Okay, let’s talk about something that trips up a lot of designers—feeling like you need to know everything to land that perfect job. Like, you need to be a wizard with every design tool, be on top of every trend, and basically be a design superhero. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to know it all. Not even close. In fact, that mindset is what’ll hold you back.

I’ve hired a lot of designers in my time. Done tons of interviews, read endless CVs, reviewed hundreds of portfolios. So trust me when I say, you don’t need to know everything to land that dream job. In fact, trying to be an expert in every tool, every trend, and every little design trick will probably hold you back.

It’s About Problem-Solving, Not Tools

Listen, if you’re stressing over whether you know every tool in the design toolbox, stop. Design isn’t about memorizing every feature of every program. It’s about solving problems creatively. Employers don’t care if you’re a master at Figma or Photoshop—they want to see how you approach a challenge and how you find creative, effective solutions. Tools are just the means to an end. What matters is how you think.

The best designers are the ones who can think through a problem, come up with an idea, and then figure out the best way to execute it—whether that’s with the tools they already know or picking up a new one along the way. So, stop worrying about whether you’ve mastered every single design program. Instead, focus on showing how you tackle problems and get things done.

Lifelong Learners Win

Here’s the thing: The best designers I know don’t know everything. They’re always learning. Tools, trends, and client needs are always shifting. What matters more than knowing every single thing up front is showing that you’re the kind of person who can learn quickly, adapt, and stay curious. Can you pick up a new skill on the fly? Can you figure out a new tool when you need to? That’s what employers are really looking for.

So, if you don’t know the latest design tool, don’t sweat it. What you can do is show that you’re the kind of person who’s constantly growing. You’re not stuck in the past—you’re always looking for ways to improve.

Play to Your Strengths

Stop trying to be everything to everyone. Seriously. Focus on what you’re really good at. Maybe you’re amazing at visual design, or maybe you’re the UX guru who can turn any app into a dream to use. Whatever it is, lean into it. Be known for something. You don’t need to be a master of everything—just a master of one thing.

And don’t forget: companies need specialists just as much as they need generalists. So if you’re amazing at one thing, own it. That’s how you’ll stand out. You’ll get noticed for what you bring to the table, not for trying to do it all.

Bottom Line

Here’s the bottom line: If you’re applying for a design job and thinking, “I don’t check all these boxes,” stop overthinking it. Employers are way more interested in your mindset, how you solve problems, and how adaptable you are than whether you’ve mastered every tool. Focus on growth. Focus on being someone who’s always learning and always getting better.

The truth is, sometimes the best way to stand out is by showing you’re ready to grow. If you’re adaptable, willing to learn, and can bring fresh ideas to the table, you’re already ahead of the game. Just be yourself, focus on your strengths, and remember—you don’t need to know everything to get hired. You just need to be the kind of person who’s ready to take on the next challenge.