5 Great Outdoor Activities in Oregon
Oregon is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoorsy culture. Between the Cascades, the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River, there's no shortage of great hikes, camping, and climbing, not to mention the full gamut of winter, water, and wind sports.
It's no surprise that a thriving outdoor industry has emerged here. We're thrilled to be a part of it and we love to take advantage of the raw splendor whenever we can.
In fact, back in 2000 I set out to prove just how many unique activities are to be had in close proximity to the Portland area through my own Oregon-style marathon. Over the course of 12 hours, I went snowboarding, rock climbing, trail running, kayaking and surfing - starting on Mount Hood and ending at the beach.
To that end, I wanted to share just a handful of my favorite outdoor activities in Oregon - and hopefully find out about a few more opportunities to explore in the comments section (hint hint)!
Multnomah Falls
Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls plummets 620 feet before flowing out to the Columbia. That makes it the tallest waterfall in Oregon - and the second tallest in the U.S.
Multnomah Falls is split into two-tiers. A footbridge over the lower falls is just a brief walk, while a viewpoint at the top of the falls is accessible by an uphill but brief 1.3-mile hike.
Multnomah Falls are located just 30 miles east of Portland, about a 30-minute drive on I-84 East.
Mount Hood
Further down the Gorge and a short jaunt south is majestic Mount Hood. Snow covered and towering 11,239 feet above sea level, the dormant volcano is home to twelve glaciers and six ski areas.
Mount Hood caters to skiing, snowboarding, hiking, camping and climbing. Its awe-inspiring beauty and proximity to Portland make it a popular destination year-round.
Sandy River
The Sandy River flows out of Reid Glacier on Mount Hood and eventually feeds into the Columbia near Troutdale. On hot summer days, there's nothing like a quick plunge into the glacial river waters to keep cool.
Starting in late summer, the Sandy River becomes host to a seemingly never-ending procession of inner-tubers and rafters. It's ideal for soaking up the sun, floating leisurely downstream, or going on a white-water rafting adventure.
Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is one of the most diverse coastlines in the U.S. Terrain varies from sea-bound stacks in the north to a forested central coastline and sand dunes in the south.
The coast offers an equally wide range of activities, including surfing, kayaking, dune-buggying, hiking, scuba diving, sandboarding, and kiting. Seaside towns provide lodging and quaint shops, but they hardly compete with the coast itself.
Cannon Beach, the Newport Aquarium and the Oregon Dunes south of Florence are all worth checking out on a trip down the Oregon Coast.
Silver Falls
Ever wanted to walk behind a waterfall? The Trail of Ten Falls along Silver Creek carves behind several that plunge from shelves of rock overhead.
True to its name, a total of ten waterfalls lie along this 8.7 mile loop. Half of them are over 100 feet high. Few hikes can match the sheer gorgeousness of Silver Falls - and even fewer also offer such a low degree of difficulty.
Silver Falls is just 20 miles east-southeast of Salem, Oregon.
What are some of your favorite outdoor activities in Oregon? Any hidden gems I missed? Let me know in the comments below!
Gerber Legendary Blades Case Study: How to Audit and Improve Your Talent Acquisition System
We're big time proponents of talent acquisition systems, but we're not always the ones to design them. Sometimes we're tasked with evaluating and improving existing talent acquisition systems.
Many forward-thinking companies with real HR strength have talent acquisition systems in place. Yet it's important for all companies to recognize that it's one thing to put hiring and management practices on paper - and another for managers to actually use them.
A great example of this is Gerber Legendary Blades, the world-renowned maker of knives, multi-tools, lights, and outdoor gear. Tasked with evaluating and improving their selection system, their HR team turned to an outside perspective to help them understand how their TAS was really being executed.
By interviewing key stakeholders and benchmarking Gerber compared to organizations of similar size, we developed recommendations to support their managers' efficacy and help them hire better.
Those same recommendations were then used to hire Gerber's VP of Sales, turning an often-difficult process into one that everyone involved in found refreshingly painless and effective.
So what were our recommendations for Gerber's talent acquisition system?
5 Recommendations to Improve Any Talent Acquisition System
1. Develop success profiles using competency models. Creating accurate and actionable success profiles is the first part of any successful hiring process. Card sorting is a simple and effective way to do this that will reveal exactly what metrics you should be focusing on and what's irrelevant.
