick note from the employer side of the fence….
If an employer doesn’t follow the basics you’ve outlined - that’s usually a pretty good picture of what it’s like to work there. Don’t even accept an interview from employers like that. Once an ass, always an ass.
BTW - our firm is hiring. (http://www.brandflakesforbreakfast.com/2007/03/were-hiring.html) And we treat designers like humans. Like we’d all like to be treated.
We follow every one of your suggestions…except #2. We just don’t have time to email every single applicant with a response. As I’m typing that, it sounds lame, but it’s the truth. But I’ll always give an honest update with where the process is, if people call, or check in.
Posted on April 9, 2007
Nicci said:
indeed… these are good rules for any employer. as a side rant, i don’t understand why designers are snooty to begin with — it isn’t like we are curing cancer or saving the world. the thing i dislike the most about this industry is the attitude factor.
btw, plz. address me as ms fancy pants the III
Posted on April 9, 2007
Doug Hughes said:
Ooh, do I sense some resentment. I feel ya. I recently switched careers to do design full time. The past couple of months have been the most difficult of my working life. Getting a foot in the door anywhere is like pulling teeth.
But, I am confident in my abilities and have struck out on my own. If these people wont hire me. I’ll be the one hiring them.
www.doughughesdesign.com
Posted on April 15, 2007
Jim L. said:
I think that button needs to spell Prospective, not Perspective, as in a person to be something particular in the future. A prospective buyer.
Posted on July 28, 2007