Unlocking UX Success: Key Insights from Google Recruiters on Landing Your Dream Job
In today’s fast-paced digital world, understanding UX roles and how to navigate the design industry is crucial. I recently attended an insightful online event hosted by Grace Ling, the founder of Design Buddies, which focused on “Spotlight on UX roles.” A special thanks to Amanda McCormack and Brittany Jain, our amazing Google recruiters, who took the time to share their knowledge and expertise with us during this one-hour session.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my key takeaways from the event, which include valuable tips and insights on what recruiters want to see on your LinkedIn and resume, presentation tips, what is the best way to stand out as a new graduate designer and how to building a network and showcasing your work in the design industry.
So, let’s dive in!
- What recruiters want to see on your LinkedIn and resume
- Comprehensive profile: Ensure your LinkedIn profile includes links to personal projects, websites, and Dribbble. Complete your education, affiliations, and experience sections to give recruiters a clear understanding of your background.
- Clear and concise: Use bullet points to quickly highlight your experience and the specific domains you worked in (e.g., checkout flow, ads). This allows recruiters to quickly assess your expertise and relevant experience.
2. Presentation tips for the panel : Presentation tips for interviews are similar to creating a portfolio. It’s okay to share the same projects in your portfolio and presentation since you’ll likely interview with different people.
- Time allocation: Typically, you have 45 minutes for a presentation. Start with a 2–5 minute introduction about yourself and then focus on at least two projects that showcase complexity, scope, and impact.
- Project selection: Highlight your ability to navigate ambiguous spaces or projects and choose projects that demonstrate your skills and contributions.
- Individual contributions: Speak in terms of “I” to clearly show your individual contributions to the projects.
- Show your work: Present your design thinking, design process, collaborators, and project duration. Be mindful of NDAs and confidentiality when sharing information.
- Practice and preparation: Test and practice presenting with a friend or colleague using the required video platform to ensure a smooth presentation.
- Timing: Time your presentation well, including an intro, the main content, and a Q&A session, with some buffer for potential delays. This ensures you make the most of your allotted time and can answer any questions the interviewers may have.
3. What is the best way to stand out as a new graduate designer?
- Showcase your personality: Highlight your side hobbies, soft skills, and unique attributes to make your profile stand out.
- Diversify your portfolio: Include personal projects, volunteer work, and pro bono design experiences to demonstrate your range of skills.
- Provide context: Specify the nature and timeline of each project to give a clear understanding of your involvement.
- Highlight creative passions: Share creative side hustles or interests to exhibit your dedication and passion for the field.
- Be open to feedback: Embrace learning opportunities from mentors and connections and be willing to grow professionally.
- Stay persistent and positive: Maintain a positive attitude and keep searching for your ideal role, even during challenging times.
🤩 Bonus on how to building a network and showcasing your work in the design industry
- Expand your network by connecting with people who have your dream job; analyze their background and design journey for inspiration.
- Reach out and collaborate with designers in the community like Design Buddies, ADPList, etc.
- Promote your work on platforms like Dribble and Medium to showcase your passion and expertise.
- Explore portfolios and presentations for a deeper understanding of what to include and how to present your work.
In conclusion, the insights shared by Google recruiters during the online event have shed light on the essential aspects of building a strong UX career. From perfecting your LinkedIn profile and optimizing your portfolio to connecting with industry professionals and embracing the learning process, these tips can help you stand out in a competitive job market. As you embark on your journey to land your dream UX role, remember to stay persistent, positive, and proactive. The road to success may be challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, you can make your mark in the world of UX design.
If you’re interested in discovering more design articles packed with valuable insights, tips, and advice, make sure to stay tuned and follow me on Medium. I’ll be sharing my knowledge, experiences, and learnings in the field of design to help you navigate your career journey. Don’t miss out on these resources; follow me today and join the conversation!