Developing a success profile for each position lays the foundation for everything that follows, so it should be given careful and methodical consideration.
2. Train managers on effective interviewing. Interviewing is not an intuitive task. It's without a doubt one that requires hands-on training in order to be effective.
Training your management team in interview techniques and processes is money well spent. You'll get better results, more consistently, with a lower rate of turnover. Guaranteed.
3. Use structured interviewing. The only way to make sure you address each key competency for a position in a measurable, meaningful way is to use a structured interviewing process.
First, you need to develop questions that cover the qualities needed to succeed in a position. Then, you need to create an objective scoring system that clearly defines and assigns values to possible answers.
For example, what kind of answer warrants 1 point on a 5-point scale? What does it take to earn all 5 points? How is a 2 different from a 3? If you don't know these, you're flying blind.
4. Take a multi-hurdle approach. Using different assessments in the hiring process provides a more robust way of vetting candidates. Having multiple interviews, a work test, and so on allows you to screen in and screen out in a progressive, manageable, and consistent way.
5. Use an applicant tracking system. You'll be amazed by how much a simple thing like an applicant tracking system can improve efficacy and efficiency when it comes to hiring. Better candidate coordination, analysis, and workflow automation are just some of the benefits.
Open-Air Oregon: The Top 3 Reasons To Employ a Sporting Goods Industry Recruiter
The state of Oregon is unsurpassed in its natural physical beauty. From the stacks of the Pacific coastline to the Columbia River Gorge and the vistas of the Cascades, perhaps it's no surprise that Oregon has emerged as a commercial and cultural hotbed of outdoor lifestyles, tourism, and brands.
Major outdoor manufacturing firms like Nike, Adidas and Columbia Sportswear are just a few examples of the more than 300 firms that make up Oregon's thriving outdoor industry.
Employing 14,000 Oregonians at an average annual salary of $80,000 - well above the median household income of $49,420 - the sporting goods outdoor industry is a major economic boom for the state. Its vitality has also created a nurturing environment for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and existing businesses in the industry.
The region boasts an abundance of workers with experience in the industry, strong public-private partnerships and resources, and a culture that's passionate about the outdoors. Partnering with an outdoor industry recruiter can help businesses leverage these regional strengths to give them a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
Oregon's Sporting Goods & Outdoor Industry: A Climate Ripe for Growth
Oregon's sporting goods and outdoor industry is knowledge-intensive, focusing on design and management rather than manufacturing. As a result, skilled labor is a must.
Fortunately, the concentration of industry-specialized talent is rivaled by few other places in the world. Sporting goods recruiters in the region can use their extensive networks to help companies tap into this deep well of expertise.
When it comes to finding the candidates that will best serve their business needs, there's simply no substitute for a recruiter versed in this unique competitive landscape.
Public-Private Collaboration in the Sporting Goods & Outdoor Industry Cluster
The sporting goods and outdoor industry is also one of the clusters targeted by the state's economic development organizations for accelerating growth. Collaboration between public and private interests has created supportive policies, the expansion of educational programs, and resources for networking and innovation.
The Portland Development Commission, for example, offers peer-to-peer sessions for entrepreneurs, a design forum, and matching grants to participate in sustainability assessments. Sporting goods recruiters can help companies leverage programs like these to their benefit.
Holistic Business Practice: A Culture of Active Living
Oregonians value active living. For many, that's what drew them to the region in the first place. Locating talent that's both passionate about outdoor recreation and skilled in core competencies is part and parcel of what a sporting goods recruiter does.
Industry research shows that manufacturers whose employees appreciate and consume their company's products have a greater overall impact from a branding perspective. When both consumers and employees are dedicated to the outdoor lifestyle, a community will emerge and flourish around the hub of an organization.
Beyond the Oregon Advantage
These are just some of the unique advantages offered by working with a sporting goods recruiter in Oregon. At Generator Group, we go beyond these regional strengths by:
- Making connections with local talent and facilitating introductions and placements, from entry to executive level
- Introducing effective talent acquisition systems to firms through established recruitment techniques and relationships
- Developing and promoting the visibility of unique outdoor branding identities that coincide with the ethics and sensibilities of the active lifestyle
There are a great number of other key benefits that you will enjoy when you partner with an outdoor industry recruiter or sporting goods recruiter. Contact us now to learn how to leverage our industry-renowned skills to finding the best talent for your company.
Cascade Designs Welcomes New Channel Sales Manager!
