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The Usman Group is a boutique web design firm that balances thoughtful graphic design with effective search engine positioning. They get the science behind the scenes, and design eye-pleasing websites that communicate client goals and vision with complete clarity. By using strategic planning, they build websites that are easy to use AND easy to find. (click here to check out the Usman Group website)

The Senior Media Strategist at the Usman Group was generous enough to answer these questions for the Creative Opera readers:

1. What types of design positions do you have in your company?

We are a hybrid of creative here. Our crew is a careful collective of creative strategists, designers, writers and thinkers (bordering on obsessive compulsive). We form like Voltron to do our best and make it lean and mean like the A-Team.

2. What are the minimum requirements for an entry-level position with your company?

We are very selective yet welcoming in our approach to new minds on our team. We seek those individuals who have a creative spark in their work and their confidence. We want someone who brings something new to the table, whether it be personality, strategic designs, or a different approach to looking at and seeing things.

3. Does an applicant have to have a college degree to apply for a job with your company, or do you hire self-taught creatives?

I do believe a college degree is important but not necessary. There is something about being self-taught that showcases determination and diligence that we welcome. If you have the chops to create compelling work, have a solid focus, and compose yourself in a genuine manner, we want to talk to you.

4. What kind of position would an entry-level designer be able to have with your company? What types of responsibilities would they have?

When you join our team, you become a part of a network of trust and teamwork. While tasks and responsibilities may waiver, we’re a team and move forward with projects in a timely manner.

Some roles an entry-level designer may have would consist of:

Client research – study heat-mapping, analysis of current website to find out what’s working and what’s not

Competitor research – what can we do differently to push this client to the top of their brand expertise?

Layout comprehensive wireframes – bringing findings down to the basic bare routes to drive forward design

Keyword Analysis – what are the best words to organically make this site visible in search engines?

Design Brainstorming – combining color, communication, imagery?

5. What are the top 5 things you look for in a potential design hire?

1. A thought process – show me how you think

2. Uniqueness – show me what you can bring to the table that I don’t already have

3. Confidence – walk proudly and speak concisely

4. Passion – don’t do this for the paycheck or you’ll be miserable

5. Drive – be self-motivated and have a sense of determination to meet deadlines in a timely manner. We don’t micromanage – we take your word and expect the best. Be aware of deadlines, be oganized and ready.

6. What expectations do you have for a design portfolio? How would an ideal portfolio be presented?

Creatively. Have pieces that showcase your skills, that show your thought process, and that have clear and strategic messaging. Then present them proudly. If it’s a face-to-face meeting, speak confidently in your designs. If you’re crafting a personal website to house your work, make it crisp and clean. Share your thought process and/or challenges turned solutions.

7. Do you expect to see a printed portfolio anymore? Is an online portfolio enough?

With print becoming obsolete many think web is all there is and that’s not true. There is something still personable with an organized and put together printed portfolio that shows what you’re all about.

8. What are the top 3 things a potential hire can do to get an interview when they are responding to an ad for a job opening? What are you looking for as you’re sifting through responses?

I look for a creative personality and being genuine in your responses. Show that you’ve done some research — if we’ve landed a new client, congratulate us, if you’ve come across a Microsite we created, share your thoughts on our direction. Be involved — but not creepy stalker-like.

9. What is the most common desirable quality or skill that you find missing from most applicants?

In our field of work, the face-to-face communication can be distant and hidden behind a computer screen. Come out of your shell and share who you are. Your work is fantastic — but do you have an approachable personality that I want to surround myself with?

10. What advice do you have for those new to the design industry, or those thinking of entering the design industry?

Don’t be cocky — it’s an ugly quality. Rather present yourself with an approachable confident demeanor and just create mind boggling strategic s%#t.

I would like to thank the Usman Group for these extremely helpful pieces of advice. I hope that all of you looking for a new design position will find this information useful, and will use this advice to your advantage in your next interview.

A note from Creative Opera: Please do not contact the featured companies in Advice from the Real World posts unless they are actively hiring (open positions have been posted on their website or on a job site). Those who participate are being extremely generous with their time, and have agreed to be interviewed in order to help better the careers of our readers. Please do not bombard them with calls or emails. Thank you!

Do you have design- or career-related questions or topics that you would like to see covered in future Advice from the Real World posts? Please post them in the comments area below. I’ll include the best questions in my next round of interviews!

Are you a design professional with advice that you would like to share with the Creative Opera readers? Please email Creative Opera with some information about your company or profession and an overview of the type of information that you would like to share. I will do my best to respond to everyone in a timely manner, and will work with the chosen companies to create a custom Advice from the Real World post to feature your company and your advice to the design community.