Beyond The Interface (BTI) Harry & Jack (Discovered MENA): The Brutal Reality of Design Hiring in 2026... Surplus Talent, AI & Broken Portfolios
Mar 17, 2026
Jack Steven, a product and design recruiter focused on portfolios and CVs across the Middle East, and Harry Silvester, head of product and design recruitment and co-founder of JFBI, discuss hiring in the UAE. They cover surplus global design talent and scarce junior roles. They explain what makes portfolios and CVs stand out, how recruiters source candidates, the rise of product over design, and AI’s impact on hiring.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Explain Process And Impact Not Just Visuals
- Do show process, metrics and your individual role in case studies because product leaders care about outcomes as much as craft.
- Harry Silvester warns portfolios should read well to both design and product reviewers and include data and timelines.
Make Your CV A Clickable Envelope
- Keep CVs minimal and data-focused so ATS and non-design recruiters can quickly route you to your portfolio.
- Jack Steven recommends portfolios show style while CVs act as an 'envelope' with clear roles, domains and metrics.
Big Brand Names Skew Hiring Shortlists
- Where you've worked strongly influences screening in the UAE; recognizable brands get preference from internal recruiters and algorithms.
- Harry Silvester notes candidates from Meta/Google often progress over equally-skilled candidates from lesser-known firms.