The rapid influx of startups and digital businesses into the marketplace has produced high demand for user experience talent, and many new jobs are emerging as a result. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for web design and development professionals will grow by 13% over the next ten years. Simply put, there’s no better time to be part of the UX workforce. When you’re looking for a new role, remember that companies compete for the best talent, so don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.
Here are a few tips for successfully navigating today’s job market as a UX professional:
Be Willing to Work Remotely
Poll after poll suggests that remote and hybrid careers are here to stay. For some people, this is excellent news. For others, working virtually presents new challenges. The team you choose can greatly determine your success. Consider what systems they have in place for ensuring remote productivity. How much freedom will you have? What expectations do they have for “cameras on” on Zoom or other conference calls? You’ll also want to know what kind of requirements a future job has for checking in and monitoring your work. Beyond your employer, think about your own habits. To be a successful remote worker, you’ll need to practice being a self-starter. You won’t have a manager always making sure you’re on task, so you have to set up systems and a dedicated space for yourself to make sure you’re showing up and getting work done. Working remotely, whether from home or in a coworking space, often requires adjustments, so think ahead.
Be Selective
It’s an exciting time to be in user experience design. More design jobs are available than skilled candidates, so this is an excellent time for you to be selective and make sure your potential job is right for you. Think about your skill set, compare your skills to job descriptions, and see if the role is a good fit. Consider your strengths and weaknesses, as well as how they might align with potential employers’ needs.
Be Informed
Being well-informed will help you narrow your choices and make the right decision. In addition to awareness of the role requirements, you should know what you need to thrive as an employee. Use this time to look into companies and determine if their brand and values are similar to your own. Look up reviews on job search websites like Glassdoor—remember to take them with a grain of salt—and see what other employees report. It’s a great time to do some soul-searching.
There are more opportunities in the UX field than ever before, but finding the right role in a changing workplace can be challenging. If you’re a designer looking to embark on a career in UX, be sure to investigate all your options before making a commitment. Start by considering your interests, skill set, and work experience, and be sure to do your homework on any potential employers. Go after jobs that