Org Design for Design Orgs: Building and Managing In-House Design Teams

by Peter Merholz

External design recruiting firms fall into a few different categories: Big Recruiters with a “design practice” Global recruiting firms like Robert Half and Robert Walters now feature design practices. Companies already working with such a firm for other roles will be tempted to use them for design as well. Never select a recruiter by default. Much of what works in recruiting for other disciplines does not apply to design. Make sure the recruiter understands this, and doesn’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach. If they’re approaching designers the same way they approach engineers, marketers, and salespeople, take a different path. Creative staffing agencies We won’t name specific companies because, to be frank, these recruiters are the least pleasant to engage with, and have done the most to give design recruiting a bad name. Representatives from these firms hound hiring managers, relentless in their sales. They do very little filtering of candidates, primarily serving as a clearinghouse for people looking for work. The quality of the candidates is highly variable, and on average, subpar. Unless you have no other options in your area, steer clear of such companies. Small design-focused shops In our experience, these have been the best firms to work with. With just one, two, or maybe three recruiters, these firms provide high levels of service, getting to know you, your business, and what you’re looking for. They also actively network with their local design community, and u...