Learnings from reviewing 500+ design inbound applications

Last month, I looked through more than 500 applications for Product Design roles.

I’ve come to realise that even in a tough market, a lot of talented people send sloppy applications.

For me, the default when sending an application is to put care into the portfolio that showcases what you can bring. Don’t rely on names on your CV.

Most companies set up their ATS to score inbound applications automatically. A typical setup rates each application out of 5 based on experience at target companies, location, relevant background and seniority.

You don’t get auto-rejected. But when a human sits down to scan the pile, they’re reading the scores the ATS has already assigned. Your application is being filtered before anyone forms an opinion of their own.

So do the basics well. Take your time.

TL;DR:

• Do the basics well - Submit links that actually work. There’s nothing worse than opening a portfolio to review the work and finding you can’t see any of it. If your portfolio is password-protected, remove the password or don’t submit. Also, links to your social media that you use for work (LinkedIn, X, etc.) are good to see.

• Signs you care about your portfolio - I can tell in 10 seconds if someone has put actual time into it: an interactive portfolio that’s genuinely exceptional, your most compelling work, nice-looking typography. Small details that matter.

• Lead with your most relevant work - The most compelling visuals. Your portfolio is about getting an interview; you don’t need to show everything straight away. Make the work the main thing.

Why I decline applications:

1. Sloppy work - For me this is the biggest reason I say no at review stage: double diamond frameworks and process-heavy case studies, poor typography, typos, and only showing vibe-coded work that looks vibed. It shows. I want to see people who are refining their day-to-day craft as designers alongside building.

2. Role mismatch - Beyond the 10-second gut feel, there are a few things I’m red-flagging, including someone applying for a role they are clearly not suitable for. For example, a UX Researcher applying for a Product Designer role in the absence of a portfolio.

3. Calling themselves a Design Engineer - This is a soft flag, not a deal breaker, but worth noting. I am seeing a lot of Product Designers call themselves Design Engineers and apply for the roles. A lot of companies now require designers to ship; it doesn’t mean you’re a design engineer. Design Engineers in the majority of companies are still more focused on engineering than on design, so if you’re not confident you can pass an engineering and design interview, it might be a safer bet to apply for a Product Design role.

4. “UX/UI” - Sorry, if you call yourself a UX/UI Designer, this is a red flag. This is personal bias. I feel like this title is so outdated. Reminds me of the double diamond era.

5. Behance only portfolios - for a product design role. NO.

6. Studio or agency sales pitches - Don’t present yourself like an agency selling services.

7. If you can’t relocate, don’t apply as if you can - Location is one of the things the ATS is scoring. This is most frustrating when people say they can work in a certain location, and then can’t. Reach out to someone in the company if you’re uncertain on location requirements.

Here is a list of IC portfolios that stand out:

• Niklas Muhs

• Matt Sellars

• Maya Gao

• Gunnar Gray

• Oscar Lozano

• Marijana Pavlinić

• Emmanuel Ikechukwu

• Alex Widua

What I love about all these portfolios:

• They lead through the actual work.

• It’s clear they put time into crafting their site.

• Some of them are interactive, which is super cool.