Week 6: Finding a UX Job
In the concluding segment of the Google UX Design Certificate, you will concentrate on preparing yourself for entry into the job market as a novice UX designer. You will refine your portfolio to ensure its readiness for presentation during job applications. Furthermore, you will delve into the interview process specific to UX design, formulating strategies for success across various interview formats, including preliminary research, crafting an elevator pitch, managing phone screenings, conducting portfolio presentations, tackling whiteboard exercises, and completing take-home design assignments. Additionally, you will investigate the realm of freelancing, acquiring knowledge on how to formulate a business plan and secure your initial client.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop a UX portfolio website tailored for job interviews
- Identify best practices for successful interviews
- Illustrate methods for establishing rapport with interviewers
- Research and rehearse responses to common interview inquiries
- Explain the purpose and framework of panel interviews and whiteboard exercises
- Create strategies to showcase portfolio work during the interview process
- Articulate how to launch a freelance UX design enterprise
- Formulate an effective elevator pitch
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON UX PORTFOLIOS
1. A UX designer can begin their career at what type of company? Select all that apply.
- Production company
- Design agency (CORRECT)
- Start-up (CORRECT)
- Large company (CORRECT)
- Advertising agency (CORRECT)
Design agencies serve as a comprehensive hub for the visual identity of brands, products, and services, primarily concentrating on branding and design. UX designers may embark on their careers at various establishments, including large corporations, advertising agencies, and start-ups.
Start-ups represent emerging enterprises striving to create distinctive products or services and successfully introduce them to the market. Typically, teams within start-ups are more compact and collaborative than those in larger corporations, with each team member undertaking multifaceted roles and responsibilities, resembling a generalist approach. Other potential career entry points for UX designers include large corporations, advertising agencies, and design agencies.
Prominent corporations such as Google, Apple, Nike, and Amazon offer valuable opportunities for professionals looking to deepen their expertise within a specific area of UX design while learning from seasoned experts. Start-ups, advertising agencies, and design agencies also represent viable paths for UX designers to initiate their careers.
Advertising agencies comprise teams of creative professionals engaged by clients to develop marketing campaigns. Designers within advertising agencies are likely to encounter diverse brands and organizations, thus broadening their experience. Alternative organizations for UX designers to consider for career beginnings include large corporations, start-ups, and design agencies.
2. Why is it important for an entry-level designer to present their portfolio to potential employers? Select all that apply.
- Present a roadmap on where they want to be in their career
- Provide transparency on their work history
- Prove they have the skills and potential to get the work done (CORRECT)
- Show they are open to continuous learning (CORRECT)
Correct: It’s important for an entry-level designer to consider how they should present their portfolio to employers because it proves they have the skills and potential to get the work done. It also shows that they’re open to learning.
Correct: It’s important for an entry-level designer to consider how they should present their portfolio to employers because it demonstrates that they’re open to learning. It also proves they have the skills and potential to get the work done.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON PREPARING FOR UX INTERVIEWS
1. What are some key tips for building rapport with an interviewer? Select all that apply.
- Be defiant
- Be curious (CORRECT)
- Be yourself (CORRECT)
- Be genuine (CORRECT)
Authenticity, sincerity, and curiosity are key attributes to embody! Maintaining an open mindset presents valuable opportunities to deepen your understanding of the individual you are engaging with, the position you are exploring, and the organization you are considering joining.
Authenticity, sincerity, and curiosity are key attributes to embody! Proactively share insights about your experiences to foster a connection while ensuring you remain professional and mindful of the interviewer’s personal space.
Authenticity, sincerity, and curiosity are key attributes to embody! Present your genuine, professional self, and articulate your work and values with transparency.
2. Why should you be curious to build rapport with your interviewer? Select all that apply.
- Professional representation of a designer’s personal brand
- Identifies other opportunities that may be available if this role doesn’t fit
- Leads to having better, more insightful questions (CORRECT)
- Creates more opportunities to learn about the person you’re communicating with (CORRECT)
Correct: You can learn more about the people you’d be working with and how they feel about the organization. It can also create opportunities to learn more about the job you’re interviewing for and the company you’re considering joining.
