Grow as a Designer. Land your Dream Job.
Looking for those hard to find design jobs? Not sure that your portfolio measures up? Unsure about what questions you’ll get in the interview? Finding it hard to even land an interview?
DESIGNERS I'VE HELPED HAVE LANDED HERE
Job Guide for Designers
FREE Step-By-Step Job Guide for Designers. Find the right opportunity, prep like a pro and ace the design interview!
Career Coaching
Strategically and tactically, I can help you set tangible goals that will get real results and grow your design career.
Free Design Resources
Boost your design career with free resources to enhance your skills and help land your dream job.
TRIED AND TRUE RESULTS
Testimonials
I’ve helped 300+ designers power their job search and land dream jobs
“Thank you again for all of your help! It really made me feel more confident in the whole search and interview process and ultimately helped me land a full-time position that I feel lucky to have.”
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Alice / UI Designer, New York
"I just wanted to thank you for your help and let you know that I got a job! I journeyed into UX to try to upscale my ability to make an impact! Thank you for helping build up my confidence and for starting my journey on the right foot!“
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Jason / UX Designer, New York
“Anthony helped me make the transition from graphic designer to UX designer so much easier than I thought.”
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Gemma / Product Designer, Toronto
"I just accepted the offer and I'm extremely excited to start soon. Thank you SO much for all your help and support throughout this process. I don't think I would've been able to feel half as prepared without your help. Thank you!!” 😊
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Julissa / UI Designer, New York
"I GOT THE JOB!!!!! AHHHHHHH! I’m over the moon!!! Thank you so much for your help!! I couldn’t have done it without your guidance."
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Emily / UX Designer, New York
About me
If 20+ years in this industry has taught me anything it’s that "user-first" means building trust, anticipating change, and pivoting quickly.The same could be said for my career.
Recent Guides
Whether you need help job searching, presenting yourself, or showcasing your skills, these proven resources are here to help you achieve your goals.
Let's Connect
If you would like to know more and see how we can work together, feel free to reach out!
1:1 Coaching to Grow your Design Career
Whether you're leveling up, switching careers or just want a new job, we'll set tangible goals that get real results.
DESIGNERS I'VE HELPED HAVE LANDED HERE
It’s time to turn your dream job into a reality.
Committed, expert support for designers searching for work, leveling up or switching careers. We'll work together to decide what topics to cover and foundations to focus on in order to achieve your career goals!
• Portfolio and resume review
• Improving portfolio case studies
• Switching careers with confidence
• Master answers to interview questions
• Skills to help you network like a pro
• Creating opportunities and growth
• Perfecting your presentation skills
• Leveling up to management
• Defeating imposter syndrome
• Skills to ace the design exercise
• Obtain confidence and fulfillment
• Building stronger interpersonal skills
• Tools to overcome difficult situations
• Building a positive work / life balance
• How to negotiate a raise / promotion
• Tools to establish better boundaries
TRUE STORY
“Anthony helped me make the transition from graphic designer to UX designer so much easier than I thought.”
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Gemma / UI Designer, Toronto
HOW IT WORKS
Tailored to help you achieve your career goals:
A laser focused, hour-long 1:1 session where we evaluate your biggest pain point, define your goals, and set specific steps you can take to get the most out of your career. Ideal for portfolio review, crafting a game plan and getting feedback that pushes you to deliver.What we cover depends on your personal goals and can include:✔ Portfolio and resume reviews
✔ Career transition planning
✔ Interview preparation
✔ Presentation prep
✔ Freelance consultation
✔ Management consultation
✔ Case study review and planning
✔ Identity and approach refreshAfter our session, you’ll receive a follow-up email from me with a summary of what was reviewed, progress made, next steps and resources.
Pricing
$95 per 60 minute session
Other pricing options below.
WHAT'S MY APPROACH?
3 ways we can work together:
1.
1:1 Session
A laser focused, hour-long 1:1 session where we evaluate your portfolio, define your goals, and set specific steps you can take to get the most out of your career. We'll set an ambitious yet achievable action plan to help you reach your full potential. After our session, you’ll receive a follow-up email from me with a summary of what was reviewed, progress made, next steps and resources.
2.
Multiple 1:1 Sessions
Receive a 10% discount when you book three sessions! We'll assess your career objectives, map out long and short-term solutions and follow through on them as a team. I'll make sure you have actionable steps to take before we meet again, plus free email support between sessions. Afterwards, you’ll receive a follow-up email outlining your goals, strategy and progress.
