How To Recruit the Right Designer for Your Business.
There’s a way to filter the many Portfolios, Talents, Personalities & Conversations.
Not long ago, I had a potential client tell me that she was “overwhelmed” by the many responses received by myself and the other potential vendors.
The real reason why she was “overwhelmed” was because she knew she was going to have a very hard time choosing the “right” person for the role.
After I started detaching myself from a few other client-vendor situations, I spoke with many other clients if they have spoken to any other candidates before me, and what they were looking for in the “right” designer for the job.
If you’re a Creative Director or Running a Business and want to hire a designer to work with for the long term, here are some factors you may want to consider.
Portfolio
- Do the designers have experience working on at least one project in every aspect of your job description?
- Find out about the designers’ experiences with client servicing.
Abilities
- Ask the designers about their creative process — how do they go about their projects? This will give you a good sense of how their brain works, and if they know what they’re doing
- Based on their portfolio, what are some strengths and capabilities that you have noticed immediately in terms of execution?
Compatibility
- Asking the right questions to get a sense of what the designers are really about is super important.
- After having a conversation with the designers, how does their personality fit into the culture of your business/company?
- If you’re hiring a freelance designer and you’re a price-sensitive recruiter, do the freelancers’ fees fit within your budget? And if not, can it be negotiated?
- Be upfront about the salary/budget range in the job description. Remember, you’re not the only one fishing for a number.
Transferable Skills
- Other than what the designers do for work, what other skills and hobbies do they have that adds value to your business?
- If there are projects involving a passion of theirs, you can get them on board because that’s what they’re well-versed in, so they can get to do what they love at work, apart from their job!
