As a design career coach, I work with a wide range of designers from junior contributors to experienced design managers.
Recently, four designers I coached landed new roles, each after months of dedicated effort.
While their backgrounds and goals varied, they all focused on four key areas that helped them break through and secure job offers.
Here’s what they did and how it made a difference.
1. Portfolio refinement
To increase their chances of landing an interview, they focused on refining their portfolio, often.
They didn’t aim for a full redesign. Instead, they made small, strategic updates informed by data. Using tools like Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity, they tracked which pages visitors viewed and how they navigated through the site.
This helped inform what changes to make: improving storytelling, updating visuals, and making their accomplishments easier to understand.
This incremental approach gave them the flexibility to test, learn, and adjust without getting stuck in “perfection” mode.
2. Networking 101
Each of these designers where new to the industry and needed to build or reengage their network.
We started by creating a list of industry contacts friends, alumni, mentors, and former colleagues. Importantly, the people on the list didn’t need to be designers themselves just individuals connected to companies that hire them.
“Reaching out felt awkward at first, but I reminded myself: people want to help. That shift in mindset made it easier.”
— UX Designer, Career Switcher
Then, one by one, they reached out.
They asked about opportunities and whether those contacts would be open to referring them when the timing was right.
This simple but intentional outreach helped them surface opportunities they wouldn’t have found on job boards.
3. Sharing and connection on social media
Although they hadn’t previously shared much online, each designer began to post their thoughts, experiences, and ideas about design on platforms like LinkedIn, Medium, and Substack.
They wrote about their process, their point of view, and what they were learning along the way whether it was a recent UI challenge they worked on or their thoughts on the latest design trends.
These posts built visibility, helped others get to know their design thinking, and, most importantly, boosted their confidence.
What started as a small experiment became a meaningful way to connect with others and stand out in a crowded field.
4. Applying with intention
They were consistent about applying — but not indiscriminately.
Each application was tailored to the job, with a focus on aligning their most relevant experiences to the job description. They also made sure to add a customized cover letter.
👉 Improve your cover letters - previous post: Cover Letters That Get Noticed
They avoided the trap of applying to everything and instead prioritized roles where they met at least 75 - 80% of the requirements.
This targeted approach helped them stay focused, avoid burnout, and increase their chances of landing interviews.
Final thoughts
There’s no single path to landing a design job but there are proven actions that help.
These four designers leaned into steady, thoughtful progress: refining their portfolios, building relationships, sharing their voice, and applying with purpose.
If you’re in the middle of your own search, remember small, consistent efforts compound.
Stay open, stay connected, and keep moving forward.
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Thanks for reading! See you next week.
Anthony Faria
the Designer's Roadmap
Helping designers navigate the path to success
When you're ready, here are few ways I can help you:
- 1:1 Portfolio Review Laser focused 1:1 portfolio review where I evaluate all aspects of your work; visuals, storytelling, overall approach recommending key improvements to help your work stand out.
- 1:1 Career Coaching Session My 1:1 coaching sessions are designed to help you overcome challenges, set clear objectives, and develop a personalized roadmap for success.
- Job Hunting Checklist The exact steps I use to help designers successfully improve their job search all in a free checklist! Stay organized, focused, and prepared throughout your job hunt (free).
- Job Posting Sites for Designers Over the years I've collected job boards exclusively for design jobs. 100+ active links (free).
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