3.
Unsure if it's for you?
If you’re unsure about committing to a plan but would like to know more you can book a free 10 minute information call. During our call we'll get to know each other better, explore your aspirations for your creative career and see if working with me is a good fit. Or if you prefer to communicate through email, you can always reach out to me at: [email protected]
About Me
For over two decades, I have managed multiple design teams, launched several product lines and helped companies grow. But as much as I loved my work, I felt the call to try something new and give back to an industry that had given me so much. As a career coach I teach designers new skills, strategies, and tools to help them improve their performance and achieve professional success.
Who I work with
UX/UI Designers, Product Designers, Visual Designers, Graphic Designers, Brand Designers, Content Strategists, Product Manager, Product Owners, Digital Project Managers, Production Artists, Creative Project Managers, Art Directors, Creative Directors, Motion Designers.
20+
Years of Design Experience
6.5
Years Coaching
500+
Designers Coached
1800+
Coaching Sessions
SUCCESS STORIES
Read what others have said about working with me.
“I'm very grateful for all the knowledge, coaching and support Anthony gave me. He made the transition from graphic designer to UX designer so much easier than I thought.”
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Gemma / Product Designer, Toronto
Thank you for bringing out the best in me in my new career. You've influenced my life for the better. 🙂
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Kubra / UX Designer, Ohio
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I negotiated myself into a slightly higher base salary and accepted the position! This wouldn't have been possible without your thoughtful guidance. Thank you :)
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Natasha / Product Designer, Washington, D.C.
I just wanted to thank you for your help and guidance as a mentor — and let you know that I got a job!
I journeyed into UX design to try to upscale my ability to make an impact. Thank you for helping build up my confidence and for starting my journey on the right foot!
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Jason / Product Designer, New York
Anthony was a great coach, and I felt he genuinely cared about my growth as a newbie designer. He gave good advice on all of my projects, and I’m looking forward to having him as a coach again!
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Sabrina / Product Designer, North Carolina
You are the best mentor I've ever met! You conducted a great mock interview with me, which helped me succeed in the real interviews. You also offered advice on how to prepare, what to talk about, how to behave – that was beyond my expectation and super helpful. Hope I can schedule more sessions with you.
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Yunjie / Product Designer, San Francisco
I feel very lucky to have had you as my career coach. Your useful and excellent advice will always remain with me. Thank you for being so positive every time I wound up getting discouraged and for believing in me more than I did myself. It was a pleasure working with you. Thanks again for your constant support and patience.
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Divya / UI Designer, Illinois
Deeply grateful for all of your guidance, feedback and wisdom!!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU 👏👏
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Kathy / UX Designer, New York
I just accepted the offer and I'm extremely excited to start soon. Thank you SO much for all your help and support throughout this process. I don't think I would've been able to feel half as prepared without your help. Thank you!! 😊
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Julissa / UI Designer, New York
I GOT THE JOB!!!!! AHHHHHHH! I’m over the moon!!! Thank you so much for your help!! I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.
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Emily / UX Designer, New York
Thank you again for all of your insights, feedback, and warm spirit. And thank you for sharing your deep experiences as a design professional. You clearly have a passion and talent for educating and helping others.
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Zak / UX Designer, Boston
I came into this mentorship experience really looking for structure, direction, and advice from someone with years of experience - and I certainly received that. It was really great to discuss the design process with you, and to hear what UX designers and managers are looking for from within the field. Whether it came to presenting my designs, networking, or even the mindset of UX design, I found myself leaving every video session with a ton of confidence, which greatly positively impacted my professional interactions. Overall, I took a lot away from these sessions: great habits, a confident outlook, and a renewed passion for the field I love so much. So, thank you.
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Elana / UI Research, New York
Anthony is the Bob Ross of UX/UI. Super chill, gives good feedback and is very helpful!
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Morgan / Product Designer, Ohio
Thank you Anthony, you are such a brilliant career coach. The preparation before my final interview was extremely helpful! I can’t thank you enough for cheering me up during my hardest times.
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Aroura / Product Designer, New York
Just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU again for all of your help, advice, tips, and practice interviews. Really couldn't have done it without you and I'm so excited (and also a bit nervous) to start this new chapter!
