How Unicorns hire
designers
Prateek Gupta, Manager, Product Design - Flipkart
Top skills they look for
T - shape skill set
Designers should excel in their core craft while possessing additional skills like business understanding and cross-functional collaboration.
Adaptability
Capability to quickly pick up domain knowledge and adapt to changing priorities.
Storytelling Ability
Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and justify design decisions through well-framed narratives.
Design Thinking
Importance of understanding impact metrics and prioritization to align design with business goals.
Ownership
Demonstrating decision-making ability and focusing on solving problems rather than sticking to specific solutions.
How to stand out as a candidate
Impactful Start
the first 5 minutes of viewing should capture attention. Avoid overused templates and focus on impactful projects.
Stay Updated
Learn about emerging trends like AI tools and design engineering roles, but focus on foundational skills.
Real Solutions
Include rational, real-world solutions, backed by proper research and measurable outcomes where applicable
Insightful narrative
For case studies, provide an
insightful narrative but support it with detailed documentation via links.
Custom Application
Customize portfolios and case studies to address specific job requirements.
Top skills they look for
T - shape skill set
Designers should excel in their core craft while possessing additional skills like business understanding and cross-functional collaboration.
Adaptability
Capability to quickly pick up domain knowledge and adapt to changing priorities.
Storytelling Ability
Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and justify design decisions through well-framed narratives.
Design Thinking
Importance of understanding impact metrics and prioritization to align design with business goals.
Ownership
Demonstrating decision-making ability and focusing on solving problems rather than sticking to specific solutions.
Impactful Start
the first 5 minutes of viewing should capture attention. Avoid overused templates and focus on impactful projects.
Stay Updated
Learn about emerging trends like AI tools and design engineering roles, but focus on foundational skills.
Real Solutions
Include rational, real-world solutions, backed by proper research and measurable outcomes where applicable
Insightful narrative
For case studies, provide an insightful narrative but support it with detailed documentation via links.
Custom Application
Customize portfolios and case studies to address specific job requirements.
How to stand out as a candidate
From the Q/A session
How do you showcase projects under NDA (non-disclosure agreements) in your portfolio?
For NDA projects, create a private Figma file or generate a password-protected link. Share this during interviews, and ensure access is revoked once the process is complete. This approach reflects professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
What to do if you don’t have measurable outcomes for a project?
Reach out to product managers or engineers to understand the impact metrics after the feature goes live. Include these insights in your resume or portfolio. For hypothetical or incomplete projects, focus on the potential impact and provide a rationale for your decisions.
How to transition from B2B to B2C design roles?
Highlight transferable skills in your portfolio, such as interaction design and storytelling, tailored to B2C. Understand the job description and show relevant app designs, transitions, or user interactions that align with B2C requirements. However, most unicorns have both B2B and B2C divisions, so targeting appropriate roles may also be a strategy.
How to manage short tenures (e.g., switching jobs within 6 months) in interviews?
Be honest about your reasons, such as the need for more growth, learning opportunities, or exposure to different work environments. Transparency is key, and hiring managers appreciate clarity about your aspirations.
How to stand out when hundreds of applications are submitted for one job?
Customize your portfolio to reflect the job requirements. It should tell a compelling story within the first 5 minutes. Build genuine connections on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and interact meaningfully with recruiters or hiring managers.
Is knowing coding or working with design engineers advantageous for designers?
Working with design engineers and understanding coding can improve collaboration but should not bias your design decisions. Focus on user-centered design and strive to influence engineers to achieve the best possible experience, even if technical constraints arise.
Should case studies focus on detailed processes or key insights?
Case studies should include detailed steps but be concise. Summarize insights and link to detailed documentation for further reference. During interviews, limit case study presentations to 30–40 minutes to allow time for Q&A.
From the Q/A session
Connect with
Design Opportunities
Showcase your expertise and shape the future of design. We are continuously building a directory of designers who are great at product thinking. Come, join the club.
Join the Club
Connect with
Design Opportunities
Showcase your expertise and shape the future of design. We are continuously building a directory of designers who are great at product thinking. Come, join the club.
Join the Club
How Unicorns hire
designers
Prateek Gupta, Manager, Product Design - Flipkart
Top skills they look for
T - shape skill set
Designers should excel in their core craft while possessing additional skills like business understanding and cross-functional collaboration.
Adaptability
Capability to quickly pick up domain knowledge and adapt to changing priorities.
Storytelling Ability
Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and justify design decisions through well-framed narratives.
Design Thinking
Importance of understanding impact metrics and prioritization to align design with business goals.
Ownership
Demonstrating decision-making ability and focusing on solving problems rather than sticking to specific solutions.
How to stand out as a candidate
Impactful Start
the first 5 minutes of viewing should capture attention. Avoid overused templates and focus on impactful projects.
Stay Updated
Learn about emerging trends like AI tools and design engineering roles, but focus on foundational skills.
Real Solutions
Include rational, real-world solutions, backed by proper research and measurable outcomes where applicable
Insightful narrative
For case studies, provide an
insightful narrative but support it with detailed documentation via links.