Correct: It creates opportunities to learn more about the job you’re interviewing for and the company you’re considering joining. It can also lead to having better, more insightful questions because you can learn more about the people you’d be working with, and how they feel about the organization.
3. Identify actions a designer should take to prepare themselves before an interview. Select all that apply.
- Build rapport with interviewers
- Explore requirements and expectations (CORRECT)
- Build a knowledge base about the company (CORRECT)
- Determine and prepare answers to common interview questions (CORRECT)
- Build a narrative (CORRECT)
Designers can thoroughly investigate the requirements and expectations associated with a UX design position by engaging with professional networks and communities, or by meticulously reviewing the job description. Additionally, they can prepare responses to frequently asked interview questions, develop a comprehensive understanding of the company, and construct a compelling narrative prior to the interview.
Additionally, it is advisable to research aspects that delve into the company’s mission statement and culture. Designers should also analyze requirements and expectations, prepare well-informed responses to common interview questions, enhance their knowledge about the company, and create a narrative ahead of the interview.
For optimal interview preparation, designers should formulate answers to typical interview questions. Furthermore, they can assess requirements and expectations, enhance their knowledge about the company, and develop a narrative prior to the interview.
Crafting a narrative that reflects a designer’s personal brand and identity is a crucial preparation step. Designers should also review requirements and expectations, prepare thoughtful responses to common interview questions, and deepen their understanding of the company.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON STRATEGIES TO ANSWER INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Consider the following scenario: UX designer Sadé is asked a complex, multi-tiered question during an interview: “Describe the design process for this project. What challenges did you overcome? ”
Which method is the best approach to this interview question?
- STAR (CORRECT)
- Elevator pitch
Correct: STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This is a great approach to answering complex, multi-tiered questions, such as: “Describe a project that makes you proud,” “Can you tell me about a time when you did your own research to understand user needs?” or “What part of the design process do you enjoy doing the most? Why?
2. Review the following interviewee’s response to an interview question:
I’m Alonso, and I’m an experienced educator, manager, and mentor. I have decades of experience in public and private education. I’ve also helped hospitals and corporations such as Seattle Children’s and Microsoft create learning curriculums for their employees. I love being an educator, and helping to make knowledge more accessible for everyone. Your company’s motto “You never truly stop learning” is a creed I live by each day.
What is this an example of?
- STAR method
- Elevator pitch (CORRECT)
- Whiteboard
- Panel
Correct: This response is a prime example of an elevator pitch. It includes who Alonso is, what they bring, why they love the work, and why they’re interested in the position they’re interviewing for.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON PANEL AND WHITEBOARD INTERVIEWS
1. What is a panel interview?
- A group’s assessment of a designer’s skills, experience, and work ethic (CORRECT)
- An assessment of multiple candidates
- A strategic method of answering questions
- A real-time, practical demonstration of a designer’s skills
Correct: A panel interview generally involves meeting a group of people who want to assess a designer’s skills, experience, and work ethic. A designer may be asked to present their portfolio to the entire panel and respond to any questions they may have.
2. During a panel interview, what might be expected of a designer? Select all that apply.
- Offer a practical demonstration of their skills
- Showcase any coding knowledge
- Answer questions about their experience and skills (CORRECT)
- Showcase their portfolio (CORRECT)
During a panel interview, designers are expected to discuss their work ethic, problem-solving approach, and present their portfolio. The panel will evaluate the designer’s skills and experience throughout the conversation.
Should a designer be requested to submit a design exercise prior to the panel interview, they may also need to present this exercise to the group and respond to inquiries regarding their work ethic and problem-solving strategies.
3. A whiteboard interview gives interviewers a chance to assess a designer’s knowledge, thought processes, design capabilities, and communication skills.