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Peggy / UX Designer, Bay Area
Questions, frequently asked:
Why would I hire a career coach?
If you’re new to career coaching, I’m sure you’re asking whether it’s worth the investment. The answer varies depending on your personal goals and resources, but let’s put it this way: if you were applying to grad school, would you invest in that process? Getting into the right school can be a key step towards your dream career, and studying, hiring a tutor or taking GMAT classes would only help. So when it comes to the career itself, why not invest as much - or more - in its long term success?
How do you coach?
Honest, direct and constructive. I put in the time one-on-one to understand your experience and your perspective. That’s how I provide candid insights about your strengths and blind spots; no sugar-coating, no yay-saying. Just as importantly, I focus on critique that is productive and practical. Whether we’re discussing a portfolio or your trajectory as a whole, I‘m your undivided source of support, feedback and codirection.
Will you guarantee me a job?
Of course, no one can guarantee you a job other than the person hiring you. But the work you put into your career before applying to a job is probably more important than the application itself. Together, we’ll set tangible goals so you’re right where you need to be when it comes time for the interview, the transition, or the level up.
Why are you a career coach?
I’ve long enjoyed teaching and mentorship as much as the design craft. Establishing an independent creative coaching platform has allowed me to build more committed, affective relationships with my clients, while continuing to push the potential of good design.
MENTOR, TEACHER, DESIGN LEADER
About Me
“Anthony is the Bob Ross of UX/UI. Super chill, gives good feedback and is very helpful!”
–––
Morgan / Product Designer, Ohio
6.5
Years Coaching
500+
Designers Coached
1800+
Coaching Sessions
Anthony Faria
For over twenty years, I've been at the forefront of design innovation, managing teams, launching product lines, and driving revenue for successful startups - two of which were acquired.But even as I achieved professional success, I knew I wanted to do more. I wanted to give back to the industry that had given me so much, and help others succeed in their own design careers.That's why I started my own design consultancy in 2018, where I advise early-stage tech companies on design strategy and team organization. I also joined the faculty at Pratt Institute, where I develop coursework in User Experience Design and mentor students at all levels.But my passion for helping designers doesn't stop there. I've created a range of design resources to help others navigate the ever-evolving design industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, I'm here to help you achieve your goals.See how I can help
Connect With Me
Fall '23
Pratt Online Courses
I will be leading an online courses this fall through Pratt Institute. For more information click the link below.
Courses: Human-Centered Design & UX Portfolio
Let's Connect
If you would like to know more and see how we can work together, email me!
3 ways I can help:
Job Guide for Designers
With this guide you will find the right opportunity, prep like a pro and ace the design interview!
Career Coaching
Strategically and tactically, I can help you set tangible goals that will get real results and grow your career.
Free Design Resources
Boost your design career with free resources to enhance your skills and help land your dream job.
Contact Me
Thanks for wanting to connect with me. Below are different ways I can help, and you can always email me with questions.
Job Guide for Designers
With this guide you will find the right opportunity, prep like a pro and ace the design interview!
Career Coaching
Strategically and tactically, I can help you set tangible goals that will get real results and grow your career.
Free Design Resources
Boost your design career with free resources to enhance your skills and help land your dream job.
Resources for UX Designers
Proven resources to help boost your design career, enhance your skill-set and help you land your dream job. Updated regularly.
Ultimate List of Job Sites for Designers
Finding all the UX design jobs that are out there can be daunting. But fear not! In this ultimate list, I've done the legwork for you and compiled the top job posting sites for designers, so you can focus on finding your next great opportunity.
7 books to help power-up your design and... interview skills
The design industry is competitive, and acing the interview is essential to landing your dream job. In this article, I'll share a list of essential books to help designers master the art of the interview and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
No. 1 interview prep tool: The job description
Using the job description as a roadmap for your interview preparation can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. In this article, I'll walk you through how to make the most of the job description and ace your next interview.
3 must-have skills to show in the design portfolio
Having interviewed dozens of candidates and reviewed hundreds of portfolios for over 14 years, I’ve gathered a sense of what other look for in hiring design talent.
Coming Soon
Looking for your next career move?
FREE Step-By-Step Job Guide for Designers. This guide will help you will find the right opportunity, prep like a pro and ace the design interview!
I respect your privacy. I don’t believe in spam.
