Getting a job is a stressful process, even at the best of times. Every design job interview I’ve ever done or given has had one thing in common, and that’s the portfolio presentation.
We all know showcasing your work is important, and, as a designer, you might think that your website is the most important tool in your career.
However, your portfolio presentation is even more crucial when it comes to getting new clients and job opportunities. In this blog post, I will discuss why designers should put more focus on their portfolio presentation instead of their website and give tips on how to make your website more engaging (Section 1), as well as provide my best suggestions on how to make it the best possible version (Sections 2 and 3).
Section 1. You Don’t Have Their Attention or Time on Your Website
One of the things to really think about is who is usually the first step to getting in the door at a company, and that’s recruiters. While there are some truly amazing creative recruiters who can tell a good portfolio from a bad one, one of your strongest tools will be a version of your CV to get past the first gate. Even if you’re getting a referral from someone you know, 9 times out of 10 you will get funneled through recruiting, and the thing they are looking for is likely not a flashy website.
The stark reality is that most websites are just scanned by hiring managers and recruiters. So, on your website, you can focus on a few things to stand out:
- “Gimme a TLDR”, which translates as “Don’t make me work to understand who you are, what you’ve done, or how much experience you have”. It means that recruiters should be able to get a good understanding of who you are even if they spend a couple of minutes on your website.
- Project highlights. Think of this almost like the inverse of job requirements. Things like “lead a team of designers”. Let recruiters know what your responsibilities were in a few words.
- Recognizable companies. This is a superficial thing, but if you have had time at any companies, lean in on that. Companies love to use people who have worked at recognizable places as a recruiting tactic to say they have a high-caliber team, and you should apply the same method to sell yourself.
The true end goal of your website is to get a phone call from a recruiter. That’s the first step in getting a chance to show your work. There are a ton of great tools out there that can save you time and build something that covers the basics you’ll need. Check out sites like Notion, Super, etc.
Here are a few nice examples of good designer websites that follow these guidelines: Daniel Eden, Jonathan Toon, and Mitali Bhasin.
Section 2. Focus on Storytelling
Once you've secured an interview, your presentation skills become the key to truly impressing potential employers. During an interview, you have the unique opportunity to share the story behind your work, which can often be more impactful than the visuals on your website.
Here are a few reasons why storytelling is essential in your portfolio presentation:
1. Engages the audience. A well-told story can captivate your audience, making your work memorable and fostering a deeper understanding of your projects.
2. Highlights your thought process. By sharing the rationale behind your design decisions, you showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are highly valued by employers. This is probably the thing I am most thinking about when I’m interviewing someone.
3. Show your work. Show how you explore ideas. Demonstrate sketches, screenshots of messy Figma files, and failed prototypes. The design process is work and that’s what you hope to be doing with the people in the room, so this gives you a chance to show how you work, not just the final result.
4. Reveals your personality. Through storytelling, you reveal your personality, making it easier for potential employers to envision you as part of their team.
Section 3. The Importance of Presentation Design
The design of your portfolio presentation is crucial, as it directly reflects your abilities as a designer. A well-designed presentation not only showcases your work effectively but also demonstrates your attention to detail and professionalism. Here are some tips to help you create an impactful presentation:
- Use a consistent visual style. Employ a cohesive visual style throughout your presentation, including font choices, colors, and layout. This consistency enhances the overall look and feel, making it easier for your audience to follow along.
- Optimize visual hierarchy. Organize your content in a clear and logical manner, using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break down complex ideas into digestible pieces of information.
- Keep it simple and clean. Avoid clutter and unnecessary elements that can distract from your work. Ensure that your visuals are clear, and use whitespace to give your presentation a clean, professional appearance.
- Use high-quality visuals. Include high-resolution images of your work to ensure your projects are displayed in the best possible light.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while your website plays a role in catching the attention of potential employers, your presentation skills are more important when it comes to landing your next product design job. By focusing on storytelling and designing a polished, well-structured presentation, you can effectively communicate your expertise and create a lasting impression on your audience. So, sharpen your presentation skills, weave engaging stories around your work, and showcase your design prowess to secure your dream job.