Custom Application
Customize portfolios and case studies to address specific job requirements.
Top skills they look for
T - shape skill set
Designers should excel in their core craft while possessing additional skills like business understanding and cross-functional collaboration.
Adaptability
Capability to quickly pick up domain knowledge and adapt to changing priorities.
Storytelling Ability
Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and justify design decisions through well-framed narratives.
Design Thinking
Importance of understanding impact metrics and prioritization to align design with business goals.
Ownership
Demonstrating decision-making ability and focusing on solving problems rather than sticking to specific solutions.
Impactful Start
the first 5 minutes of viewing should capture attention. Avoid overused templates and focus on impactful projects.
Stay Updated
Learn about emerging trends like AI tools and design engineering roles, but focus on foundational skills.
Real Solutions
Include rational, real-world solutions, backed by proper research and measurable outcomes where applicable
Insightful narrative
For case studies, provide an insightful narrative but support it with detailed documentation via links.
Custom Application
Customize portfolios and case studies to address specific job requirements.
How to stand out as a candidate
From the Q/A session
How do you showcase projects under NDA (non-disclosure agreements) in your portfolio?
For NDA projects, create a private Figma file or generate a password-protected link. Share this during interviews, and ensure access is revoked once the process is complete. This approach reflects professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
What to do if you don’t have measurable outcomes for a project?
Reach out to product managers or engineers to understand the impact metrics after the feature goes live. Include these insights in your resume or portfolio. For hypothetical or incomplete projects, focus on the potential impact and provide a rationale for your decisions.
How to transition from B2B to B2C design roles?
Highlight transferable skills in your portfolio, such as interaction design and storytelling, tailored to B2C. Understand the job description and show relevant app designs, transitions, or user interactions that align with B2C requirements. However, most unicorns have both B2B and B2C divisions, so targeting appropriate roles may also be a strategy.
How to manage short tenures (e.g., switching jobs within 6 months) in interviews?
Be honest about your reasons, such as the need for more growth, learning opportunities, or exposure to different work environments. Transparency is key, and hiring managers appreciate clarity about your aspirations.
How to stand out when hundreds of applications are submitted for one job?
Customize your portfolio to reflect the job requirements. It should tell a compelling story within the first 5 minutes. Build genuine connections on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and interact meaningfully with recruiters or hiring managers.
Is knowing coding or working with design engineers advantageous for designers?
Working with design engineers and understanding coding can improve collaboration but should not bias your design decisions. Focus on user-centered design and strive to influence engineers to achieve the best possible experience, even if technical constraints arise.
Should case studies focus on detailed processes or key insights?
Case studies should include detailed steps but be concise. Summarize insights and link to detailed documentation for further reference. During interviews, limit case study presentations to 30–40 minutes to allow time for Q&A.
From the Q/A session
Connect with
Design Opportunities
Showcase your expertise and shape the future of design. We are continuously building a directory of designers who are great at product thinking. Come, join the club.
Join the Club
Connect with
Design Opportunities
Showcase your expertise and shape the future of design. We are continuously building a directory of designers who are great at product thinking. Come, join the club.
Join the Club
How Unicorns hire
designers
Prateek Gupta, Manager, Product Design - Flipkart
Top skills they look for
T - shape skill set
Designers should excel in their core craft while possessing additional skills like business understanding and cross-functional collaboration.
Adaptability
Capability to quickly pick up domain knowledge and adapt to changing priorities.
Storytelling Ability
Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and justify design decisions through well-framed narratives.
Design Thinking
Importance of understanding impact metrics and prioritization to align design with business goals.
Ownership
Demonstrating decision-making ability and focusing on solving problems rather than sticking to specific solutions.
How to stand out as a candidate
Impactful Start
the first 5 minutes of viewing should capture attention. Avoid overused templates and focus on impactful projects.
Stay Updated
Learn about emerging trends like AI tools and design engineering roles, but focus on foundational skills.
Real Solutions
Include rational, real-world solutions, backed by proper research and measurable outcomes where applicable
Insightful Narrative
For case studies, provide an
insightful narrative but support it with detailed documentation via links.
Custom Application
Customize portfolios and case studies to address specific job requirements.
Top skills they look for
T - shape skill set
Designers should excel in their core craft while possessing additional skills like business understanding and cross-functional collaboration.
Adaptability
Capability to quickly pick up domain knowledge and adapt to changing priorities.
Storytelling Ability
Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and justify design decisions through well-framed narratives.
Design Thinking
Importance of understanding impact metrics and prioritization to align design with business goals.
Ownership
Demonstrating decision-making ability and focusing on solving problems rather than sticking to specific solutions.
Impactful Start
the first 5 minutes of viewing should capture attention. Avoid overused templates and focus on impactful projects.
Stay Updated
Learn about emerging trends like AI tools and design engineering roles, but focus on foundational skills.
Real Solutions
Include rational, real-world solutions, backed by proper research and measurable outcomes where applicable
Insightful narrative
For case studies, provide an insightful narrative but support it with detailed documentation via links.
Custom Application
Customize portfolios and case studies to address specific job requirements.
