How the Hiring Process Actually Works

Most hiring follows a predictable sequence: you submit materials, the firm reviews your application, they may call you for a phone or video screen, you present your portfolio, and if all goes well, you receive an offer. Each step has a different purpose and requires different preparation.

Step 1: Application Review (1–3 weeks)

Your portfolio is the first thing they look at. Then your cover letter. Your resume comes last. Firms spend 5–10 minutes on your initial review. During that time, they want to understand two things: Can this person design? Do they understand our firm? If the answer to both is yes, you move forward.

Step 2: Phone or Video Screen (15–30 minutes)

This is a short conversation to assess your communication skills and enthusiasm. They will ask you about a project in your portfolio and listen to how you talk about it. Practice walking through 2–3 of your projects before any interviews. Know the story of each piece: the problem you were solving, the decisions you made, and what you learned.

Step 3: Portfolio Walkthrough (30–60 minutes)

This is the real interview. You present your portfolio to principals, designers, or project managers. They will ask about your process, the decisions you made, constraints you faced, and what you would do differently now. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can think critically about design and articulate your reasoning clearly. They care less about the final result and more about how you approach problems.

Step 4: Offer

Usually verbal first, then written. You typically have 1–2 weeks to decide. It is okay to ask for time. It is also okay to ask clarifying questions about compensation, start date, or the scope of work. Firms expect negotiation on some level. Do not feel pressured to accept immediately; most firms understand that you may be waiting to hear from other firms or need time to process the decision. You can ask follow-up questions about the role, the team you'll work with, or any other details that matter to you. For a detailed look at compensation, benefits, and what to negotiate, see After the Offer.