- True (CORRECT)
- False
Correct: A whiteboard interview is a practical, real-time demonstration of a designer’s skills. It provides interviewers an opportunity to assess a designer’s knowledge, thought process, design capabilities, and communication skills in action.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON CREATING A BUSINESS PLAN
1. Imagine you decide to start your own freelance UX design business and get to work on your business plan. When creating a business plan, what questions should you answer as you build it? Select all that apply.
- What type of employer do you prefer?
- What’s your brand identity? (CORRECT)
- What problem are you solving for your clients? (CORRECT)
- Who’s your competition? (CORRECT)
Establishing a robust brand identity is essential, as it encapsulates your values and desired perception within the market. It is equally crucial to define the challenges you are addressing for your clients and to analyze your competitive landscape.
Demonstrating your specialized expertise in particular solutions is a pivotal aspect of your business strategy, as it enables clients to recognize how you can assist them. Additionally, you should clearly outline your brand identity and assess your competition.
Gaining an understanding of your competitive landscape will inform the range of services you can provide to your clients. Moreover, it is important to establish your brand identity and the specific problems you aim to resolve for your clients.
2. Which of the following could be a business path for a freelance UX designer?
- Design agency
- Sole ownership (CORRECT)
- Freelance marketplace (CORRECT)
- Partnership (CORRECT)
Correct: Freelancing independently is the most prevalent approach among freelancers. While it provides designers with significant autonomy, it also entails substantial responsibility. Alternative avenues for business include partnerships or engaging in a freelance marketplace.
Correct: Collaborating through a freelance marketplace such as Fiverr or Wix facilitates creative freedom in the freelance arena. However, these platforms act as intermediary entities for client transactions. Other potential business paths include forming partnerships or maintaining sole ownership.
Correct: Establishing a partnership with an engineer or web developer enables freelancers to access an expanded client network. Additional business options encompass sole ownership or participation in a freelance marketplace.
3. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a business plan?
- Brand identity
- Business expenses
- Competition
- Website (CORRECT)
Correct: While you may include a high-level website mockup as part of the “Marketing” section of your business plan, it’s not expected for you to already have a website at this stage. Think of the business plan as the pre-work you need to do before actually developing your website and other assets.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON WORKING AS A FREELANCER
1. Imagine you decide to start your own freelance UX design business and get to work on your business plan. When creating a business plan, what questions should you answer as you build it? Select all that apply.
- What type of employer do you prefer?
- What’s your brand identity? (CORRECT)
- What problem are you solving for your clients? (CORRECT)
- Who’s your competition? (CORRECT)
Brand Identity: Establishing your brand identity is crucial because it defines who you are and how you want to be seen by clients. Knowing the problem you’re solving and understanding your competition helps set you apart and clarifies your value proposition.
Demonstrating Expertise: Highlighting your expertise in specific solutions in your business plan helps potential clients see your capabilities and how you can specifically help them. It also ties into the brand identity and helps differentiate you from competitors.
Competitive Landscape: Understanding your competitive landscape is important for determining the types of services you should offer. This includes understanding what your competition is doing and where you can offer unique value, which ties back to both your brand identity and the specific problem you’re solving.
2. Which of the following could be a business path for a freelance UX designer?
- Design agency
- Sole ownership (CORRECT)
- Freelance marketplace (CORRECT)
- Partnership (CORRECT)
Correct: Working alone is the most common way to freelance. It offers the most freedom for designers but it also requires a lot of responsibility. Other possible business paths include a partnership, or freelance marketplace.
Correct: Working with a freelance marketplace like Fivver or Wix offers the creative freedom in freelancing. However, the marketplace serves as a third-party entity for client transactions. Other possible business paths include partnership, or sole ownership.
Correct: Partnering with an engineer or web developer is a way to freelance and connect with an extended network of clients. Other possible business paths include sole ownership, or freelance marketplace.
3. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a business plan?
