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2025: The Design Job Market
The past two years have been a challenging time for designers—and honestly, for anyone in tech. There are fewer job opportunities; this brings more scrutiny for every candidate that applies to a job posting.
Overall tech market
Layoffs in tech and other industries have flooded the market with highly skilled talent. And, with new grads entering the workforce it's added even more competition.
This means that candidates need to be adaptable, up-to-date with industry trends, and possess in-demand skills.
Design jobs
As with other tech roles, the design field is competitive. Designers with expertise in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) are still in demand. Three designers I've recently worked with have secured interviews, with two progressing to final rounds – a positive indicator for 2025 that I haven't witnessed in quite some time. For designers to stand out in this market, several key strategies are crucial: Portfolio refinement: For designers, having a strong portfolio is essential. It's what we're judged on, and the bar has been raised significantly. From ease of navigation to the clear articulation of your design thinking, every detail matters in your portfolio. I see too many with blurry images, inconsistent styling, multiple font sizes, etc. That won't cut it in today’s market. Focus on the details • Avoid small images that require zooming • Keep consistent styling; color, fonts, UI elements • Proofread; eliminate typos and grammatical errors In this previous post I'll share three steps you can take to strengthen your portfolio and increase your chances of landing an interview: 3 Steps to Transform Your Portfolio Network: Referrals account for 30 - 50% of all new hires. Networking with designers and other professionals in your industry will always pay off. It can be scary if you've never done it before, but it's a skill that can be learned. In this post I'll give you a step-by-step on how to overcome your fears and get comfortable networking: I'm Nervous, How Do I Network? Apply Early: Companies are filling roles faster. If you see a job posting that you're interested in be sure to submit your application as soon as possible. Each application should be tailored to the job highlighting your most relevant skills and experiences that aligned with with role. Also, add a cover letter to your application! It's another opportunity for you to demonstrate how your skills and experiences directly align with the requirements outlined in the job description. Online Profile: Use your online profiles to your advantage, especially LinkedIn. Hiring managers, recruiters and HR professionals use LinkedIn to locate designers daily. Your profile is where they (or anyone) can learn more about you, your skills and strengths. In this previous post I show how you can optimize your profile, using industry specific keywords to improve your findability: Designer Keywords for LinkedIn
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Gain confidence as a designer
My early career was often marked by self-doubt, then I did one thing that dramatically boosted my confidence.
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).
Join other designers and get actionable advice to grow your confidence, sharpen your portfolio, and navigate the career moves that matter. Read in 4 minutes or less, weekly. Absolutely free.