Job Sites for Designers
I've done the legwork for you and compiled the top job posting sites for designers, so you can focus on finding your next great opportunity.
Updated regularly.
Most Popular Job Sites
Indeed https://www.indeed.com/LinkedIn http://linkedIn.comGlassdoor http://glassdoor.comGoogle Careers https://careers.google.com/Dribbble https://dribbble.com/jobsHired https://hired.com
Remote Job Sites
Better Remote https://www.betterremote.net/Just Remote https://justremote.co/Jobspresso https://jobspresso.co/WeWorkRemotely: http://weworkremotely.comRemoteOk http://remoteok.io/Remote.co https://justremote.co/Remotive https://remotive.com/Remote Leaf https://remoteleaf.com/Skip The Drive https://www.skipthedrive.com/The Design Kids https://thedesignkids.org/city-jobs/city-nyc/Working Nomads https://www.workingnomads.com/jobs
Startups
Wellfound https://wellfound.com/jobsBlind https://www.teamblind.com/jobsY Combinator - https://www.ycombinator.com/jobs/role/designerWork at a Startup https://www.workatastartup.com/jobs/l/designerProduct Hunt http://producthunt.com/jobsOtta https://otta.com/Startup Jobs https://startup.jobsStartupers https://www.startupers.com/searchTopStartups https://topstartups.io/jobs/
Entry Level UX Design Jobs
Built in NYC (multiple cities) https://www.builtinnyc.com/Design Apprenticeship https://www.designapprenticeship.com/apprenticeshipsEarly Stage Design Careers https://www.earlystagedesignjobs.com/Ideate Labs - Jr. UX Board https://www.ideatelabs.co/job-boardLove Circular https://lovecircular.com/entrylevelOpen Doors https://www.opendoorscareers.com/Monster http://monster.comChegg Internships https://www.internships.com/IBM https://www.ibm.com/careers/us-en/early-career/internship/
Women Focused Job Boards
Tech Ladies https://www.hiretechladies.com/jobs?search=ux designWomen Who Design https://womenwho.design/jobsRemote Women https://remotewoman.com/remote-design-jobs/Career Contessa https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/
Diversity and Inclusive Job Boards
Blacks in Civic Tech https://jobs.blacksincivictech.org/Pink Jobs https://pink-jobs.com/Inclusv https://inclusv.com/Jopwell https://www.jopwell.com/jobsWorkplace Diversity https://workplacediversity.com/
Large Tech Company Design Jobs
Google Design https://design.google/jobs/Microsoft Design https://www.microsoft.com/design/careers/Amazon Design https://amazon.design/jobsIBM Design https://www.ibm.com/design/
Graphic / Visual / Brand Design Jobs
Krop https://www.krop.com/creative-jobs/Awwwards https://www.awwwards.com/jobs/search/AIGA https://designjobs.aiga.org/Design Jobs Board https://www.designjobsboard.com/Shillington https://blog.shillingtoneducation.com/category/jobsIf You Could Jobs https://www.ifyoucouldjobs.com/jobsCreative Mornings https://creativemornings.com/jobsHigherEd Jobs https://www.higheredjobs.com/search/
Other Job Sites
Looppanel https://www.looppanel.com/find-ux-jobsMashable http://jobs.mashable.com/jobsStillHiring.today https://stillhiring.today/Toptal https://toptal.comWork With Us https://workwithus.io/The Ladders https://www.theladders.com/CrunchBoard https://www.crunchboard.com/jobsAuthentic https://authenticjobs.com/LinkUp https://search.linkup.com/search/results
Designer Job Sites - International
Jobs in Europe https://landing.jobs/BeeFrii https://beefrii.com/4 Day Week
https://4dayweek.io/remote-jobs/designEU Remote Jobs
https://euremotejobs.com/jobs/remote-design-jobs/
Social Impact Job Boards
All Tech is Human
https://alltechishuman.org/responsible-tech-job-board80000 Hours https://jobs.80000hours.org/Escape the City https://www.escapethecity.org/search/jobs?q=Idealist
https://www.idealist.org/en/jobs?q=designImpact Pool
https://www.impactpool.org/searchCharityJob (International)
https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobsDesign Gigs for Good https://groups.google.com/g/design-gigs-for-good?pli=1
Design Management / Leadership Sites
Boooom https://boooom.co/Designx https://designx.community/jobs/
Online Profiles
Read.cv https://read.cv/exploreUpwork https://www.upwork.com/i/how-it-works/freelancer/Working Not Working https://workingnotworking.com/Fiverr https://www.fiverr.com/
Designer Communities
👋 Be sure to join Design Communities to access their job boards
Designer Slack Communities https://www.designerslack.community/Discord UX Design Servers https://disboard.org/servers/tag/ux
Designer Salaries
👋 Helpful sites on design salary nationwide and H-1B visa information
https://designx.community/salary/
https://h1bdata.info/index.php
Connect With Me
No. 1 interview prep tool: The job description
Using the job description as a roadmap for your interview preparation can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success.