Generator Group’s client, Cascade Designs, has named Donald Riha as their new Channel Sales Manager!
Cascade Designs began over 35 years ago with the simple idea of providing a more comfortable night outdoors. Since then, they have grown to become the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry (MSR, Therm-a-Rest, SealLine, Platypus, PackTowl, Hummingbird, Tracks). Cascade Designs believes that manufacturing the majority of their gear in their U.S.and European facilities is an essential element in maintaining quality, and that by striving to exceed their customers’ expectations of service, they will be successful for many years to come.
Donald is joining this great success story with a background in consumer electronics. In Donald’s early career, he was a Regional Sales Manager – Midwest for Sony Electronics. He has also held National Sales Manager titles with companies such as First International Digital, a consumer electronics manufacturer of MP3 players and accessories. Most recently, Donald was National Sales Manager with Ezgear Electronics, a manufacturer of iPod and video game accessories.
Looking for a job in the outdoor industry or sporting goods industry? Find out what we are currently representing at Generator Group! Follow us on Twitter and connect with us on Facebook to get the latest updates.
Great blog post by Jeremy Barnaby, President of EnGn, a high-output technical recruiting firm in Portland, Oregon.
The 5 Best Breweries in Portland You've Never Heard Of
We'd like to take a break from our hard-hitting outdoor and sporting goods industry coverage to talk about something very near and dear to our hearts: beer!
Yes, friends, that delicious nectar of the gods is the connective tissue of Portland society, the great equalizer that brings together damp Northwestern hides of every stripe in the many breweries strewn throughout our fair city.
In between tracking down Key Account Sales Managers and Footwear Designers, we like to remind ourselves just how spoiled we are by Portland's vibrant beer culture. Nicknamed "Beervana," there are 51 breweries operating in Portland - more than any other city in the world.
You can get good beer in Portland basically anywhere, but there are some truly exceptional breweries that are worth going out of your way for. That's why we've gone out and collected five of the hidden gems that make Portland's beer scene unique.
For the glory of the grain!
The 5 Best-Kept Secrets of the Portland Brewery Scene
Specialty: French/Belgian Farmhouse Beers
Finding Upright Brewing is no easy feat. Buried in the basement of a renovated commercial space in North Portland, it's perhaps the most authentic "brewery-style" drinking experience you'll ever have. The tasting room is lined with full barrels and shiny brewing equipment and makes no effort to hide that it's a working brewery and barrel aging facility.
As a result, it's only open weekends and Friday evenings and there's basically no food to be had. So plan on eating before or after, but don't let that dissuade you. Get a flight of their farmhouse beers and you will understand what dedication to a craft really means.
2. Cascade Brewing Barrel House (SE Portland)
Specialty: Sour Beers
Sour beers are not for everyone. This ancient Belgian style of beer is both one of the most traditional and one of the most unconventional. It's also extremely rare, but a few devoted brewers are bringing sour beer back in a tidal wave of tart deliciousness.
Among those is Cascade Brewing, which is earning comparisons to the much-lauded Russian River. And with good reason: it's unlike anything you've ever tasted.
3. Captured By Porches (NE Portland, North Portland)
Specialty: Beermobiles!
Captured by Porches is taking beer to the streets - cart style! In a city that's been called the best metropolis for street food in America, the inevitable question is why not beer, too?
Based out of St. Helens, but rapidly colonizing Portland with a small platoon of beer wagons, Captured by Porches is filling a vital need among the city's 500+ food carts. Try their Blonde or their IPA for a refreshing compliment to the great cart fare surrounding each location.
Specialty: German Beers
Occidental Brewing takes its cue from the originators of the "Purity Law." The oldest food regulation in the history of the world, this German decree from the early 1500s dictates that beer should be brewed from barley, hops and water.
Offering up the simple, carefully refined pleasures of Hefeweizen, Kolsch, Altbier and Dunkel, fans of German beer will not be disappointed at Occidental. Add to that a rotating selection of seasonal beers and a very friendly owner who's happy to indulge questions and share home brewing tips, and you've got a winning combo.
Specialty: Everything Local
Okay, it's not actually a brewery, but it's one of the best purveyors of local beer in town. Bailey's 20 rotating taps regularly include beers from nearby breweries like Lompoc, Breakside, Amnesia, Ninkasi, Burnside, and Widmer, plus offerings from West Cost breweries all the way from Seattle to Northern California. You're guaranteed to find something to suit your tastes at Bailey's Tap Room.
