Landing a design job is about more than just talent. It’s about how you present that talent and yourself. With over 20 years of experience hiring for global corporations and branding agencies, I’ve interviewed thousands of designers and hired over 400. Here’s a practical guide to help you sharpen your interviewing skills and stand out as the perfect candidate.

Researching the Company

Before you walk into the interview room, take time to research the company. Knowing nothing about the organisation is a common mistake that can cost you the job. Employers want to see that you’re genuinely interested in them—not just looking for any job.

Start by looking up the company on Wikipedia or their website. Learn about their history, industry focus, services, and customers. Read recent articles or news about them to get a sense of their current goals or challenges. For example, if the company recently launched a new product, mentioning it during your interview shows you’ve done your homework.

Bringing Research Into the Conversation

Use what you’ve learned to your advantage. At the start of the interview, share an interesting fact or story about the company. This isn’t about showing off—it’s about demonstrating engagement. For instance, “I read about your expansion into the European market, and it’s exciting to see how the brand is growing globally.” This can set a positive tone for the conversation and show you’re prepared.

Dressing the Part

What you wear sends an immediate message about whether you’ll fit in. Take cues from the company’s culture.

• For a formal workplace, go with professional attire—think a suit or smart dress.
• For a casual or creative company, aim for something stylish, perhaps smart-casual, but don’t overdo it.

The key is alignment. If they’re a skateboarding software brand, showing up in a stiff three-piece suit will feel out of place. Likewise, jeans and a hoodie won’t win over a corporate office. A simple rule: dress like you’re already part of the team.

Always Bring a Printed Resume

Even in a digital world, printed resumes still matter. Interviewers may not have yours on hand, and providing one shows you’re prepared. It also makes their job easier by giving them a document to refer to during the conversation. Whether or not they mention it, they’ll appreciate the effort.

Preparing Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is the centrepiece of the interview. While the interviewer may have seen it online, don’t assume they’ll remember every detail. Bring a digital version on a laptop or tablet for easy navigation.

Before diving in, ask the interviewer how they’d like to review your work. Some may want you to walk them through each project, while others might prefer to skim independently. Respect their preference—it shows adaptability and thoughtfulness.

Don’t Worry About Speed

It’s easy to feel discouraged if the interviewer flips through your portfolio quickly. Don’t take it personally. Experienced professionals can often assess the quality of your work at a glance. It doesn’t mean they’re uninterested—it simply means they know what they’re looking for.

Be Ready to Discuss Each Project

For every portfolio piece, know the basics:

• What was the project?
• What problem did it solve?
• What was your role—design, copywriting, or something else?

Be honest about your contributions. If you only worked on the design, don’t claim credit for the copy. Transparency builds trust, and no one expects you to have done everything single-handedly.

Tailoring Your Portfolio

Show work that relates to the job you’re applying for. If the company specialises in branding, prioritise branding projects. If they focus on digital design, highlight your best UI/UX work. This helps the interviewer imagine how you’ll fit into their team and projects.

Managing Nerves

Feeling nervous is normal, but it’s important to channel that energy effectively. Some people ramble when nervous, while others clam up. Be aware of how you respond and try to strike a balance.

If you’re presenting your portfolio, pause regularly to give the interviewer a chance to ask questions. This makes the conversation feel more natural and interactive.

Show Enthusiasm

Employers want to hire people who bring energy and passion to their work. Sit up straight, lean into the conversation, and stay engaged. Even if acting excited feels unnatural to you, showing genuine interest can make a world of difference. No one wants to hire someone who comes across as uninterested or dispassionate.

You’re Interviewing Them Too

Interviews aren’t just about convincing the employer to hire you. They’re also an opportunity for you to evaluate whether the company is the right fit. Ask thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company goals. Not only does this show your curiosity, it also helps you make an informed decision.

Questions to Ask

Here are some smart questions to bring up during your interview:

• What does a typical day in this role look like?
• Who will I report to?
• What are the top three priorities for this position?
• What’s the structure of the team, and who are the key collaborators?
• How does this role contribute to the company’s overall goals?
• Who are your main competitors, and how do you stand out?

These questions show you’re thinking beyond the surface and are genuinely invested in the company’s success.

Growth Opportunities

Ask about pathways for career growth. For example, you might say, “If I excel in this role, what’s the next step?” This signals ambition and forward-thinking, traits employers greatly value.

Adapting to the Interview’s Pace

Pay attention to the interviewer’s cues. If they seem rushed, keep your answers concise and to the point. If they’re more relaxed, engage in deeper conversations. Asking early on how they’d like to structure the interview can help you align with their needs.

Balancing Personality and Professionalism

As a designer, you have the freedom to express your personality a bit more in how you dress and present yourself. However, don’t go overboard. Stay professional and let your creativity speak through your portfolio, not an extreme outfit or gimmicky behaviour.

Creativity and Business Awareness

Design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about solving problems and driving business results. Employers value designers who understand the connection between their work and the company’s success. If you can demonstrate both artistic talent and strategic thinking, you’ll stand out as a truly well-rounded candidate.

Final Thoughts

Leaving a strong impression doesn’t end when the interview does. Thank the interviewer for their time and ask about next steps. Follow up with a polite email, mentioning something specific from the conversation that resonated with you.

The interview is your chance to show not just your skills, but your enthusiasm, adaptability, and potential. By preparing thoroughly and presenting yourself thoughtfully, you’ll set yourself apart and increase your chances of landing the role.

Good luck out there!