# Land That Job: What Top Design Leaders Look for in a Portfolio

Insights from design experts on how to elevate your portfolio.

- **Source:** [UX Daily](https://www.interaction-design.org)
- **Published:** 2026-07-18
- **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design)
- **Original article:** <https://ixdf.org/literature/article/land-that-job-what-top-design-leaders-really-look-for-in-a-portfolio>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3f6ddcf6-cd84-4bb4-8620-b71b7e7ded65

## The Importance of a Portfolio

Design leaders want to see not just the results in your portfolio, but also your design process and thought patterns. This helps them assess your fit for the team and role.

## Expert Advice

Design leaders like Vitaly Friedman from Smashing Magazine and Niwal Sheikh from Netflix emphasize the importance of clarity and originality in your portfolio.

## Connect with the Community

Join local meetups like IxDF Local Groups to connect with the design community. This can be a valuable resource for improving your portfolio and advancing your career.

## Seek Feedback

Get feedback from experienced professionals to make your portfolio more effective. This can set you apart in the hiring process.

## Be Clear and Original

Present specific projects and your thought process clearly in your portfolio. This makes it easier to convince hiring managers.

## The Power of Local Connections

Join local design groups to build connections that support your career. This helps improve both your portfolio and your career.

## Conclusion and Takeaway

When preparing your portfolio, view it from the hiring manager’s perspective. A clear, original, and thought-process-driven portfolio can land you your dream job.

## Sources covering this story

- https://ixdf.org/literature/article/land-that-job-what-top-design-leaders-really-look-for-in-a-portfolio — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._