What are your favorite beer spots in Portland? Any hidden gems you've come across? We're always on the lookout for new breweries to check out! Share your finds in the comments below.
Take it from us, an executive search and consulting firm in the Portland, Oregon area. We deal with a wide spectrum of consumer products brands in the outdoor industry and sporting goods industry, and we know: An employer's brand makes a huge difference in attracting the best talent.
Positioning your company as a brand your employees are proud of not only helps you attract even more great people, it also increases the overall value of your brand.
Big local companies like Nike and adidas can tout their facilities. As sporting goods recruiters, we love Portland dearly, but we do know that most companies here don't have vast campuses filled with luxurious amenities.
So if you're a smaller outdoor or sporting goods company located in a medium-sized city, how do you set your employment brand apart in a competitive job market?
Four simple steps to effective employment branding
Many of the things you already do for your company can be leveraged to boost your employment brand.
1. Coordinate branding between marketing and human resources. While brand can be expressed in different contexts, there should be just one brand. Make sure your human resources department and recruitment firm (if you have one) understand your branding, and have access to all your company's marketing and branding collateral. Have your HR and recruitment folks meet with your marketing people from time to time, so they can work together and make sure your brand is communicated in recruitment ads, at job fairs and in other recruitment efforts.
2. Develop your employer value proposition. Think about your communications to potential employees just as you think about communicating to any of your target markets. You want to communicate the value of your company as an employer, just as you communicate the value of your products and services. Make sure potential employees can quickly and easily find information and get a basic understanding of your company's working environment, cultures, values, and management style.
3. Make sure all communications are on-message. From job postings to employer campaigns to online recruitment materials, ensuring consistency hammers home your brand voice and creates a sense of credibility.
4. Put your recruitment materials online. For all the time that companies put into developing compelling, beautifully designed recruitment materials, it's surprisingly rare for these to make it onto the company's website. You don't need to pay a developer to integrate them in a clever or interactive way - just link to your print materials in .pdf format. Choosing a job is a major, life-changing decision for anyone, and if you provide better information about your company, you'll get better-qualified candidates.
Looking for a great example?
Google has a reputation for extensive - and expensive - perks. But a blog post by Google's top executive for People Operations, Laszlo Bock, points out that most of what really makes Google special doesn't cost a thing. Bock offers suggestions for ways that small and medium-sized companies, too, can make employees feel valued, special and committed to the company's mission.
We're always looking for new role models to learn from. Know any other companies who do a great job of communicating brand in their recruitment efforts? What's your company doing to set itself apart? Comment below!
Churn Ka-Ching! How to Avoid the High Cost of Employee Turnover
Employee turnover: It's expensive and disruptive, and every executive wants to keep it to a minimum. After years of working with our clients, we've discovered that a well-designed onboarding process is the most effective and efficient way to get new employees comfortable, productive and happy - and keep them that way.
Enrique Washington, CEO of Generator Group, will present a webinar about effective employee onboarding and socialization on September 19, 2012 at 8:00am Pacific/11:00am Eastern. Dr. Talya Bauer, Professor of Management at the Portland State University School of Business Administration, will also present during the webinar, which is free to members of the Outdoor Industry Association.
"Bringing new hires up to speed quickly means productivity improves, capacities increase and everybody's happy - right? Sometimes it does work out - but if you don't have an established plan, you're taking a big gamble. For outdoor companies especially, cultural fit is a key component of employee success, and it's important to plan well so employees can fit in well from their first week forward. No matter what the job you're looking at, the right onboarding and socialization process for each new employee can save your company thousands of dollars per year."
Enrique and Talya's webinar will help managers and supervisors plan onboarding and socialization processes that are most appropriate for their own organizations, and that result in effective, happy and successful people. Remember, the webinar is FREE to Outdoor Industry Association members! For non-members, the webinar is $149. To register, click here.
Want to become a member of the Outdoor Industry Association, attend the onboarding webinar for free, and enjoy other great presentations and benefits? Click here!
Portland Executive Search Firm Places SVP for Portland Trail Blazers
Generator Group lands 30-year communications veteran for Portland Trail Blazers
September 10, 2012 - Portland, Ore.- The Trail Blazers, Portland's much-loved professional basketball team, announced the hire of Michael Lewellen as Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement. Lewellen joins the Portland Trail Blazers following a successful executive search performed by Generator Group, aPortland executive search firm who specializes in retaining executives and other key employees for the sports industry, sporting goods industry and outdoor industry.