- Brand identity
- Business expenses
- Competition
- Website (CORRECT)
Correct: This statement is accurate. The business plan serves as both a foundation and a strategic guide for your freelance enterprise. While you may wish to incorporate elements such as a website mockup in the ‘Marketing’ section, it is not necessary to have a fully developed website at this stage. The mockup is intended to illustrate your branding, vision, and approach to presenting your business to prospective clients; however, it is part of the planning phase. The business plan primarily focuses on strategic objectives, goals, and market analysis, which will later be manifested through more concrete forms, including a website and other business assets.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ON WORKING AS A FREELANCER
1. You explore freelancing opportunities and want to develop a business plan. What factors should you consider when determining your rate? Select all that apply.
- People skills
- Your personal expenses
- Market rate for similar services (CORRECT)
- Your business expenses (CORRECT)
Correct: You should consider the market rate for similar services in your area when writing your business plan. This will help you determine the going rate for the kinds of services you plan to offer. Additionally, consider the business expenses needed to run your business.
Correct: Your rate should take into account the business expenses required to run your business, including items such as equipment, utilities, and other operating costs. You should also consider the market rate for similar services in your area when writing your business plan.
2. As you start your freelancing career, you create a social media page for your new business. What are some ways to attract clients through social media? Select all that apply.
- Post other interests on your company profile
- Ask friends and family to promote your page on their social media pages (CORRECT)
- Post your new company’s social media on your personal page profiles (CORRECT)
- Post examples of your work (CORRECT)
Correct: You can ask your friends to like or share some of your business posts on their social media networks. You can also post examples of your work and share your new company’s social media on your personal profile.
Correct: Promoting your business on your personal profile is a good way to expand your network and attract potential clients. You can also post examples of your work and ask friends and family to promote your page on their social media.
Correct: Posting examples of your work is a good way to attract potential clients. You can also share your new company’s social media on your personal profile and ask friends and family to promote your page on their social media.
3. Fill in the blank: When offering services pro bono, avoid _____ by preparing a new scope of work that includes rates for additional work.
- pitching
- paid work
- scope creep (CORRECT)
- networking
Correct: Scope creep happens when the pro bono work you do exceeds what is outlined in the original scope.
4. You have a client interested in your work and they send you a request for proposal to determine if you can work together on a future project. You review the scope of work that outlines the project. What components in the scope of work should you pay attention to? Select all that apply.
- Budget
- Timelines (CORRECT)
- External work (CORRECT)
- Project needs (CORRECT)
Correct: A scope of work includes timelines so a freelancer can determine if they can complete the project according to the established dates. It also includes project needs and external work.
Correct: A scope of work details any potential external work a freelancer may need to complete the project. It also includes timelines and project needs.
Correct: A scope of work includes project needs and objectives so a freelancer can propose services to meet those needs. It also includes timelines and external work.
5. What is a statement of work (SOW)?
- A legally binding document that lists detailed deliverables, due dates, and a payment schedule. (CORRECT)
- A document that outlines the project a designer will complete.
- A list of expenses and profit margins that add up to an appropriate cost for services.
- A list of expected payment dates and any upfront costs and contingencies.
Correct: A statement of work is a legally binding document that lists detailed deliverables, due dates, and a payment schedule.
6. What is the goal of your portfolio as an entry-level designer?
- Outline lessons learned
- Prove senior-level quality work
- Showcase your experience
- Show potential (CORRECT)
Correct: You want to prove that you have enough skills to do the nitty-gritty, sometimes tedious design work and that you’re open to continuing to learn.
7. What is a panel interview?
- An interview when you meet one-on-one with a person on the leadership team.
- An interview when you meet with a recruiter or hiring manager to determine whether you meet the minimum job requirements.
- An interview when a company representative meets with you before the final interview.
- An interview when a group of people meet with you at the same time to assess your skill. (CORRECT)
Correct: A panel interview is when a group of people meets with you at the same time to assess how your background fits the role.
8. Which of the following questions should you consider to build a knowledge base about the company you’re applying to and its products? Select all that apply.
