The Honest Truth About the Hiring Process at Design Monks & Why It Takes Time

People on social media often ask how Design Monks hires new people. There’s always a lot of curiosity around it. And honestly, we kind of like that. Our process is a little different from the usual. So, we thought… why keep it a secret? Let’s just share it with everyone.

Here, we don’t hire just to fill a bare seat or to increase the number. We always look for someone who fits the team, the vibe, and the way we work. That’s why every step matters, from the first message to the final call. It’s simple, fair, and a little more human.

The right person shapes the company’s future.
One aligned teammate can lift the entire culture and push everyone to do better. Skills can be taught, but the right mindset, work ethic, and sense of ownership create long-term impact.
Hiring right is not about filling a seat. It’s about protecting the standard we’ve built.
  
- Atiqur Rahman, CEO, Design Monks

Hiring Philosophy of Design Monks

Hiring isn’t some big and serious corporate drama at Design Monks. We don’t sit in fancy suits, sipping black coffee, and checking CVs like exam papers. For us, it’s more like finding people we’d actually love to work (and laugh) with. 

Skills? Of course, they matter. But the person behind those skills matters way more.

At Design Monks, we try to find people who truly connect with what we do. Someone who cares deeply about the work, about the team, and about growing together. Skills can come with time, but kindness, honesty, and the right mindset are what make someone special to us.

- Abdullah Al Noman, COO, Design Monks

Here are some core hiring principles of Design Monks:

People Over Paper

Let’s be honest, a CV can make anyone look like a superhero. But we’ve learned that real magic shows up in how people talk, think, and solve messy problems. 

We’re not hunting for “perfect” profiles. We’re looking for humans who bring their own spark. Paper can’t tell us how you handle chaos, or how you react when a deadline decides to play hide and seek. People can.

Attitude Matters Most

Here’s the thing: skills can be taught with time. But a good attitude? That’s priceless. 

We love working with people who stay curious, don’t hesitate to ask questions, and don’t disappear when things get hard. A fun, chill, and honest attitude can make even the longest day feel short. 

That’s why we look for people who can crack a joke, own their mistakes, and keep moving forward.

The virtual environment we get in Design Monks is undoubtedly excellent, especially for me. I truly enjoy my work without feeling pressure and never feel hesitant talking to anyone, no matter if it’s the CEO or an intern. The frequent, insightful design discussions and readily available learning resources are invaluable for my continuous professional growth.
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- Shah Jamal, UI Designer

Culture Comes First

We’re not building a team of robots. We’re building a team of people who respect, support, and enjoy working with each other. Culture here isn’t about forced “team bonding” sessions or cheesy activities. 

It’s about talking openly, respecting each other’s space, and laughing together even during tough deadlines. If someone vibes with that energy, they’ll fit right in.

You can also learn what employees are thinking about Design Monks.

Growth Potential is Key

No one joins us knowing everything. Honestly, we’d be scared if they did. What excites us is seeing someone ready to learn, experiment, mess up, fix it, and get better. 

We love people who keep leveling up, not because they have to, but because they want to. That hunger to grow makes the journey exciting.

Long-Term Relationships

We don’t hire people like they’re on a 3-month trial run at a gym. When someone joins Design Monks, it’s about growing together for the long run. 

We invest in people who want to stick around, build memories, and create amazing work together. Because at the end of the day, a strong team is built on trust, respect, and shared laughter.

The Journey: Step-by-Step Hiring Process

Hiring at Design Monks is a simple, honest, and a little bit fun process. No long queues, no scary panels, and definitely no “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” kind of boring stuff. 

We keep it clear, human, and real. Here’s exactly how the journey looks from your first click to your first day with the team.

Step 1: The First Glance - CV & Portfolio Shortlisting

This is where it all begins. We get a lot of CVs. Some are impressive, some are interesting, and some… well, let’s just say they’re “creative.” We look at your work, your spark, and how you present yourself. 

It’s not about how pretty your CV template is; it’s about whether we can see a bit of you in it.

