How to hire a fashion designer

Bringing a fashion designer aboard your team can be exciting but nerve-wracking. You’ll likely receive many resumes listing tons of experience and accolades – and you’re the one who has to make sure you hire the right person. After all, if your fashion designer’s skills on paper don’t match up to the work they produce, they can tank your brand in a heartbeat. 

But what specific skills should you be looking for, and how can you make sure you aren’t hiring the next Project Runway disaster? 

We’ve got you covered. 

In this guide, we break down everything from must-have skills to foolproof tips on assessing and interviewing fashion designer candidates. Let’s begin!

What is a fashion designer?

Fashion designers are the creative minds behind the clothes, accessories, and footwear that make us look amazing. They envision new styles and bring them to life through their artistry and technical expertise.

But it’s not all about pretty sketches. A great fashion designer uses their understanding of garment construction, pattern making, and the differences in fabrics to transform their ideas into detailed designs. They work closely with pattern makers and production teams to turn sketches into actual products.

Fashion designers also collaborate with marketing professionals to ensure their creations match the current trends and consumer preferences.

Since details matter – a lot – in fashion, designers have a sharp eye for detail, ensuring that every stitch, seam, and embellishment is flawless. Their job is to innovate and push the boundaries of style in a way that sets your brand apart from the rest. 

13 skills to look for when hiring a fashion designer

Now, let’s discuss the skills all fashion designers should have.

Hard skills

• Sketching and illustration: A fashion designer should be able to whip up amazing sketches – hand-drawn or digital. 

• Technical design: Designers should know the ins and outs of pattern making, garment construction, and different sewing techniques so they can turn their creative visions into actual products.

• Fabric knowledge: Along with sewing techniques, understanding different fabrics and materials is a must. A good designer knows how different textiles behave and can choose the right ones for their designs. This ensures the finished products look good and are wearable.

• Design software proficiency: The best designers are pros with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and computer-aided design (CAD) programs, which help them create detailed designs and technical drawings. 

• Trend forecasting: Keeping up with fashion trends is key. This involves researching and predicting what’s going to be popular, so designers can create collections that are fresh and on point.

• Color theory: Knowing color theory – how colors complement and contrast with each other – enables designers to create eye-catching, harmonious looks.

Soft skills

• Creativity: This is a non-negotiable skill in fashion design. Top designers are constantly coming up with fresh, innovative ideas that make their work unique and appealing.

• Problem-solving: Dealing with unexpected challenges is part of the job. Whether it’s a production hiccup or a design issue, strong problem-solving skills ensure everything stays on track.

• Attention to detail: From the stitching to the choice of buttons and everything in between, a designer needs a keen eye for detail.

• Collaboration: Designers need to work well with other team members, from pattern makers to marketing professionals. 

• Communication: Designers should be able to clearly explain their ideas to their team, suppliers, and clients. This way, fashion teams can accurately create the finished product based on the designer’s vision.

• Time management: Fashion designers are often working on multiple designs simultaneously, so they need to manage their time well. This ensures they don’t miss deadlines or compromise quality while rushing to complete their work.

• Adaptability: The fashion world moves fast. Designers need to be able to adapt to new trends, feedback, and unexpected changes in the production process. 

How to test your future fashion designer’s skills

Once you know the skills to look for, you’ll need to see them in action to ensure candidates can actually produce the designs you need. But this can be time-consuming if you aren’t strategic about it.

That’s where TestGorilla comes into play. Our pre-employment tests help you effectively assess designers’ skills and attributes. Here are some we recommend using:

• Design software proficiency tests: Our Adobe InDesign test, Adobe Photoshop for Designers test, and AutoCAD test can check their design and technical drawing skills when using these design tools.

• Attention to Detail (Visual) test: This test measures candidates’ ability to notice and accurately identify small details in visual information.

• Time Management test: Use this test to determine whether your designer candidates can prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively in various situations. 