How to stand out as a candidate
From the Q/A session
How do you showcase projects under NDA (non-disclosure agreements) in your portfolio?
For NDA projects, create a private Figma file or generate a password-protected link. Share this during interviews, and ensure access is revoked once the process is complete. This approach reflects professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
What to do if you don’t have measurable outcomes for a project?
Reach out to product managers or engineers to understand the impact metrics after the feature goes live. Include these insights in your resume or portfolio. For hypothetical or incomplete projects, focus on the potential impact and provide a rationale for your decisions.
How to transition from B2B to B2C design roles?
Highlight transferable skills in your portfolio, such as interaction design and storytelling, tailored to B2C. Understand the job description and show relevant app designs, transitions, or user interactions that align with B2C requirements. However, most unicorns have both B2B and B2C divisions, so targeting appropriate roles may also be a strategy.
How to manage short tenures (e.g., switching jobs within 6 months) in interviews?
Be honest about your reasons, such as the need for more growth, learning opportunities, or exposure to different work environments. Transparency is key, and hiring managers appreciate clarity about your aspirations.
How to stand out when hundreds of applications are submitted for one job?
Customize your portfolio to reflect the job requirements. It should tell a compelling story within the first 5 minutes. Build genuine connections on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and interact meaningfully with recruiters or hiring managers.
Is knowing coding or working with design engineers advantageous for designers?
Working with design engineers and understanding coding can improve collaboration but should not bias your design decisions. Focus on user-centered design and strive to influence engineers to achieve the best possible experience, even if technical constraints arise.
Should case studies focus on detailed processes or key insights?
Case studies should include detailed steps but be concise. Summarize insights and link to detailed documentation for further reference. During interviews, limit case study presentations to 30–40 minutes to allow time for Q&A.
From the Q/A session
Connect with
Design Opportunities
Showcase your expertise and shape the future of design. We are continuously building a directory of designers who are great at product thinking. Come, join the club.
Join the Club
Connect with
Design Opportunities
Showcase your expertise and shape the future of design. We are continuously building a directory of designers who are great at product thinking. Come, join the club.
Join the Club
How Unicorns hire
designers
Prateek Gupta, Manager, Product Design - Flipkart
Top skills they look for
T - shape skill set
Designers should excel in their core craft while possessing additional skills like business understanding and cross-functional collaboration.
Adaptability
Capability to quickly pick up domain knowledge and adapt to changing priorities.
Storytelling Ability
Strong communication skills to influence stakeholders and justify design decisions through well-framed narratives.
Design Thinking
Importance of understanding impact metrics and prioritization to align design with business goals.
Ownership
Demonstrating decision-making ability and focusing on solving problems rather than sticking to specific solutions.
How to stand out as a candidate
Impactful Start
the first 5 minutes of viewing should capture attention. Avoid overused templates and focus on impactful projects.
Custom Application
Customize portfolios and case studies to address specific job requirements.
Insightful narrative
For case studies, provide an insightful narrative but support it with detailed documentation via links.
Stay updated
Learn about emerging trends like AI tools
and design engineering roles, but focus on foundational skills.
Real Solutions
Include rational, real-world solutions, backed by proper research and measurable outcomes where applicable
From the Q/A session
How do you showcase projects under NDA (non-disclosure agreements) in your portfolio?
For NDA projects, create a private Figma file or generate a password-protected link. Share this during interviews, and ensure access is revoked once the process is complete. This approach reflects professionalism and respect for confidentiality.
What to do if you don’t have measurable outcomes for a project?
Reach out to product managers or engineers to understand the impact metrics after the feature goes live. Include these insights in your resume or portfolio. For hypothetical or incomplete projects, focus on the potential impact and provide a rationale for your decisions.
How to transition from B2B to B2C design roles?
Highlight transferable skills in your portfolio, such as interaction design and storytelling, tailored to B2C. Understand the job description and show relevant app designs, transitions, or user interactions that align with B2C requirements. However, most unicorns have both B2B and B2C divisions, so targeting appropriate roles may also be a strategy.
Is knowing coding or working with design engineers advantageous for designers?
Working with design engineers and understanding coding can improve collaboration but should not bias your design decisions. Focus on user-centered design and strive to influence engineers to achieve the best possible experience, even if technical constraints arise.
How to stand out when hundreds of applications are submitted for one job?
Customize your portfolio to reflect the job requirements. It should tell a compelling story within the first 5 minutes. Build genuine connections on LinkedIn, attend industry events, and interact meaningfully with recruiters or hiring managers.
Should case studies focus on detailed processes or key insights?
Case studies should include detailed steps but be concise. Summarize insights and link to detailed documentation for further reference. During interviews, limit case study presentations to 30–40 minutes to allow time for Q&A.
How to manage short tenures (e.g., switching jobs within 6 months) in interviews?
Be honest about your reasons, such as the need for more growth, learning opportunities, or exposure to different work environments. Transparency is key, and hiring managers appreciate clarity about your aspirations.
Connect with
DesignOpportunities
Showcase your expertise and shape the future of design. We are continuously building a directory of designers who are great at product thinking. Come, join the club.
Join the Club
Join the Club