- What is the salary range for the job posting?
- Who is the hiring manager?
- What’s the company culture like? (CORRECT)
- What’s the company’s mission statement? (CORRECT)
Correct: Throughout the interview process, you can expect to be asked what you know about the company and its products, so you want to be well prepared. You should also inquire about the company’s mission statement.
Correct: Throughout the interview process, you can expect to be asked what you know about the company and its products, so you want to be well prepared. You should also inquire about the company culture.
9. What is the fourth step in the pre-interview research process?
- Determine common interview questions
- Prepare answers to each interview question (CORRECT)
- Build a knowledge base about the company and its products
- Explore the requirements and expectations of the job
Correct: You want the interviewers to understand who you are as a designer and as a potential employee. By creating an easy-to-follow narrative about who you are, you can give the interviewers insight into your value as a candidate.
10. Which of the following questions might you ask recruiters? Select all that apply.
- What is the pay range for this role?
- Does this position have room for growth? (CORRECT)
- What can you tell me about the team? (CORRECT)
- How is the work/life balance of this company? (CORRECT)
Correct: Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the position. It also helps you figure out if the job is something you could enjoy and see yourself doing well in. It will also be helpful to ask questions about the company’s work/life balance, and the team you may be working with.
Correct: Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the position. It also helps you figure out if the job is something you could enjoy and see yourself doing well in. It will also be helpful to ask questions about the role’s potential for growth, and the company’s work/life balance.
Correct: Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the position. It also helps you figure out if the job is something you could enjoy and see yourself doing well in. It will also be helpful to ask questions about the role’s potential for growth, and the team you may be working with.
11. Which interviewer type is a subject matter expert who evaluates candidates to make a recommendation on whether to proceed with the interview process?
- Evaluator (CORRECT)
- Recruiter
- Hiring manager
- Human resource associate
Correct: Evaluators are subject matter experts who aren’t professional recruiters or hiring managers, but are there to assess candidates and make a recommendation on whether to proceed with the interview process.
12. Who should you ask about what is appropriate attire for an interview?
- Human resource associate
- Hiring manager
- Evaluator
- Recruiter (CORRECT)
Correct: For questions like this, it’s best to ask your recruiters. They’re there to help you put your best impression forward!
13. While answering questions using the STAR method, you want to make sure to give the interviewer a sense of what? Select all that apply.
- What motivates you
- Where you want to be in the future
- Who you are (CORRECT)
- Why you’re there (CORRECT)
Correct: You want to be well-prepared with specific points about how your unique background and experiences fit with the position by giving them a sense of who you are and why you’re there.
Correct: You want to be well-prepared with specific points about how your unique background and experiences fit with the position by giving them a sense of who you are and why you’re there.
14. What should you consider when delivering a presentation of your portfolio? Select all that apply.
- Deliver your elevator pitch
- Present your most important or relevant case study (CORRECT)
- Invite questions (CORRECT)
- Introduce yourself and your background (CORRECT)
Clearly state the user you designed for, and describe their goals and pain points. You should also introduce yourself, provide a brief background, and invite questions.
Keep in mind that the interviewers’ job is to ask questions to learn more about your thought process. Don’t be surprised if they have many questions for you! Additionally, introduce yourself, provide a brief background, and present your most important or relevant case study.
Share your name and provide a short description of your educational or work background with a warm and friendly tone. Present your most important or relevant case study, and invite questions.
15. It’s always a good idea to follow up after a portfolio presentation with a thank you email. What should it include? Select all that apply.
- Your pay rate request
- Your starting date
- Your interest in the position (CORRECT)
- Recap of your qualifications (CORRECT)
Interviewers love passion and want to see it in their candidates. It’s also important to reiterate your most applicable qualifications that demonstrate you can do the job.
You want to reiterate your most applicable qualifications that demonstrate you can do the job, along with your genuine interest in the position. Interviewers love passion and want to see it in their candidates.