Web Designer Job Search Tips & Best Practices

With the internet's ever-growing popularity, web design has become one of the most in-demand skills in recent years. However, this leaves both seasoned experts and those new to the field wondering where to find Web Designer jobs. 

There are many job sites that list Web Designer positions, but some are better than others. The vast number of options can leave many designers feeling lost and wondering where to start their search.

This article will cover everything aspiring Web Designers need to know about finding open positions in their field. We'll cover the best job sites for Web Designers, how to use social media to your advantage, and some tips and tricks for getting your foot in the door.

Why Start a Career in Web Design?

Web design is a field with many opportunities and growth potential. As time goes on, more and more businesses are starting to see the importance of having an online presence. This has increased the demand for Web Designers who can help create and maintain these sites.

There are many reasons why one should consider a career in web design. For starters, it's a relatively new field, so there's still much room for growth. Additionally, web design is a very creative field that allows designers to express their ideas and visions. This freedom of expression is one of the main reasons many choose to pursue a career in this industry.

Web design is also a very versatile field. Designers can work freelance, in-house for a company, or even start their own agency. This flexibility allows designers to find work that fits their lifestyle and needs easily.

Important Steps to Take Before Applying for Web Designer Jobs

When applying for web Designer jobs, there are a few important steps. These will help ensure that applicants have the best chance of getting hired.

Create a Portfolio

A design portfolio is one of the most vital elements when applying for Web Designer jobs. This is where employers will go to see an applicant's previous work and get an idea of their style and abilities. There are numerous portfolio hosting platforms available with free or paid subscription plans, depending on the designer’s needs.

When putting together a portfolio, be sure only to include high-quality work. Employers will be able to tell if a designer is only including their best work or trying to pad their portfolio with subpar projects. It's better to have a smaller portfolio of strong work than a large portfolio of weak work.

Build a Solid Resume

The next step is to create a professional resume. The resume is what will give employers their first impression of an applicant, so it's important to make sure it's a good one.

When writing a resume for Web Designer jobs, be sure to include any relevant experience, education, and skills. Additionally, be sure to list any awards or recognition received for design work. If an applicant has a strong portfolio but a weak resume, they might not get called in for an interview.

Best Sites to Find Web Designer Jobs

Now that we've gone over some of the basics, it's time to start looking for open positions. There are many job sites that list Web Designer jobs, so it’s important to research and choose one that best aligns with the designer’s professional goals. The following are some of the best places to find open Web Designer positions:

Dribbble

One of the best places to find Web Designer jobs is Dribbble. This site is a community of designers where they can showcase their work, connect with other designers, and find job opportunities.

Dribbble is also an excellent site for Web Designers because it's used by some of the top design firms in the world. These companies often post job openings on Dribbble, giving designers a chance to apply for positions at some of the best organizations in the business.

Smashing Magazine

Smashing Magazine is another excellent site for finding Web Designer jobs. This site is geared toward designers and developers and contains articles, tutorials, and job listings.

The job listing section of Smashing Magazine is particularly useful because it contains both full-time and freelance positions. This makes it easy for designers to find work that fits their needs and lifestyle.

Behance

Behance is a portfolio site owned by Adobe. Designers of all types use it to showcase their work and network with other professionals.

Behance also contains a job board with Web Designer positions. These jobs are typically from high-profile companies and can be very competitive. However, designers with strong portfolios and resumes have a good chance of getting hired.

Awwwards

Awwwards is another great site for finding Web Designer jobs. This site is similar to Behance in that it's a portfolio site and job board all in one.

The jobs on Awwwards tend to be very creative and may be a good fit for designers with unique styles. These positions are also typically from well-known companies, so the competition can be high.

Freelancing Web Design Jobs vs. Full-Time Web Design Jobs

Designers can choose freelance work or full-time positions when looking for Web Designer jobs. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks to weigh before making a decision.

Freelance work is often more flexible than full-time work. This can be a good option for designers who want to set their own hours or work from home. However, freelance work can also be less stable than full-time positions and may not provide the same level of benefits.

Full-time Web Designer jobs tend to be more stable and offer more benefits than freelance work. These positions also typically offer designers the opportunity to work with a team of other designers, which can be beneficial for career growth. However, full-time jobs can also be more demanding and may require designers to work on-site.

Sign Up for Web Design Classes to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired

Although a degree is not always necessary to get hired for Web Designer jobs, taking web design classes is beneficial and more cost-effective. These immersive courses can help designers improve their skills and stand out from other applicants.

For those who prefer to learn remotely, Noble Desktop has a wide variety of live online web design Bootcamp classes. These comprehensive courses cover everything from HTML and CSS to responsive design and animation. Students who complete a course will receive a certificate of completion that can be added to their resume or portfolio.