Lewellen brings nearly 30 years of communications, public relations and marketing experience at a variety of category and industry-leading brands to his new position at the Portland Trail Blazers. Lewellen will direct communications and public engagement strategies for the basketball team, and lead the Blazers' communications executive team in its media relations, community relations, and team relations work.
"We are thrilled to have Michael on our team," said Trail Blazers Chief Operating Officer Sarah Mensah. "He brings the right balance of knowledge of our team and city, along with added new energy, leadership and experience."
"This is an exciting and transformative time in the Trail Blazers' history, and I'm so pleased to have this opportunity," said Lewellen, who spent five years in thePortlandcommunity earlier in his career. "I appreciate the confidence that Sarah Mensah and the Blazers' executives have placed in me, and look forward to being a contributing member of the organization."
Lewellen returns toPortland- and its enthusiasm for sports - fromOrlando,Fla., where he was Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Heart of Florida United Way. Lewellen held several different positions at Nike Inc., based inBeaverton,Ore., from 1991 to 1996. During that time, he was deeply involved in the local community, serving on the boards of the Urban League of Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting and the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs.
Lewellen's diverse experience helps him bring a high level of sophistication to the Trail Blazers' communications strategy. He led corporate communications for Black Entertainment Television for eight years, driving six years of double-digit growth in ratings, and launching some of its most successful programming, including the annual BET Awards. Lewellen has also worked for NBC Universal/Universal Orlando Resort; Fox Sports Network/Fox Broadcasting; and directed public relations for the Goodwill Games on behalf of Turner Sports.
The choice of Lewellen for the Portland Trail Blazers underlines Generator Group's emphasis on creative executive search processes. Generator Group routinely looks both inside and outside its clients' industries to find the best fit for each clients' corporate culture, business goals and current executive team.
About Generator Group
Founded in January 2000 by three former Nike recruiters, Generator Group was created to fulfill a single, unique vision: To take the successful talent-acquisition skills used by Fortune 100 businesses and develop them for small and medium businesses. Headed by talent-management experts who understand the needs of organizations with limited resources, Generator Group's goal is to increase the hiring success rate for growing businesses while providing them with the talent-management skills needed to survive and thrive.
For more information about Generator Group and its executive search services, please contact Enrique Washington, CEO.
The Outdoor Retailer's Summer Market show was held last week in Salt Lake City, Utah and was attended by thousands of industry professionals. We were in attendance along with our subsidiary, The EnGn. The show is not only a great place to network and look at all of the great products coming from our favorite outdoor and sporting goods brands, but also to learn about the economic benefits of the outdoor industry. Here is what we learned:
- 6.1 million American jobs
- $646 billion in outdoor recreation spending each year
- $39.9 billion in federal tax revenue
- $39.7 billion in state/local tax revenue
Outdoor Recreation is Big Business: The State of the Outdoor Industry
Everything grows outside, including jobs and the economy.
Much has changed since 2006 when the Outdoor Industry Association commissioned the first economic study on outdoor recreation in the United States. The Great Recession radically altered consumer spending habits, unemployment reached its highest level in decades, and federal and state deficits resulted in massive spending cuts.
Despite the uncertainty, more than 140 million Americans make outdoor recreation a priority in their daily lives, proving it with their wallets by putting $646 billion of their hard-earned dollars right back into the economy. Even better, this spending directly results in highly sought-after jobs for 6.1 million Americans.
At the core of the outdoor recreation economy is the outdoor consumer, whose diverse interests fuel a robust and innovative industry. Today's outdoor lovers aren't confined to traditional demographics or activity segments. They seek meaningful outdoor experiences in their backyards and in the backcountry. They are all genders, ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities and income levels. They live throughout America, and they view outdoor recreation as an essential part of their daily lives. They fill their garages with bicycles, dirt bikes, backpacks, boats, skis, tents, hunting rifles and fishing gear. This is redefining the outdoor industry, an evolution that is evident in the growth of sales and jobs since 2006.
In short, outdoor recreation is a growing and diverse economic super sector that is a vital cornerstone of successful communities that cannot be ignored. Most importantly, outdoor recreation is no logner a "nice to have," it is now a "must have" as leaders across the country recognize the undeniable economic, social and health benefits of outdoor recreation.