We go through hundreds of applications every time we open a role. It takes hours, sometimes days. But we never rush it. Every CV represents someone’s story, and we owe them the respect to read it with care.
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- Abdullah Al Noman, COO, Design Monks

We love good portfolios because they tell stories, not just skills. So, if your design work speaks louder than your degrees, that’s already a great start.

However, in this part, many of you have questions about who exactly sorts the CVs. This task may sound normal, but we believe that we can get a good co-worker from here, and that’s why this task is done either by our CEO or COO. They sorted the resumes one by one to filter a group of people that made them curious.

Step 2: Culture Connection - Quick Discussion to Understand Mindset & Values

Once your CV catches our eye, we don’t throw you into a nerve-wracking interview. Nope. We just have a quick, friendly chat to see if we vibe. It’s less “Tell me about your achievements” and more “Let’s talk casually.”

And guess what, we don’t set a particular number of participants, we’ll talk to. Even if every single CV seems good, we talk to every single person. And here, the ‘we’ means any of our employees, along with either our CEO or COO or even both. We have never asked any agency or third-party people to take the interviews for us. 

However, we care a lot about how someone thinks, how they treat others, and whether they’re open to learning. Because even the best designer won’t fit in if the mindset doesn’t match, this step helps us both figure out if this is the right place for you, no pressure, just conversation.

Step 3: Skill in Action - Design Challenge or Practical Task

Here’s where your skills get to shine. We give you a real (but simple) task that reflects the kind of work we actually do. It’s not about making you sweat or showing off. It’s about seeing how you think, solve, and present ideas.

When someone does the design task, I don’t just look for perfect visuals. I look at how they think. How they approach a problem, how they make decisions, and how much heart they put into it. That tells me more than any polished portfolio ever could.
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- Abdullah Al Noman, COO, Design Monks

We don’t expect a “perfect” design. We want to see your process, your ideas, and how you handle feedback. Think of it less like a test and more like a sneak peek of working with us.

Step 4: The Monk Talk - First Interview with the Leadership Team

If you make it here, it means we’re already curious about you. This is the part where you get to talk to the people who built this place. Don’t worry, they don’t bite. We talk about your journey, your dreams, your design thinking, and what excites you.

I look for clarity, curiosity, and honesty. 

The first interview is about understanding how a person thinks, communicates, and handles challenges. A strong candidate asks thoughtful questions and shows genuine interest in learning, not just impressing. It’s less about perfect answers and more about a growth mindset.

- Atiqur Rahman, CEO

It’s not about grilling. It’s about getting to know the human behind the designer. And yes, cracking a joke or two is absolutely allowed. Also, this session will be held mostly by both our CEO and COO alongside an existing employee as a host.

Step 5: Deep Conversation - Final Interview for Team Alignment & Role Clarity

Now comes the deeper talk. This is where we discuss your future role, team dynamics, expectations, and growth. You’ll meet the people you might work with closely, and honestly, they’re pretty cool.

Let’s see what our team leads from different teams look for at this session:

In the team interview stage, we go beyond technical skills to truly understand the candidate’s mindset, strengths, and alignment with our culture. This session involves both team leads and future teammates, creating a realistic and welcoming environment. We assess how the candidate communicates, solves problems, collaborates, and adapts under real work scenarios. Along with expertise, we closely observe soft skills such as critical thinking, eagerness to learn, confidence, and leadership potential. The purpose is to gain a well-rounded, 360° understanding of the individual to ensure they are not only capable but also a strong cultural fit who can grow and contribute meaningfully within the team.
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- Abid Hasan, Project Manager, Design Team

In the final interview, I look for more than just skills. I want to see how a candidate thinks, collaborates, and handles challenges. It’s about understanding their mindset, how they fit into our culture, and whether they’re someone we’d trust to grow with the team.
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- Sajib Ahmed, SEO Manager, Marketing Team

Well, this step isn’t one-sided. You get to ask us questions, too. We believe hiring should feel like a two-way decision, not an interrogation.

Step 6: Welcome Aboard - Offer, Onboarding & Joining the Monk Family

This is the best part. You got the offer. 