I’m going to show you how you can use a job description to your advantage when interviewing.
By doing this you put yourself in the best position to ace the interview. You’ll be in sync with the interviewer's needs, and feel more comfortable in talking about your experience and be prepared for the questions coming at you.
Unfortunately, most candidates just give the job description a passing glance and never use it in their interview prep.
Controlling the things you can in an interview.
How many times have you prepared for an interview and didn’t know where to start? The nerves begin once you set up the date for an interview and your clarity becomes distorted. It’s happened to me plenty of times.
-Should I focus on answers to questions that I found online?
-Should I dive deep into the company culture to really understand it?
-Maybe I’ll look up the interviewer online and see if I can find an edge?
I was unsure of what areas to focus on. It made my preparation scattered and I missed areas to prepare for that I was eventually asked about in the interview.
Your resume and experience got you the interview. Now it’s time to position yourself and show how your experience translates into what they’re looking for.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Review the job description
The job description is a roadmap that the hiring manager (and others on the team) use to vet candidates and guide the interview. It's part of what they use to create a profile for the ideal candidate.
Understanding the job description will give you an advantage over others.
We’re going to do this by creating questions from the job description that you can then prepare answers for which highlight your competency.
Remember: a hiring manager may have seen something in your work or past experience that made them want to talk with you and now they want to know if you can meet the requirements of the role.
It is your time to be crystal clear in showing how you’re the right person for the role.
This approach will serve three purposes:1. Help you anticipate potential questions that will most likely be asked
2. Show how your skills and experience aligns to the position
3. Provides you with confidence in the interview
We’ll use this Product Designer position at Pandora as an example in how to create questions from a job description.
Step 2: Separate the job description into potential questions
Reviewing the Pandora job description you’ll see it’s separated into different sections: About Pandora, How you’ll make an impact, What you’ll do, What you’ll need
These are the general sections of most job descriptions, though they could be called by different names. Each section is important for the candidate to review.
Job descriptions have a list of requirements and qualifications that they are looking for in the candidate. These are usually in the form of bullet points.
Take each point and turn it into a potential question and then prepare an example that shows how your experience translates into what the team is looking for. Your answer should be in story format when possible.
Example
Let’s take a bullet point from the What you’ll need section:
• Proficiency in Sketch, Figma, Abstract, Zeplin, or other relevant design tools.A possible question that could be asked based on that bullet point might be:
What software do you use to create your designs?And, now craft an answer:
I would consider myself an expert in Figma. It’s the software I use to create everything from wireframes to clickable prototypes. I’m versed in the features that help promote consistency and improve workflow across projects. It’s a great collaboration tool as well. With a recent project of mine I was able to walk a developer through my files and then share access with them…
Do that for each bullet point and you’ll be ready to show the interviewer why you’re the right candidate for the role.
Remember, review the complete job description.
One observation I’ve seen was some designers would focus only on the sections they think are relevant to their experience. Every part of the job description is an opportunity to craft answers to questions the interviewer will most likely ask.
For example, I highlighted two areas in the above About Pandora and How you’ll make and impact sections that could be turned into possible questions in the interview
Here are possible questions for those two sections:Give me an example of how you worked with others to drive the company vision?
and
Walk me through a project of yours that solved a unique challenge
Using ChatGPT to help generate answers
ChatGPT is a great resource that you can use to help you generate questions. Try different prompts and see what results you get. Here's one:Prompt:
"Draft interview questions based on the bullet points in this job description: [Paste Job Description]"
Be sure to check the questions and review the job description for others that might have been missed.
Step 3. Organize answers and practice them out loud
Once you understand how questions could be created you’ll look at the job description as the ultimate prep tool.
