3 Strategies to Land Your Next Design Job

Stop the endless scrolling of job boards and find what truly works to find that next design job.

Finding your next role can often feel like a job in itself. As a designer with a decade’s experience and countless roles under my belt, I’ve navigated this process more than a few times. So, let’s cut through the noise and dive into three key strategies that will help you land your next design job.

Strategy 1: Shout it from the (Digital) rooftops

It’s amazing how many of us keep it a secret when we’re job hunting.

I totally get it too. If you’re British like me, we seem to think that asking for help is a sign of weakness — when in reality, it’s a smart move. Go on, lose the ego; it won’t pay the bills! Share your job-seeking status on LinkedIn (if you can), ask your network for leads, and let the world know you’re open for business.

Trust me, people are more willing to help than you’d think.

Strategy 2: Don’t spray and pray applications

I hate to say it. But I cringe every time I hear or see that someone’s applied to 300+ jobs in one go.

It’s a scattergun approach that rarely works. Are you genuinely a perfect fit for those 300+ roles? Didn’t think so. Yes you may be desperate to find the next contract or job. But concentrate your effort on positions that genuinely interest you and align with your skills.

Anything else is just a fast track to burnout, from trying to spread yourself far too thin.

Strategy 3: Be the hunter, not the hunted

Let’s face it, the best opportunities often don’t even make it to the job boards.

Your network is your most powerful tool, so don’t shy away from using it. Reach out to potential employers or former colleagues and let them know you’re available. Unfortunately it doesn’t matter how great you are as a designer, sometimes getting a role is about being in available for something new at the right time.

It’s worked for me a couple of times, so give it a go — You’d be surprised how this direct approach pays off.

Finding your next role can be stressful but remember finding a job you love can be a marathon, rather than a sprint.

But why go it alone when you can tap into the collective wisdom of those around you? Use your network, be selective, and take the proactive approach. Your next design role or contract might just be a message away.

Have you used any of these approaches before? What’s worked for you? Let me know!

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