Mahmudul Hasan Manik’s Post

I recently interviewed for a strategic designer role at a leading firm. While I didn't get the role, the experience provided valuable insights I wanted to share: What Went Well: *Demonstrated an understanding of the company, its market, and the role's responsibilities. *Highlighted user research methods like personas, journeys, and usability testing. *I was prepared for the different interview rounds and types of questions asked. Opportunities for improvement: *Better articulate the strategic rationale and end-to-end problem framing behind my work. *Strengthen how I communicate an overarching vision and align cross-functional stakeholders. *Use more metrics to substantiate how my design decisions drive impact. *Be prepared to confidently answer out-of-the blue questions that were not anticipated. The feedback reinforced that designers need to go beyond just design execution. We must be systems thinkers, ambassadors to rally teams, and storytellers to inspire with purpose. While disappointed to not get this role, I'm energized by these learnings. My next design interview will be even stronger by: *Framing work more holistically *Sharpening communication skills *Directly tying design decisions to measurable outcomes I'm feeling pumped and looking forward to that next opportunity! If you know anyone hiring for UX designer roles, I'd love to connect. www.rutujakulkarni.com

When Trilogy asked me to pass an IQ test in the top 95% and complete 5 hours of spec work prior to even getting an interview, I realized that I'm permanently done with take-home design assessments. Here's a hard truth that the business side of design does not want you to hear: If a company is asking you to do a take-home design assignment as part of the #UX #design application process - especially at any level above a junior role - it's a red flag that they're incompetent at identifying, vetting, and hiring design talent. *And they know it.* If you're applying for jobs, stop doing these assignments. Full stop. They're not worth your time. At best you get a job in a company where business is deeply dictatorial of the design process and outputs. You will never be free to do good work, let alone your best work. At worst, you will be ghosted, and have wasted precious time you could have spent looking for the right fit. I've worked as a UX professional at every level up to and including the one I'm applying for. I've built (from the ground up), mentored, and lead five ux and design teams for companies that were acquired for more than $4.1 billion. My teams have supported products generating more than $16 billion in annual revenue. I don't have anything to prove to a hiring manager that my resume doesn't already speak for. And neither do you. #ux #design #jobsearch

Last week, I hired a designer to work with me 1:1. No formal interview. No fancy degree. No massive following. No impressive portfolio. Just a DM conversation and a quick scroll through his portfolio. Why? Because potential beats experience every time. I've seen too many people hire for experience or qualifications, only to have those hires turn out to be mediocre. Our industry constantly evolves and changes, and it takes someone with the right mindset and potential to learn, grow, and keep up. When hiring for potential: 1. Look for passion: Someone who cares about the field and has an eagerness to learn and grow. 2. Evaluate their attitude: Someone who is humble, curious, and open-minded. 3. Consider their work ethic: Someone who is willing to put in the effort and go above and beyond. Remember, the right hire isn't always the one with the highest level of education or years of experience. It's the one who is passionate, eager to learn, and demonstrate a willingness to work hard. WE ARE NOT HIRING. KINDLY READ THE POST! #design #ux #uxdesign #designcommunity

Some companies can’t attract top designers because they’re not offering anything special: What a lot of posts on LinkedIn say: - We’re hiring! - Click here to see our jobs. - Just reached unicorn status. - Join the rocket ship. - We need a Designer to do everything. - "We need someone to come and do the UX" Instead, tell designers: - How design leadership supports and mentors teams. - How you’re building an inclusive design culture. - Who is the most senior sponsor for design in the org. - What the actual salary and package is. - Where design reports to in the organisation. Just to name a few points. Spend time creating your narrative as to why the best designers should join you. This is what people actually want to see, not generic JDs.

Industry Standard CTC = F(X); where X = Current CTC Over the past few weeks, I’ve been exploring opportunities in the design industry, and I’ve learned a lot through the process. Recently, I was in conversation with a company for a Junior Product Designer role. While the opportunity initially seemed promising, the experience has highlighted some important aspects of the hiring process that I believe are worth sharing. Transparency in discussions, especially around compensation, is crucial for both candidates and employers. Unfortunately, I encountered a situation where I was asked to disclose my current salary without being given any information about the budget for the role. For me, this raised concerns about alignment and fairness in the hiring process. I decided to step back from this opportunity, reaffirming my commitment to roles where open communication and mutual respect are valued. #JobSearch #UIUX #DesignIndustry #CareerGrowth

How not to hire! So this company want someone on: 20 hours a week (minimum) For 1 year FOR FREE? With no guarantee of being paid that equity or a full time role, in the middle of the toughest job market possibly ever? I like the nerve, but considering the same company are hiring for paid positions in the same area, hard to see how this position will gain traction. And the results? 6 applicants in 4 hours. Don’t undermine your value as a designer just because it’s tough right now. The job market will return sooner than you think. #design #designjobs #uxdesign #productdesign

🎨 Hiring Designers by Archetypes: A New Approach to Building Creative Teams 🎨 Finding the right designer isn’t just about skills—it’s about matching archetypes that align with your team’s vision and needs. In my latest blog post, I explore how hiring by designer archetypes can bring balance, innovation, and cohesion to any creative team. Curious about which archetype your team might be missing? Dive in here! 🚀 https://buff.ly/3YMaNS3 #Hiring #DesignTeams #CreativeHiring #UXDesign #TeamBuilding #DesignerArchetypes

This post by Geoff Teehan very accurately reflects the issue I am facing while hiring currently. So many people have posted tips on portfolios and UX design applications so I won’t go in all details. Few key points I want to highlight for better hiring experience. Remember, as an applicant you need to think from hiring manager’s perspective. So design the best experience for hiring managers to review your application. ✅ Attach your portfolio link in your resume ✅ Provide password right next to the link of portfolio in resume ❌ Don’t just have high fidelity visuals in your portfolio. Provide your design process and outcomes in your case studies. #hiring #uxdesign #designleadership #productdesign

Everyone thinks I know a lot of people in the design industry, but it wasn't like this when I first started. I graduated from a design school, but I barely knew anyone in the design industry. I thought I was pretty good with my grades; there was no way I couldn't find a job in this hot industry. The thing is, no one cared about my grades. Every company I applied to thought I had the right skills, but they always went with another candidate. I couldn't get referrals because I didn't know anyone, so I had to mass-apply. I tried to attend networking events, but I only stood there listening to other people, too afraid to talk. It took me six months to find my first product designer job. Things got a little better the second time. I started to reach out to people online and do video chats. It's still hard to talk to strangers, but it's much easier to get started. I slowly met more people and expanded my network. Even then, it still took me a year to land a job. So if you are looking for a UX job today, don't give up. Slowly reach out to more people. You will get the job you want. #uxjobs #uxdesign #productdesign #designjobs

My thoughts on what’s happening to the design industry as of lately: - Rise of product designer + product manager hybrids. - Rise of design engineers. Designers who know more front-end. - Return and prominence of Design Agencies. Or large corps hiring agencies to do work instead of full-timers. - Talented UX researchers with data skills. Words of advice: Time to upskill or seek roles with a design agency.