Onboarding at Design Monks isn’t some stiff “Welcome to the company” slideshow. It’s chill, warm, and real. We make sure your first day feels less like Day 1 at work and more like joining a group of people who’ve got your back.

On my first day at Design Monks, I felt it was a place full of knowledge and creativity. The day began with a warm welcome during the stand-up, where everyone greeted me kindly, introduced themselves, and took the time to get to know me and my hobbies. One of the team members also guided me through the collaboration process, communication, team culture, and break strategies here. Overall, it was an amazing experience that made me feel excited and inspired to be part of the DM family.
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- Nurshad Rahman, Product designer

So, at this phase, you’ll meet the team, get your tools, and probably get welcomed with a lot of emojis in the team chat. From this point on, it’s not just a job, it’s a journey with a bunch of creative, slightly crazy, and super supportive people.

Through the Eyes of Our Team 

Every Monk here has their own story, how they found us, how they felt during the process, and how they finally became part of the crew. Some were nervous, some overconfident, and some just curious. 

But all of them went through the same rollercoaster of tests, calls, and “Did I get it?” moments. And that’s exactly what makes their journeys special.

My hiring journey with Design Monks was truly memorable. Early in my career, I reached out to join the team as a UI Design Intern, but unfortunately, there was no opening at that time. Still, the company left a lasting impression on me with their culture, design approach, and people. Three years later, I got the opportunity to return, this time as a full-time Product Designer. It felt like coming full circle and joining a place I had always admired
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- Nazmul Alam Hridoy, Product Designer

My hiring process at Design Monks had two stages. First, I completed a test task and later received a call for an interview. Atiq bhai and Noman bhai conducted a one-hour interview session focused on my work approach, design thinking, etc. After that, I had an HR interview to discuss my expectations and salary. Soon after, I received a call and an email confirming that I was selected to join the team.
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- Nurshad Rahman, Product designer

When I was called for the interview at Design Monks, I was really nervous at first. But Atiq and Noman Vai were both very kind and made sure I felt comfortable throughout the process. There were multiple evaluation rounds, and fortunately, I passed all of them - and here I am today!
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- G M Minhaz Rahman, Key Account Manager 

Every story has one thing in common: no shortcuts, no luck, only wins. Just real people, real effort, and a shared belief that the right fit is worth the time. Because at Design Monks, joining the team isn’t just about getting hired, it’s about finding your people.

What Makes Our Process Different

For us, hiring isn’t a robotic system or some HR’s task. At Design Monks, we don’t even have an HR. However, the process is a little bit different from the usual office hiring process. We don’t rush to fill seats; we find people who’ll make the seat worth keeping. Here’s why our process hits a bit differently.

We Need a Teammate, Not Just a Worker

We’re not hunting for someone who just be present every day, does tasks, and vanishes at 6. We look for people who’ll grow with us, not just work with us. 

Design Monks is more like a team of curious folks who brainstorm, mess up, fix things, and laugh together. We want teammates who bring ideas, energy, and the occasional meme to the table.

Behavior Over Skill

We’ll take a kind & teachable designer over a “brilliant-but-egoistic” one any day. Skills can be taught; a good attitude can’t. We love people who ask questions, listen, and make others feel valued. We prefer the ones who make the room lighter, not heavier.

Behaviour defines teamwork. 
Attitude decides how someone reacts when things get hard. A talented person with a poor attitude can slow down a team, but a humble learner can uplift everyone. Skills may change with time, but behavior builds trust and trust builds great teams.
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- Atiqur Rahman, CEO

We can teach design, but we can’t teach how to be kind, humble, or respectful. The way someone treats others says more about their potential than their portfolio ever will. That’s what truly matters to us.
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- Abdullah Al Noman, COO, Design Monks

No Agencies. No Middlemen.

No recruiters, no AI bots, no third-party “we'll-find-your-talent” agencies. Our CEO or COO actually sees every CV you send. We handle it ourselves because people matter too much to outsource. When you apply, you’re talking to us,  not to a system that says, “We’ll get back to you soon” and never does.