• Problem Solving test: With this text, you can measure candidates’ ability to solve complex problems using logical thinking and reasoning skills. 

• Communication test: This checks how well candidates can communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and speaking. It also looks at their listening skills and understanding of non-verbal cues.

• Personality tests: The 16 Personalities test and the Enneagram test are great for understanding candidates’ personality traits and behavioral preferences. You can get an idea of how they think, act, and interact with others – key for effective collaboration.

Tips for writing a fashion designer job description

Crafting a job description that attracts top-tier fashion designers is an art in itself. Here’s how to ensure your listing stands out and draws the right talent:

1. Note what makes your brand unique

Fashion designers are attracted to brands that align with their personal style and values. Start your job description by telling them a little bit about your brand’s history, mission, and aesthetic. Are you a sustainable fashion brand? Do you focus on luxury or streetwear? Make it clear what makes your brand different.

2. Make responsibilities crystal clear

Outline exactly what the fashion designer will be doing at your company. Instead of saying "design clothing," be more specific by saying things like "create seasonal collections," "develop mood boards and sketches," and "collaborate with the production team to oversee sample development." This ensures candidates know exactly what's expected and can see if they're a good fit. Plus, it makes it easier to check their performance and keep everyone on the same page with your company’s goals in the future. 

3. List requirements unique to your company

Be specific about the skills and experiences that are a must for your company. Instead of vague requirements, get detailed with things like "5+ years in high-end fashion design," "experience designing for sustainable fashion brands," "proficiency in 3D garment simulation software," or "expertise in digital textile printing."

You can also mention specialty knowledge (such as "in-depth knowledge of eco-friendly fabrics" or "expertise in tailoring bespoke suits”) and project experience (such as "proven track record of managing large-scale fashion shows" or "experience collaborating with international fashion houses”). This way, you'll attract candidates who have the right skills and fit perfectly with your company’s unique needs and vibe.

4. Mention career development opportunities

In your job description, highlight opportunities for career growth, professional development programs, and chances to work on high-profile projects. This can make your position more attractive to ambitious designers.

5. Include visuals

If possible, add visuals to your job description. These could be images of your latest collection or your design studio or even videos showing off your brand’s culture. Visuals can give candidates a better sense of what your company’s all about and help them envision themselves working with you.

6. Outline the hiring process

At the end of your job description, outline the steps in your hiring process. Will there be a design challenge? Will they be doing a portfolio review or a specific task? Letting candidates know what to expect helps them prepare and makes the process smoother for everyone.

Where to find a fashion designer for your business

Don't just stick to the usual job boards to find great fashion designer candidates. Explore more creative avenues! 

Here are some places you can look for fashion designers:

• Fashion schools and universities: Institutions like Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and Central Saint Martins are renowned for producing top-tier fashion talent. Tap into their job boards and alumni networks and reach out to recent graduates to share information about your open role. Graduates from these schools bring fresh, innovative ideas and are well-versed in the latest trends and technologies.

• Specialized job boards: Sites like StyleCareers.com and CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Career Center specialize in fashion industry roles. Posting your job description there – or on more diverse job boards like TestGorilla’s – will attract experienced designers actively seeking new opportunities. 

• Fashion weeks and design competitions: Events such as New York Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and the CFDA Fashion Awards are perfect for spotting emerging talent. Also, design competitions like the LVMH Prize or the H&M Design Award showcase the work of promising designers ready to break into the industry. Consider attending these events to headhunt new talent!

• Social media platforms: Instagram is a goldmine for discovering fashion designers. Search for profiles showcasing design portfolios, behind-the-scenes content, and personal style – then create a shortlist of individuals who showcase the skills you’re looking for. You can contact them directly on the platform to see if they’re seeking job opportunities and might be interested in yours. You can do the same on Behance and Dribbble. These are great for viewing detailed design projects and illustrations so you can see individuals’ skills, creativity, and style in action.

