#2. Design Dialogue with Tom Scott: Product design job market in 2024

Alex Sviryda・2 minutes read

The product design job market in 2024 is shifting towards hiring more senior lead and principal staff, with a focus on design operations and design systems becoming crucial. Companies are looking for versatile designers who can handle end-to-end product design and stand out in the application process to secure roles in a competitive market.

Insights

The market trend in product design for 2024 is shifting towards hiring more senior lead and principal staff, emphasizing the importance of design operations and systems, as well as versatile designers who can handle end-to-end product design.
Building relationships with recruiters, tailoring resumes, and showcasing individual impact in portfolios are crucial strategies for success in the competitive job market, with an emphasis on standing out through personalized messages, detailed LinkedIn profiles, and clear business impact in portfolios.

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Summary

00:00

Design job market trends and opportunities in 2024.

The second episode of Design Dialogue discusses the product design job market in 2024 with guest Tom Scott, founder of Raight, a company hiring top designers and engineers.
Tom Scott shares his experience in design recruitment, including founding Fearless, a design consultancy, and Verified, an invite-only talent network.
The current market trend is a shift towards hiring more senior lead and principal staff rather than focusing on junior to mid-level positions.
Design operations and design systems are becoming crucial, with a rise in generalist product designers who can handle end-to-end product design.
Companies are looking for designers who can do more with less, leading to a demand for versatile designers with a mix of skills.
The market is influenced by economic situations, with potential bumps due to global events like presidential elections and geopolitical tensions.
Over-hiring in previous years has led to layoffs and a need for companies to streamline their design teams, focusing on essential roles.
Despite challenges, there are still opportunities for junior designers through networking, internships, and building a strong portfolio.
Recruiters can offer advice on positioning for roles but may not be as helpful in portfolio development, where mentors like those on ADP List can provide valuable guidance.
Verified's hiring process involves assessing design skills, product development understanding, and team compatibility to match designers with suitable roles.

17:08

"Stand Out in Design Job Applications"

A lead product designer role received over 700 applicants, with one standout candidate who submitted a detailed cover letter along with a straightforward portfolio.
Designers often opt for quick apply options on platforms like LinkedIn, lacking standout elements in their applications.
Evaluating a candidate's work history, references, and business impact through design skills is crucial in the selection process.
Natural curiosity and using design skills for broader impact are valued qualities in designers.
Standing out in the application process is essential, especially in a competitive market with numerous applicants.
Updating LinkedIn profiles with detailed descriptions of impact and interactions within the design community is recommended.
Portfolios should focus on visual design, clear case studies, and business impact to attract hiring managers.
Tailoring resumes to each job application and including a cover letter can significantly enhance a candidate's chances.
Personalized messages or videos showcasing enthusiasm and ideas for the company can make an applicant stand out.
Building relationships with recruiters, networking, and taking ownership of the job search process are key strategies for success in finding a job.

33:29

Navigating Design Opportunities with Empathy and Proactivity

Despite market challenges, there are abundant opportunities that can be seized by reaching out proactively.
Empathy is crucial in design work, extending to customers, company, and business relationships.
Designers on LinkedIn often blame recruiters for lack of response, but empathy should be reciprocated.
Recruiters may not respond due to high pressure or other reasons, not necessarily because they are neglectful.
Red flags in designers include inability to explain short tenures, lack of communication, and portfolio ambiguity.
Designers should showcase individual impact in portfolios rather than team achievements.
The future of design roles may shift towards generalists over specialists, with a rise in principal staff level positions.
Design engineers who can code and design are increasingly sought after, especially in complex UI interactions.
Content design may be impacted by AI, potentially reducing the need for certain roles.
The blend of product management and design roles is increasing, with designers taking on strategic product decisions.

50:48

Design executive job search complexities and advice.

A good senior product designer in the UK should expect a salary range of 70 to 80k with five to six years of experience.
Companies underpaying designers often lack an understanding of the true business value of design, risking losing their team in the future.
The job search process for individual contributors (IC) differs significantly from that of design executives, with the latter being more complex and time-consuming.
Executive searches involve market mapping exercises, global searches for top design talent, and succession planning, taking up to six months to a year to complete.
Design executives are often headhunted rather than sourced, with a focus on attracting talent from specific industries and backgrounds.
Personal self-worth should not be tied to job status or income, with a reminder to focus on inner purpose and mission when seeking employment during challenging times.

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