Remember to craft your answers in a story format, based on an experience when possible. It’s important that you practice giving you answers out loud. This will get you comfortable in speaking your answers and having them sound naturally.
Also, recording your answers to interview questions and playing it back improves your delivery tenfold. It will help you remove filler words like ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’.
The result will help you to articulate how your skills and strengths align with what they are looking for.
Takeaway
Once you use the job description, and prepare examples that show how your experience translates into what the team is looking for, it will set you apart from other candidates.
-Review job description
-Create possible questions
-Prepare answers in story format
-Practice saying your answers out loud
7 Books to help power-up your design & interview skills
The interview process can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a list of valuable resources to help you prepare for your next design interview and land the job of your dreams.
Design is Storytelling
Author: Ellen Lupton
This book will help any designer amplify the narrative power of their work. Use this book to stir emotions, build empathy, articulate values and to write and deliver strong narratives.
Forever Employable - How to Stop Looking for Work and Let Your Next Job Find You
Author: Jeff Gothelf
From the author of Lean UX, Jeff Gothelf shares the tips, tricks, techniques and learnings that helped him become Forever Employable.
Articulation Design Decisions - Communicate with Stakeholders Keep your Sanity and Deliver the Best User Experience
Author: Tom Greever
How you communicate with stakeholders, clients and with a hiring manager can be more important then the designs themselves. This practical guide focuses on principles, tactics, and actionable methods for presenting your designs. Here's an excerpt:
"The difference between a good designer and great designer is the ability to not only solve the problem, but also to articulate how the design solves it in a way that is compelling and fosters agreement. If you can do that, you're a great designer."
A Designer's Guide to Interviewing
Author: Tanner Christensen
This guide is comprised of everything designers today need to master the interviewing process and demonstrate the skills employers are looking for from design. 👏
Solving Product Design Exercises - Questions & Answers
Author: Artiom Dashinsky
The go-to resource for designers at all levels, this book will help you prepare to solve and present exercises that are common in the design interview. With 7-step framework for solving digital product design exercises and over 30 examples of whiteboard and take-home exercises to prep you for the next interview.
UX Design Interviews: The job guide for passing interviews and getting UX Design jobs.
Author: Duane Harrison
It's packed with detailed, practical, and insightful guidance, from writing a resume, to answering interview questions. Written by an experienced UX designer, Duane Harrison. In each chapter, he shares his own notes and knowledge on how to get your dream UX or UI job.
How to Get a UX Design Job: Create a compelling portfolio, submit a stand-out application, and ace the interview to land your user experience dream job
Author: Lisa Murnan
Answer common UX interview questions with confidence. Master the art of the in-person design exercise. Written by a UX designer for UX designers, this practical, tactical handbook will help you take your user experience career to the next level.
Switching careers & beating imposter syndrome.
Proven resources to help boost your design career, enhance your skill-set and help you land your dream job. Updated regularly.
https://twitter.com/dremilyanhalt/status/1287077516578963456?s=20https://twitter.com/jackbutcher/status/1276210810906386434?s=20https://twitter.com/todd_herman/status/1638533518857850885?s=20I often work with designers that are new to the field of product design, usually having made a career switch from another industry. They have taken extensive coursework giving them the knowledge and skills related to UX design. Part of the work I do is to help them craft a detailed plan for the job hunt. There’s a lot that’s needed; portfolio, resume, cover letter, etc. Also, the need to speak about yourself in interview situations. What I often hear from designers during this process is this feeling that they are not good enough, they have impostor syndrome. Impostor syndrome refers to an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. Impostor syndrome can also show up with established designers as well and with many students who have just earned a degree in design, questioning whether they can compete in this industry. The interview process can be challenging and the pressure to succeed is real. But there are ways to overcome feeling like a phony.Here’s what I’ve learned:Recognize your achievements and expertise - If you’ve done the work to learn the craft, built a portfolio and worked with others then recognize those achievements. That is a big achievement. UX design is complicated. Educating yourself on the complexities of the field and creating a portfolio is a lot of work and something that should be congratulated. It’s also important to understand other skills that are important in a design career which you may have gained in a previous career; collaborating, problem solving, troubleshooting, organizing, being part of a team, etc. Remember that those other skills are just as valuable in the design world. Writing down what you 're good at and the areas you may need improvement in can help in giving you perspective on all that you’ve done.Talk to others - Sharing your feelings with others can have a way of lessening those feelings. Talking with a mentor, coach or even therapist can give you insight and different ways to address the issue. Part of my work with designers is to review all that they have achieved; portfolio, completed coursework, previous successes, skills they’ve learned, new tools they’ve picked up. Also, the areas of design that they may need to improve on and work on a plan to help them up their skill. I then help them to craft their story so they can talk to others about the journey that is unique to them. The sooner you begin talking to others about your skills and experiences the more comfortable you’ll feel about being a designer.Finally, remind yourself of what you’ve done - many times in my career I faced new challenges I wasn’t sure I was ready for; managing others, speaking in front of an audience, or starting that new job. In each instance I had moments of doubt, that I wasn’t good enough. It’s okay to have those feelings. I just worked hard to remind myself what I have done to get me here and not let those moments of doubt control my actions. And it helped in making those moments seem a little less scary
Controlling the things you can in an interview.
