Guest Pascal Potvin and host Mitchell Bernstein discuss red flags to look out for when interviewing for a job, including unpaid trial work and lack of a clearly defined role. They also highlight the importance of equity, consistency, and communication in the hiring process.
Companies should be consistent between job descriptions and actual offerings.
Avoid companies with unclear direction and poor communication.
Beware of companies that request trial work without compensation.
Ensure job offers have clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
Be cautious of companies with unlimited vacation policies and no meetings.
Deep dives
Refocusing the Initiatives of Primitives and Shaping Design
The hosts of the podcast discuss the decision to scale back the initiatives of primitives and shaping design. They acknowledge that they had been trying to do too much and wanted to refocus on the basics. Their goal is to have fun with the podcast and provide value to the viewers by focusing more on the podcast's content, both in video and audio formats. They also mention their upcoming plans to start writing articles and how they are excited to receive feedback from the audience.
Red Flags When Applying for a Job as a Designer
The podcast hosts share insights on red flags that designers should look out for when applying for job opportunities. They emphasize the importance of understanding the job description and being aware of inconsistencies in what is presented by the company. They caution against companies that lack clear direction and communication, as well as those that ask for trial work without providing compensation. The hosts also advise asking for a clearly defined role and being cautious of companies that claim to have the best designers without providing evidence of their impact at previous companies. They also mention the potential issues with companies that offer unlimited vacation and those that claim to have no meetings.
Inconsistencies in job descriptions and expectations
One of the red flags highlighted is the presence of inconsistencies between the job description and the actual expectations or offerings by the company. The hosts provide examples where companies promised certain benefits, such as equity or team assignments, but failed to deliver on those promises. They emphasize the importance of questioning and clarifying these inconsistencies during the interview process to avoid potential surprises or disappointments later on.
Lack of direction and poor communication in companies
The podcast hosts discuss the red flag of companies that demonstrate a lack of direction and poor communication. They explain that inconsistent messaging among team members or leaders can lead to confusion and hinder progress. They emphasize the importance of understanding the company's vision and strategies to ensure alignment and avoid wasting time on ambiguous or conflicting tasks. They suggest actively seeking information and insights from colleagues and leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's direction.
Issues with trial work and payment
The hosts highlight the red flag of companies that ask for trial work without offering compensation. They stress the importance of valuing one's time and skills, stating that if a company requests an applicant to complete actual work for them, it is reasonable to expect fair payment for that work. They suggest negotiating payment or considering contracts that offer compensation for trial projects. They caution against accepting unpaid trial work, as it may be a sign of a company taking advantage of applicants.
Importance of clearly defined roles in job offers
The hosts underscore the significance of having a clearly defined role in job offers. While acknowledging that startups may require more flexibility, they stress the importance of understanding one's responsibilities and the expectations within the role. They caution against accepting job offers with vague or undefined roles, as it can make day-to-day operations challenging and lead to confusion or dissatisfaction in the long run.
The potential pitfalls of unlimited vacation policies
The podcast hosts discuss the potential issues with companies that offer unlimited vacation policies. They argue that such policies are often misinterpreted as vacations without limits, but in reality, they can create ambiguity and stress for employees. They suggest that job seekers should clarify the specifics of these policies during interviews to set clear expectations and avoid potential conflicts or misinterpretations later on.
The shortcomings of companies that claim to have the best designers
The hosts caution against companies that boast about having the best designers without providing evidence of their expertise and impact. They urge job seekers to question and investigate the accomplishments and contributions of these so-called top-tier designers. They emphasize the importance of evaluating actual value and not relying solely on prestigious company names on resumes.
Challenges posed by companies that avoid meetings
The podcast hosts express their concerns about companies that claim to have no meetings. They argue that meetings play a vital role in communication, collaboration, and understanding among team members. They caution against companies that rely solely on written communication, as it may hinder effective collaboration and building strong relationships within the team.
Final Thoughts on Portfolio-Related Red Flags
The hosts conclude the episode by reiterating the importance of recognizing red flags during the job application process. They emphasize the need for job seekers to advocate for themselves, ask pertinent questions, and carefully evaluate potential employers. They encourage listeners to approach the job search with awareness and to prioritize their own needs and values when considering opportunities.
In the absence of Pascal Potvin (@loves_pixels), Mitchell Bernstein (@mitchbernstein) runs a solo episode and goes through the future roadmap of the Shaping Design Podcast. He then dives into 8 common red flags designers most designers forget and should be looking out for when interviewing for a new job.