Every CV Matters

We don’t skip applications. Ever. Whether your file name is ‘portfolio_final_v11.pdf’ or ‘pls_hire_me.pdf,’ we read it. Everyone gets a fair look. Because behind every CV, there’s a person who took time, effort, and probably courage to hit send.

A Reference Helps, Not Replaces

Got a referral? Cool. That might help you get noticed, but it won’t skip the process. Every candidate still goes through the same steps. At the end of the day, your work and your attitude speak louder than any name-drop.

Well, I was referred by our content writer, Sabiha Sultana, but what I think is that references don’t really make a difference at Design Monks.
I’m pretty sure they don’t even know who’s referring to whom! The interview process is completely transparent, and no one gets any special advantage because of a reference. I went through every step like everyone else, and later found out they didn’t even realize I’d been referred.
I actually appreciate this culture, and it shows that references here are just a way to make sure no good candidate is missed, not a shortcut to getting hired.
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- Sajib Ahmed, SEO Manager

We Talk Until We’re Sure

We don’t rush offers. If it takes a few more calls or a longer chat, that’s fine. We’d rather take time than make the wrong pick. It’s about making sure both sides feel right, not just ticking boxes.

We Hire for the Long Run

We’re not building a short-term squad. We’re building a long-term family. When someone joins Design Monks, we want them to grow, laugh, and stay for the journey. Because for us, hiring isn’t about today, it’s about the years ahead.

Why Does the Hiring Process Take Time?

If you’ve ever applied to Design Monks and thought, “Why is it taking so long?”, don’t worry, it’s not you, it’s us. We take our hiring seriously (but not too seriously). 

Every step is done with care, not speed. We’d rather be slow and right than fast and sorry. Here’s why it sometimes takes a little time before you hear back.

We Receive More CVs Than You Think

You’d be surprised at how many CVs land in our inbox every week. It’s not a small number, it’s a mountain. Each one deserves a proper look, not a quick scroll. That’s why it takes time, because we actually read them.

We Carefully Go Through Every Detail

We don’t skim CVs like we’re scrolling through memes. Every detail matters, from your past projects to that tiny note at the bottom about what you love doing. No shortcuts, no filters. If someone spent time making it, the least we can do is spend time reading it.

We Manage Interviews During Our Work Hours

Here’s the truth: we don’t have a separate “hiring department” that runs all day. We design, brainstorm, and meet clients, and in between all that, we interview. It’s part of our daily rhythm, not a rushed task. So sometimes, interviews get spread out. But that’s what keeps the process real and thoughtful.

People often ask why our hiring takes time. The reason is simple. Every application we receive is reviewed by real people, not software. In most cases, it’s reviewed by us, the two founders. Once we received over a thousand CVs for a single role, and still went through each one with full attention. We do it between meetings, during lunch breaks, sometimes late at night. Because every CV carries someone’s dream, and we don’t want to treat that lightly. For us, hiring is not just about filling a seat; it’s about finding the person who truly belongs with us.
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- Abdullah Al Noman, COO, Design Monks

We Don’t Decide Until the Best Stands Out

We don’t go “first-come, first-served.” We go “best fit, best vibe.” That means everyone who makes it through gets a fair shot before we make the final call. No hasty decisions, no picking just because we’re tired.

We Give Candidates the Space to Prove Themselves

Some people open up right away; others take time to show their potential. We understand that. So we let candidates breathe, think, and perform at their own pace. No pressure, no timer, just space to shine.

One Test Isn’t Always Enough

Sometimes, we need a second look. A new task. Another round. Not because we’re unsure of you, but because we want to be sure it’s right for both sides.

I went through around four stages in the selection process.
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1. CV screening: To ensure my profile matched the role.
2. First interview: where they assessed my experience and communication.
3. Test round: I had to prepare and present a slide on Design Monks’ growth.
4. Final interview: Here, I discussed my presentation and overall strategy.