- Fashion Accessories Designer
- Non-profit Management
- Chef / Catering Director
- Customer Service Rep
- Aerospace Marketing
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Digital Ads Specialist
- Front-end Developer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Museum Accountant
- Consultant Services
- Speech Pathologist
- Stay-at-home Mom
- Massage Therapist
- Stay-at-home Dad
- Furniture Designer
- Media Coordinator
- Concert Promoter
- Graphic Designer
- Interior Architect
- Physical Therapy
- Business Analyst
- Project Manager
- Flight Attendant
- Home Organizer
- Sales Manager
- Web Designer
- Set Designer
- MMA Fighter
- Dog Walker
- Accountant
- Bank Teller
- Bar Tender
- Electrician
- Journalist
- Recruiter
- Attorney
- Nurse
- Editor
- Actor
1 on 1 Career Coaching for UX Designers
Plan your next step and make gains with one-on-one support, for every level of experience.
👉 Looking for your next career move?
Get access to my free step-by-step guide to landing your dream job ASAP!
Ultimate List of Job Sites for Designers
Finding the perfect design job can be a daunting task. But fear not! In this ultimate list, I've done the legwork for you and compiled the top job posting sites for designers, so you can focus on finding your next great opportunity.
7 books to help power-up your design and... interview skills
The design industry is competitive, and acing the interview is essential to landing your dream job. In this article, I'll share a list of essential books to help designers master the art of the interview and make a lasting impression on potential employers.
Switching careers & beating imposter syndrome.
Finding the perfect design job can be a daunting task. But fear not! In this ultimate list, I've done the legwork for you and compiled the top job posting sites for designers, so you can focus on finding your next great opportunity.
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Another article: Meetups and where to find them. Listicle
No. 1 interview prep tool: The job description
Using the job description as a roadmap for your interview preparation can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. In this article, I'll walk you through how to make the most of the job description and ace your next interview.
3 must-have skills to see in the design portfolio
Having interviewed dozens of candidates and reviewed hundreds of portfolios for about 14 years, I’ve gathered a sense of what to look for in hiring design talent.
Coming Soon
Track your analytics to optimize the job search.
Finding the perfect design job can be a daunting task. But fear not! In this ultimate list, I've done the legwork for you and compiled the top job posting sites for designers, so you can focus on finding your next great opportunity.
Read Now
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1:1 Coaching to Grow your Design Career
Whether you're leveling up, switching careers or just want a new job, we'll set tangible goals that get real results.
1.
Free Info Session
Let's kick off our journey with an information call where we'll get to know each other better and explore your aspirations for your creative career. If you decide to proceed, I'll create a tailored agenda for our initial session. And if you opt for ongoing coaching, we'll map out a comprehensive roadmap for all our sessions together.
2.
Private Session
With each laser focused 1:1 video call, I‘m your undivided source of support as we work together to define and clarify your career goals. We'll set ambitious yet achievable action plans to help you reach your full potential. Every session will leave you inspired and empowered with actionable steps to achieve long-term success.
3.
Action & Success
After our session, you'll receive a comprehensive email summary outlining everything we discussed, resources and a detailed plan of action. If you opt for multiple sessions, I'll make sure you have plenty of actionable steps to take before we meet again, plus email support between sessions. After our five weeks, you’ll receive a follow-up outline of your goals, strategy and progress.
Free Job Guide for Designers
With this guide you will find the right opportunity, be able to prep like a pro and ace the design interview!. Enter your email address below for access.
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