Web designer: job description

Web designers plan, create and code internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics and video-clips.

What does a web designer do?

  Key skills

    A web designer is responsible for creating a site or pages, this includes the design, layout and             coding,  this can mean working on a brand new website or updating an already existing site.

   Responsibilities of the job include:

1. creating web site designs
2. producing sample sites
3. meeting with clients to discuss requirements and/or project progress
4. demonstrating and receiving feedback about draft sites
5. keeping up-to-date with recent technological and software developments
6. developing skills and expertise in appropriate software/programming languages including html, Javascript and others
7. producing products that are user-friendly, effective and appealing
8. working as part of a multi-disciplinary team
9. There can be some pressure to meet deadlines when extra hours may be required. Promotional prospects are excellent for employees willing to change jobs regularly. Those with relevant experience can command good salaries.
10. Typical employers of web designers
11. Software companies
12. IT consultancies
13. Specialist web design companies
14. Large corporate organisations
15. Any organisation that uses computer systems.
16. Self-employment/freelance work is commonly possible for individuals with appropriate experience. Vacancies are advertised online, on TARGETjobs, by careers services and recruitment agencies, in newspapers and specialist publications including Computing and Computer Weekly as well as their online equivalents.
17. Qualifications and training required
18. A degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although employers may seek graduates with relevant IT, computer science or engineering qualifications. Generally, computing experience or a postgraduate IT conversion course (for graduates without relevant degrees) can be useful. It is essential to provide employers with links to/sample demonstrations of web pages that you have produced.

Key skills for web designers

1. Imagination
2. Creativity
3. Patience
4. Attention to detail
5. Analytical skills
6. Communication skills
7. Technical ability
8. Excellent IT skills