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YOE: 7+ in designing for enterprise SaaS, have plenty of in front-end code experience (javascript, html, css) and lately I've been operating as a product manager at my role. I have a computer science degree, but my biggest strength is in product design. I've been known as a "heavy hitter" at my last company. I've been actively job hunting for the past 3-4 months and recognizing the UX field feels very competitive. I've browsed Blind for recommendations and implemented some inspirations from other UX designers, but I'm still finding myself not getting past the initial submission of application processes (I'm getting few initial phone screenings). My goal is to join a larger well-known company. Anyone have tips they can share about their journey landing a Sr UX designer role, and provide me with resume and portfolio feedback?
If you’re getting to phone screens, it’s not your resume or cover letter. If those initial calls are with a recruiter, it means you look good on paper but the HM isn’t seeing a fit to arrange a conversation. It could be your portfolio or design-specific skills? Another aspect may be that you are great at wearing multiple hats. However, that talent scares HMs. I’ve had that problem in the past, too. I don’t understand it because I think flexibility and adaptability are excellent traits in an employee. But for some reason, HMs are skeptical of designers that can do more. Ultimately, my career path veered from design because of this very reason. I will say if you take this route, you’ll likely uncover more opportunities and better compensation in a non-designer role.
Indeed, I’ve seen many times the HM not understanding/scared that a designer can code 🤷🏻♂️
Whoops, totally miswrote "not getting past initial phone screens". What I meant is I'm not getting to the initial phone screen -- meaning I submit my application and got rejected without moving forward to an initial phone call. I never thought that multiple hats could be a potential red flag! I found myself leaning towards going after a product manager role, but my rationale was to apply for the position where I'm most talented. I honestly enjoy building products and equally enjoy both, which is what I'm struggling with today.
You can DM me. Happy to have a conversation, review your materials, etc. And if you're interested in moving to LA I might have ideas for you. I'd echo what others are saying--with your background and experience you should be passing most recruiter phone screens (assuming you're applying to companies in San Diego as that's where Tealium HQ is). You're a design "unicorn". So there may be something going on with your phone screen responses.
Thanks! Sent you a DM
I'll add that you should be targeting companies based on your experience. So if you have 7 years at Tealium, it'll be hard to get a Sr role at a top tier company for a consumer- facing role. You'll want to target enterprise, B2B, SaaS, etc.
DM me your portfolio
Just sent you a DM
DM me your portfolio I can take a look
DM your portfolio and I’ll take a look. Where are you applying? Are you trying to make the switch from enterprise to consumer facing products?
Do you have clear examples of user research in your portfolio? If not, that could be a reason you’re getting rejected, especially if you’re positioning yourself as a “heavy hitter” or 🦄.
If they are not calling you at all, I'd try networking. The best way to get past the initial application read is via referral.
Design practices varies a lot, and there are different expectations of what a UX/Product designer should do. The field can be competitive but the market is quite good. Are the initials screenings with HR/ recruiters? (If yes, you should pass 90%+, maybe you are saying something wrong there?) If you have a strong profile, you should expect 10-20% replies from cold application. Try to use your network, that should help. Send me your resume and portfolio, I’ll have a look.
Just DM'd you