It was definitely time-consuming and challenging, but I believe it was necessary to truly find the best among the best.
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- Sajib Ahmed, SEO Manager

We Believe Great Hiring Takes Time

We’ve learned that rushing leads to regrets. We’re building a team that lasts, not a lineup that changes every few months. So yes, we take our time. It’s because the right people are worth it.

Rejection and Update Mail

And don’t worry, we don’t ghost people. Whether it’s a “yes” or a “not this time,” we send updates. We respect the effort you put in, and you’ll always know where you stand. Because at the end of the day, kindness shouldn’t stop at hiring.

Tips for Future Monks

Thinking of joining Design Monks? Awesome. Here are a few simple (but super useful) tips to help you stand out. We’re not looking for perfection, just authenticity, effort, and a bit of spark.

Show Your Process

We love seeing how your brain works. Don’t just drop polished final screens; show the journey behind them. The scribbles, the “what ifs,” the failed attempts that led to the win. 

It tells us how you think, how you solve problems, and how you learn. Because design isn’t about getting it perfect the first time, it’s about how you get there.

Be Honest

No one expects you to know everything. If something’s new to you, just say so. We appreciate honesty way more than “fake-it-till-you-make-it” confidence. 

It’s better to say, “I haven’t tried that yet, but I’d love to learn.” That mindset speaks volumes about your character and growth potential.

Know Our Culture

Before applying, take a quick peek at what we do, how we talk, and what we value. We’re a remote team that’s chill but passionate, fun but focused. Knowing our culture helps you understand how we collaborate, and whether you’ll enjoy being part of it.

Communicate Clearly

Fancy words don’t impress us; clear thoughts do. When you talk about your work, keep it simple and genuine. Explain your choices, your challenges, and your reasoning. Great communication makes teamwork smoother and shows that you understand your design, not just decorate it.

Bring Your Personality

We hire humans, not portfolios. Be yourself. If you’re funny, show it. If you’re calm, that’s fine too. We value personality because it adds flavor to the team. Don’t be afraid to let your energy show; it helps us see who we’ll be working (and laughing) with every day.

Prepare Thoughtfully

Do a little research before the interview. Check out our work, understand what we stand for, and come with questions. It shows effort, curiosity, and respect for the process. A bit of prep goes a long way, and trust us, we notice it every time.

These tips sound so generic, right? But that’s what actually works. Let’s get some tips from some of the Monks, whom I asked to give some tips for the future Monks:

1. Be yourself - authenticity matters most.
2. Stay curious - keep learning and asking questions.
3. Collaborate openly - teamwork makes everything better.
4. Respect the culture - from stand-ups to breaks, every moment builds connection.
5. Enjoy the journey - it’s more than just work; it’s a place to grow, share, and create together.
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- Nurshad Rahman, Product Designer

Get to Know Design Monks: Take a few minutes to check out our projects or socials; it’ll give you an idea about how we roll.
Brush Up on the Basics: A quick refresh on UI/UX, colors, and layouts is plenty, no need to overthink it.
Play Around with the Tools: Check out Figma, Adobe, or Huly before joining, being familiar makes everything flow more smoothly.
Teamwork Drives Everything Here: Be open to sharing, listening, and creating together; that’s where the magic happens.
Stay Open and Curious: Take feedback with ease, try new things, and keep exploring. That’s how you’ll keep growing.
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- Shakira Mushtary, Content Writer

1. Instead of just making things look good, be logical. Try to understand what problem you are solving, and try to understand whether the solution you are proposing does it creates any value to the target user.
2. Continuous Learning. This journey is a continuous learning process.
3. Try to understand when it's time to think outside the box and when not.
4. Just be confident in yourself
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- Sourav Dhali, Product Designer

End Note

Remember what Shah Rukh Khan once wisely said? “Picture abhi baki hai.” Not getting hired doesn’t mean the story’s over; maybe it’s just an intermission. Many of our Monks didn’t make it on their first attempt either.

So, if you didn’t get the call this time, don’t lose heart. Keep polishing your craft, keep learning, and keep trying. The sequel might just have your name in the credits, and trust us, it’s worth the wait.