• Fashion Recruitment Agencies: Agencies such as Fourth Floor specialize in placing creative professionals in the fashion industry. They have extensive networks and can present you with vetted candidates who match your specific needs.

• Online fashion communities and forums: Platforms such as the Business of Fashion (BoF) and Fashionista often feature up-and-coming designers and industry news. Participating in these communities can help you connect with designers who are passionate and engaged in the fashion scene.

Top interview questions for a fashion designer

Another step you need to take when hiring a fashion designer is actually having a conversation with them. This helps you learn more about their background, skills, and personality traits – which makes it easier to see how they’ll fit into your team. 

Here are some top interview questions you can ask your fashion designer candidates:

• “Can you walk me through your design process from concept to final product?” Ask this question to understand candidates’ workflows. Look for candidates who can show you a clear, structured process while also showing that they can be flexible and get creative in the process.

• “Which fashion designers or brands do you admire, and why?” This lets you understand candidates’ styles and what inspires them. Plus, their answers demonstrate whether they know the industry and keep up with the latest trends.

• “How do you incorporate feedback into your designs?” Teamwork is everything in fashion. This question checks if candidates can take feedback and work well with everyone, from teammates to clients.

• “Can you show me a piece from your portfolio and explain the inspiration and process behind it?” This question is great because it lets candidates show off their work and storytelling skills, so you get a better look at their creativity and technical abilities.

3 common mistakes to avoid when hiring fashion designers

Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when hiring your next fashion designer:

1. Not checking market research skills

Fashion designers need to know their audience. If they don’t get who they’re designing for, their collections might look amazing but won’t sell. For example, a designer might create a stunning avant-garde collection that doesn’t match your brand’s target demographic. 

This is why you should always ask about their experience with market research and how they use customer feedback in their designs.

2. Overlooking branding alignment

Designers must ensure their pieces match your brand’s identity and vision. Otherwise, their designs might feel out of place and clash with your overall look. You don’t want a designer to create edgy, avant-garde pieces if your brand is known for classic and timeless styles!

So, be sure your job description states your brand’s identity so designer candidates are clear on this upfront. Then, during interviews, ask candidates about their past work and how they’ve adapted their designs to fit different brands.

3. Skipping the portfolio deep dive

It’s not enough to just skim through a designer’s portfolio – you need to really dig in, usually during the interview stage.

Look for diversity in their designs, consistency in quality, and how their style matches your brand. For instance, if you’re a high-end luxury brand and the candidate’s portfolio is full of casual, everyday wear, it’s probably not a good fit. 

Take the time to go through each piece and ask questions about their design choices and processes. Check for originality, attention to detail, and how well they can explain their work. Also, see if they’ve worked on projects similar to what your brand needs. This helps ensure they’re both talented and the right fit for your team.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about fashion designer jobs.

What qualifications do I need to be a fashion designer?

Typically, the qualifications you need to be a fashion designer are a bachelor's degree in fashion design or a related field, strong skills in sketching and design software, a solid understanding of fabrics and textiles, and a creative portfolio showcasing your work. Practical experience through internships or entry-level positions is also nice to have.

What is a fashion designer called?

A fashion designer is often simply called a "designer," but they can also be referred to as a "couturier" (especially in high fashion) or "clothing designer."

Hire the best fashion designer with TestGorilla

Finding the right fashion designer for your brand can be tough, but with the right approach, you can find a true creative gem. You’ll first need to understand key skills to look for, then craft a standout job description and use effective testing methods to assess candidates’ skills.

Talent assessments are essential for accurately measuring practical skills, creativity, and much more. They help you verify that candidates truly possess the expertise they claim. TestGorilla offers a wide range of tests that can help you identify the best candidates for any of your open roles (not just fashion designers).  

Upgrade your hiring process with TestGorilla today! Explore our test library, book a demo, or sign up for a free account.