An Economy as Vast and Powerful as the Great Outdoors
What drives the outdoor recreation economy?
The outdoor recreation economy thrives when Americans spend their hard-earned dollars in pursuit of outdoor recreation. This spending occurs in two forms: the purchase of gear and vehicles, and dollars spent on trips and travel.
Gear purchases include anything for outdoor recreation, such as outdoor apparel and footwear, bicycles, skis, fishing waders, rifles and backpacks. Vehicle purchases include vehicles and accessories used only for outdoor recreation, such as boats, motorcycles, RVs, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
The outdoor recreation economy grows long after consumers purchase outdoor gear and vehicles. They spend money on day and overnight trips, and on travel-related expenses such as airfares, rental cars, lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, groceries, gasoline and souvenirs. They pay for river guides and outfitters, lift tickets and ski lessons, entrance fees, licenses and much more. Their spending supports innumerable small business owners. And they visit recreation areas that are cared for by land managers, park rangers, NGOs and volunteers.
This spending is the outdoor recreation economy - $646 billion in spending that each year supports 6.1 million direct jobs and $80 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue.
Putting America to Work
America is globally recognized as the leader in outdoor recreation. Advancements in technical apparel, footwear and equipment for outdoor activities are driving innovation and entreprenuerism, while creating a demand for highly skilled workers in areas like technology, product design, manufacturing, sustainability and global commerce.
A tremendous diversity of career opportunities exists beyond product-related jobs. When Americans play outside during day outings and overnight trips, their spending directly supports professionals like guides and outfitters, lodging operators, park managers and rangers, concessionaires, small business owners and many more.
In total, 6.1 million American livelihoods directly depend on outdoor recreation, making it a critical economic sector in the United States.
To read the full report, click here.
How to Hire a Stellar Product Designer
Runners, hikers and other sporty folks are always looking for the latest technological advancement, whether it's a jacket in the latest wicking performance fabric or the coolest-looking, lightest running shoe.
We make our living recruiting for sporting goods companies and outdoor companies. We know how important it is to hire product designers who can deliver innovation while keeping an eye on your bottom line and your brand image.
Sound contradictory? It doesn't have to be. Sporting goods recruiters and outdoor industry recruiters can find the right blend of skills, talents and qualities if they keep a few things in mind.
Thanks to Ivana of AndFunForAll.blogspot.com
4 Attributes of a Great Product Designer
Collaborative
A product designer needs to be able to work with production managers, researchers, executives, and other product designers - so the ability to collaborate is one of the most important attributes to look for in a product designer.
Does the candidate indicate a love of collaboration in their resume and cover letter? Does the candidate mention the teams they've worked with? During the interview, make sure to ask for stories and anecdotes about how the candidate has worked in the past. Be subtle - you don't want to ask leading questions and cue them in advance that you value collaboration.
Savvy about business
If you're a sporting goods recruiter or outdoor industry recruiter, you know your company strives to develop innovative new products that can be produced profitably.
You want a product designer who knows that designing a product is as much about analyzing production costs as it is about building a useful 3D model. Ask your candidates how closely they have worked with production. Have they built a cost model?
Has your candidate ever worked with customer or beta tester feedback? It's good to know whether your candidate knows how to take user feedback and let it inform the next iteration of a product.
Innovative
Looking through a candidates portfolio should help you determine if they'll be innovative, and fit in with your brand. You can dig deeper during the interview if you ask yourself these questions while looking at their portfolio:
- Do their previous products stand out and make you take notice?
- Can they bring a new perspective to your current product design team?
- Can they represent your brand and culture?
During the interview, find out:
- How the candidate went about incorporating their understanding of brand into their design work.
- What they know about your company's brand and culture.
Aligned with team values
Ask employees in your current product design, production, and research teams what they value most in a product designer. Ask these team manager how their people communicate and resolve differing opinions.
During the interview, ask the candidate specific questions about values, communication style and how they've managed differences in opinion in other jobs.
The candidate doesn't have to be a carbon copy of your average employee - that's impossible. Just make sure there are no obvious conflicts. For example, someone who prefers working in isolation in a glassed-in office isn't likely to be happy working in an open space where people are always calling out to each other.
Hiring an innovative new product designer can help an outdoor or sporting goods company raise its game. We hope our tips help you get there. Questions? Feel free to call us!