The Most Important Web Designer Skills That Employers Are Looking For

You can’t possibly become an in-demand web design professional without essential web designer skills. On top of technical fundamentals (HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and so on) and soft skills, you also need to know how to craft a winning resume. We’ll show you how to highlight your accomplishments to convince potential employers that you can complete any task.

What Do Web Designers Do?

Becoming a web designer requires knowledge and skills to create and maintain websites. The role of a web designer involves designing the visual layout of a website, creating user-friendly interfaces, and ensuring that the website works correctly.

Web designers need knowledge of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They should also learn about user experience and be able to work collaboratively with clients and developers. Luckily, it’s all worth it in the end—there are tons of great job opportunities for web designers across industries.

Web Designer Technical Skills

A web designer needs to have a strong technical foundation. Here are some of the most important web designer qualifications:

• Proficiency in front-end web development languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript;
• Experience with web development frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue.js;
• Server-side programming skills (languages such as PHP and Python);
• Knowledge of database systems, such as MySQL and MongoDB;
• Familiarity with website hosting and server management;
• Relevant web designers qualifications such as a degree or certification in web design or a related field.

Web Designer Non-Technical Skills

But a web designer isn’t just a tech pro. There are quite a few soft skills needed to be a web designer, including:

• Strong communication and listening skills to understand client needs and get along with team members and stakeholders;
• Problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles;
• Attention to detail to ensure successful project completion;
• Effective time management;
• Professionalism and a positive attitude to represent the company well.

Top Skills That Help Land A Dream Position

Given how long the list of web designer requirements is, no wonder job seekers with little work experience need to learn to prioritize to catch recruiters' attention from recruiting firms. So here are the skills that any hiring manager or employer expects from a web designer they’d like to hire for their project:

• The basics of front-end development—HTML, CSS, and JavaScript;
• Knowledge of database systems (MySQL and MongoDB);
• Understanding of user experience;
• Exceptional time management;
• Adequate communication skills.

HTML and CSS

The number one item on the list of skills required for web designer is knowledge of HTML and CSS. They are used for creating website appearance and layout. HTML provides the structure and content of a webpage; CSS is used for styling and design.

A web designer uses both to control the visual aspects of the site, including fonts, colors, and layout. HTML and CSS are key components of a web designer’s workflow and are essential for effective website management.

JavaScript and Content Management Systems

Also, any recruiter asked about web designer job requirements will likely mention JavaScript and Content Management Systems (CMS). JavaScript is necessary for creating interactive features and dynamic content on a website, such as dropdown menus or videos.

CMSs, such as WordPress or Drupal, allow web designers to create and manage website content more efficiently, even without in-depth programming language knowledge. CMSs are especially useful for businesses willing to update their website regularly without constant developer involvement.

Online Marketing

Online marketing might not be among the skills for web designer that most people are aware of, but it’s a great source of competitive advantage that helps candidates thrive in such a competitive job market.

A web designer must know online marketing to create websites that engage potential clients and drive traffic. Competent use of SEO techniques helps one’s site rank well in search results. Moreover, web designers who understand online marketing can create websites optimized for conversion.

Communication

Communication is on the list of crucial web designer skills set that ensures professional success. It’s what helps web designers work seamlessly with the most demanding clients (who don’t always know how to convey their demands clearly).

A web designer must know how to build a great website. But they must also ensure their clients, teammates, and other stakeholders enjoy working with them. So communication is definitely among the critical skills for web designer.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are similar to communication skills and are equally crucial for a well-rounded web designer skill set. Web designer with excellent interpersonal skills is good at conveying their vision of the project to their colleagues and other departments.

They’re also responsive to criticism and okay with making conversions whenever necessary. Simply put, an employee with outstanding interpersonal skills is a joy to be around and work with.

How to Improve Web Designer Skills

Don't worry if you’ve asked the question, “what skills does a web designer need” and are now intimidated by the answer, don’t worry. You don’t need to be an experienced and successful web designer to land your dream job. Ask your friends or team members—and they’ll confirm that the most important thing is to land an entry-level position where you can learn everything.

You need a well-written resume to ensure that you look appealing as an applicant and end up in an excellent work team. Skillhub’s professional resume writers can help you with that. And they know everything about Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), so you don’t need to worry about keywords.

Follow Web Design Experts and Influencers

To up your skills for a web designer and eventually land a decent position, consider following professional influencers in the field (who do a good job) and a web designer blog or two. Here are a few options.

Blogs:

1. Webdesigner Depot. An outstanding balance of serious content and web design humor.
2. ruttl blog. It’s one of the most informative web design blogs, and the tips you’ll find there actually work.
3. The Design Blog. Visit this blog whenever you need inspiration.

Twitter influencers:

1. Khoi Vinh (@khoi). Every web designer knows who Khoi Vinh, Senior Director of Product Design at Adobe, is.
2. Charlene the Web Design Queen (@CharleneEBond). Charlene lives up to her name.
3. Estelaris Rueda (@EstelaRueda). The best place for some WordPress inspiration.

How to Showcase Your Skills

To catch the attention of a recruiter or potential employer, you need to know how to present your web designer skills in the most favorable light. Approach your web designer resume carefully and, ideally, hire an expert.

They’ll know how to focus on the most successful workplace you’ve had so far, describe your past tasks so that you look like a true pro, and so on. They know all the important skills for web designers and will happily help you.

Web Designer Skills in a Resume Skills Section

To convince everyone that you’re in the right profession and take all of your responsibilities seriously, you need to list the skills of web designer on your resume correctly and thoroughly. Here’s a good example:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Skilled in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web development technologies.
• Familiar with content management systems such as WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla.
• Excellent communication skills, able to work effectively with clients and team members.
• Able to show initiative and take the lead in high-pressure situations.

Highlight Your Skills in a Resume Work Experience Section

The experience section of your resume is another place to show that you have all the important skills for web designers. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself—the more diverse your abilities are, the more likely you are to impress any hiring manager.

For example:

Web Designer

WebDFL Solutions, New York City

June 2021—January 2023

• Collaborated with clients to identify design needs and goals for web projects.
• Designed and developed responsive websites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Created graphics and other visual elements using various techniques in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Worked with content management systems to implement and manage website content.
• Conducted quality assurance testing to ensure websites were error-free and user-friendly.

And if you feel like resume writing isn’t your strong suit, choose from help with resume and let Skillhub professionals help you.

To Sum Up

Becoming a web designer is about working on your hard and soft skills, following the best industry experts, and, most importantly, writing a winning resume that leaves no doubt about your competence. To get more interviews and build a successful career, diversify your professional experiences and work on your web designer technical skills (as well as other hard skills).

And try to be a nice-to-be-around person and a good communicator—clients hire the web designers they find pleasant to engage with. And please don’t worry about having little work experience. The best way to land a job is to have a professionally written ATS-friendly resume; our writers are happy to write it for you.