::: bisonium.com :::

Hello, Frank!

I've posted a similar question on MS's jobsblog, but since I don't know if you read it I think it wouldn't do no harm if I ask it here too. Well, in your opinion, what would be a good resume for an entry-level position for a graphic designer at Microsoft?

Hi Mariano!

I replied to you back on the Jobs Blog, but for the benefit of my readers, I am cross-posting my comments here:

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As far as what would be good to have on your resume, it really just depends (how's that for clarity?). *smile* Every group has their own unique challenges. When looking for a designer, just because you have loads of experience, it doesn't mean that your particular experience will translate well into the product. I was fortunate enough to have both a design background as well as a heavy technical background in the IT Pro market. My group designs products specifically for the IT Pro market, so it was a natural fit.

One thing I would also like to point out is that graphic design does NOT equate to User Experience Design. Graphic Design is really more the traditional print media type of design, where as the UX (or Interaction/Product) design is concentrated in more web-based and software design. These are areas where the "User Experience" is a key part of the success of the product. This is a huge difference and just having a degree in design will not necessarily open the door to a career in this field. We do get into the visual design throughout the process, but the "fit and finish" isn't something we focus on until we get the rest of the product 'right'. This is why Angela mentioned degrees in Human Factors and Cognitive Psychology being common in this type of work. You need to understand how the human mind thinks and why it is important to design certain features in a way that are natural and work with a users mental model.

I would say that the single most important thing to landing a job in this field is actually not even your resume. The resume is just a quick way to screen for keywords and see if you have the background. One of the things that are unique to a design career at Microsoft is that in addition to the normal loop that everyone goes through, designers have an added level of going through a portfolio review and practical design excercise. Your portfolio will speak louder than anything on your resume and it is the fundamental basis on which the team will make their initial observations during your interview day. If your portfolio is not rock-solid and TIGHT, it can make the rest of the process much more difficult. Make sure you present a variety of work and be able to speak intelligently and justify how and why you made the creative decisions for each particular project. Showing that you thought about the usability issues, had a design process and used some a methodoligy to achieve your design goals are key critical areas to focus on.

I hope this helps any of you thinking about a career in design at Microsoft. It's definitely not an easy process to get here. But once you do, I guarantee you will love this job and it will be one of the most challenging yet rewarding careers you could ask for.

Hi Frank,
It sure was a great post and it was really helpful for me to prepare my resume for the UX designer position.

I have been trying for more than a year for this particular position at Microsoft and so far I didn't have any luck even in getting my resume noticed.

I would be very very happy to get your comments or feedback from my portfolio:

www.pixgrafx.com (web apps)

It might be really helpful for me.

Thanks.

Greetings -
I have an interview at MS next week. The interview process seems very intense, and I was curious if you could tell me a little bit about your experience with it. If you're free to chat with me for a bit or email, also, that would be an enormous plus!
Thanks in advance,
Jen