I am a UI/UX designer and I’ve been working for 10 years. Now I’m looking for a job and I see that companies requiere lots of things like UX research and user testing and I don’t have that experience because it wasn’t my job at any of the companies I’ve worked for. Now I feel stuck. I have lots of experience in visuals but in order to get a job in UI/ UX you have to have this end-to-end experience. How can I get that if no one is willing to hire me because I don’t have it? I do have an app to show that I did myself. I did online research before creating it and I “tested” it with a friend. I had an interview at Facebook and the feedback that I got was that, since it wasn’t a real app, I didn’t have real experience on proper UX research and user testing. I feel stuck :(
Don’t get into this thought that since you are a good designer, companies should hire you. Besides core skill, companies look for things like leadership principles in case of Amazon or googliness in google. Prepare yourself by reading about that, mapping your experience to those parameters. Prepare stories of your work experience that will help recruiter make an informed decision. The onus is on you, as a candidate. Wish you all the best.
Okay. But how do I get that experience then? By reading about it? I can’t seem to figure out how to get out of the loop
. People will suggest practice with your friends or family members but that never worked for me, maybe will work for you. Even recording yourself and watching replays might help. But nothing compares with actual interview. One can’t go to heaven without dying first. If you want real experience, start applying for jobs, and get real life experience. There are no magical fairy or pixie dust. Again, all the best and keep us posted.
I'm gonna suggest you look into some courses or a professional degree or some sort of certification. Maybe that helps.
I do have a degree as a graphic designer. I graduated 10 years ago :(
unfortunately visual designers are a dime a dozen. product instincts, user testing and empathy, and knowing how to prototype/get an mvp out the door is far more marketable
Maybe you should check Rooftop Slushie as well. I found pretty decent resources there before. https://www.rooftopslushie.com/request/Google-UX-Research-316
One path to consider: Get a role as a visual or UI specific titled designer at a company with a developed product design org. Then take the time to do the core work while taking on projects that have end to end requirements. Focus on being super successful at both. Work with your manager to set those expectations and career goals. Moving internally is far easier than getting it outright.
Yeah. I’ve seen that all roles that are named “UI designer”, they end up requiring UX skills in the role description. I guess I’ll keep looking. Thanks for the insight
I didn’t realize Facebook had UX Designers. Did you interview for a Product Designer role? Which does require one to understand end to end of creating a product.
Yes. It was a role as a Product Designer. It was weird because during the interview I felt at the same level as my interviewers. But well, I didn’t get the position. Basically “UI/UX Designer” is the same as “Product Designer”
yeah, honestly i lucked into my crazy roles as a product designer cutting my teeth in startups. you may need to do a tour at a startup as a PD for a year before reapplying to FB
Let's see the portfolio!
If I share it here, it’s not anonymous anymore
Strong visual UI is still very much in demand
Guess you can show them your strengths and show them a way to mitigate your weakness. You can get on a probational period specifically in the contract if you are confident that with some experience you can Excel at your job. Also can't utilize your "10" yoe if it's not what they are looking for so possibly downgrade levels etc