User experience is a competitive field to work in, with companies looking to secure the best talent and designers working to find the best opportunities. This can make recruitment a daunting task, so we’ve compiled the top four tips to help hiring managers make the most of their efforts:
1. Know what to ask for
You can learn a lot by looking at a designer’s resume and portfolio, but those pieces of information won’t tell you nearly as much as a conversation with him or her. Take advantage of that time and make sure you’re asking all the right questions. Ask about his or her design process and both their good and bad experiences in the field. You should also get creative with your questions to learn about the candidate’s passions and personality.
2. Look for candidates who understand your business
There are plenty of top-notch designers out there, but that doesn’t mean their experience or expertise lends itself to helping your business thrive. When you talk with potential employees, ask them about their understanding of your industry and company. In the end, that will be much more valuable.
“It’s less about the skills, or even the experience, and more about their understanding of your business (or willingness to admit a lack of understanding),” Emil Lamprecht, CMO and creative director with CareerFoundry, told Skilled Up. “They need to have a clear outlook on how to execute the goals.”
Use your interview time to really get to know a candidate.3. Listen to your gut instincts
While logical thinking is a must in the hiring process, your basic instincts should also play an important role. Justin Cooke, CEO of Fortune Cookie, told Smashing Magazine that while at first he uses his head to determine if someone is a good fit for his company, he then goes over the decision with his heart.
“… The ultimate decision has to be be based on an emotional connection,” he said.
If someone doesn’t feel right for you, then it’s best to go with your gut.
4. Use a recruitment agency
Hunting for the right person for the job can take a lot of time and resources. You can more efficiently find new talent by working with a recruitment agency that specializes in UX. Instead of taking the time to sift through resumes and portfolios and conduct multiple interviews just to be disappointed in the results, you can have someone else do it for you, leading you directly to the best candidates for your company.
Overall, hiring UX talent is full of important decisions, so it’s best to make them carefully and make sure you’re finding the absolute right person for the job. If you make mistakes along the way, use them to improve your hiring process.