JOB SEARCH
3 simple steps to find a great UX job—even in a low-maturity market
Last week, we discussed why "UI/UX Graphic Design" jobs are bad.
We received an email from a Kickass community member (shoutout to Helena 🔥) who was wondering:
Are "UX/UI design" jobs bad too? How do you find a great job if you live in an area lacking mature UX organizations? How do you know whether these jobs are legit or not?
Let's get to the bottom of these questions.
Going beyond terminology
First, it's important to be aligned on all the common terms we see in the marketplace:
- UX designer
- UX/UI designer
- Product designer
Are they all the same? Are they different?
They are usually the same, with some differences depending on the company.
What's most important is to understand:
- Is the job posting legit?
- What's the UX maturity at the company?
So, here are 3 steps to confidently find a great UX job—no matter where you live:
Step 1: Get a first impression with the job title
Job titles are a great way to gain a quick understanding of whether or not a job is legit:
- "UX/UI Graphic design" roles = BAD
- "UX/UI design" roles = anywhere between bad to great
- "UX design" or "Product design" roles = *Usually* the most reliable of the bunch
But a job title is just a first impression.
You could find "UX design" roles that are terrible, or you might find a great "UX/UI design" role.
That's where step 2 comes in.
Step 2: Analyze the job description
With the job title in mind, read the job description closely to ensure the job is solid.
Familiarize yourself with the typical job titles, responsibilities, and salary ranges within the UX industry. This will help you identify whether the job description aligns with industry norms.
Here's what to look for:
- Relevant job responsibilities: Ensure the job description describes specific UX or UX/UI responsibilities—NOT Graphic Design, Marketing, Web Design, etc.
- Relevant software: Look for jobs that require Figma or Sketch knowledge—NOT Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.
- Realistic expectations: Be cautious of job descriptions that promise unrealistic outcomes or make exaggerated claims about the job's impact or growth potential.
- Interview process: If possible, research the company's interview process to ensure it aligns with standard practices and does not seem overly invasive or unprofessional.
Step 3: Assess the UX maturity
If the job description is UX focused, it's a good start.
But no matter what, when interviewing, it's important to assess the UX maturity of the company by asking these questions:
- What is UX research like at the company? (You'll understand if they're serious about the UX process or not)
- What processes are in place to align UX with business impact? (You'll understand if the UX practice is linked to any metrics/KPIs)
- How do other non-design employees see UX at the company? (You'll understand the overall perception of UX at that company)
- Is there an executive-level UX director/manager role present at this company? (You'll understand if UX has a seat at the table)
- Is there a design system in place for the UX team to use? (You'll understand if there are strong processes to scale the UX practice)
Final thoughts
Whether you live near low or high-UX maturity markets, these are the fundamentals you need to know to apply to the right jobs.
Lastly, you'll have to expand your job search to remote positions if you live in an area without many good UX jobs.
Many companies now offer remote work options, which means you can apply for jobs outside your city.
This will increase your chances of finding the right role.
✌️
Stay creative,
Colton & Ludovic