UI Designer Job Sites:

Finding a job as an entry UI Designer can be tricky. The market is competitive, and applying to multiple job postings can be a frustrating and exhaustive process that includes searching through job boards; writing resumes, cover letters, and portfolios; and undergoing multiple levels of interviews. However, there are several tips and best practices to maximize your opportunities and attractiveness as a candidate and make the process smoother. 

Tip #1: Know Your Professional Needs

Knowing where you want to work, in what industry, with what audience, or on what types of projects can make your job search easier. This is because you’re likely to be more focused on job postings you are passionate about than ones you aren’t. Before starting your job search, it can be helpful to identify your areas of interest. Ask yourself questions such as; 

• Would you prefer to work in an established firm or a rising startup? 
• What industry or industries interest you most?
• What skills do you consider your biggest strengths?
• What industries or types of projects interest you most?

Once you have a solid grasp on what you want from a job, you can pass up job postings you’re not interested in. While it may seem you’re better off applying to as many jobs as possible, this can ultimately be demotivating. You’ll likely lose focus on polishing and personalizing your job application materials, leading to mistakes, which can make the whole process a waste of time. Focusing on what interests you most can make your job search more successful and rewarding.

Tip #2: Maximize Your Job Search

Many job seekers limit their search to just one or two job boards, such as Indeed or LinkedIn. This can hurt your chances of being hired, as there are many avenues for maximizing your job search and increasing your chances of success. One issue with job boards (though it’s still recommended you use them) is your skills and experience are limited to a sheet of paper. Instead, it can be helpful to present a face to hiring managers.

You can achieve this personal touch by reaching out to your network of UI Designers. People within your community may know of a vacancy that hasn’t been posted yet. As you present your skills, employers may realize a skill gap among their employees and create a vacancy for you. Thus, it’s ideal for reaching out to your network of professionals, friends, professors from college, and even UI Designers on social media to locate opportunities you wouldn’t have found otherwise. Job fairs or industry events are another great place to pitch your skills, put a face to your resume, and increase your network. 

Tip #3: Follow-Up

Following up with the hiring manager can be an important step in the job application. It shows initiative and a genuine interest in the position. However, some job seekers fear coming across as too pushy or bothering the employer if they reach out. This can be true in some cases. Check the job posting carefully. If an email address or phone number isn’t provided, it’s probably best not to look for one. Some listings will specifically state the hiring manager doesn’t want to be contacted.

If it seems safe to make contact, you can send a short message to the hiring manager after applying, inquiring about the decision-making process and letting them know you are interested in the role. It’s also a good idea to state that you understand how busy they likely are and that you’re reaching out to see if there’s any additional information they may need. You likely won’t get a reply, but it’s helpful to keep your name fresh in the mind of the recruiter. It’s recommended to follow up once or twice within the first month you apply.

If you’ve been invited to and completed an interview, it’s best to follow up either the same day or the day after. This is considered common courtesy, but it also helps to keep your name fresh in the mind of the interviewee. Thank them for their time, and state your appreciation for getting the chance to meet them. It’s good to reiterate your interest in the role and to work with the company. This is a good place to inquire about the next steps if this wasn’t discussed in the interview or ask any other questions. You can also acknowledge the following steps by wishing the hiring manager good luck with future discussions. Close by stating that you look forward to hearing from them soon.

If you received an email or statement during an interview along the lines of “We’ll let you know” or “We’ll contact you,” it’s best to wait seven to ten days before reaching out to ask about any progress. If you hear nothing, you can reach out again in another week. Be patient, and remember that hiring managers are very busy. If you don’t receive a reply to your second inquiry, then it’s best to assume you won’t be going further in the job-hiring process. 

Tip #4: Negotiating Your Salary

It’s important to know your worth as a UI Designer. If you’re just entering the field, you likely won’t have much experience or skills to bargain with. But it’s still a good idea to research average salaries in your area for the position you are applying for. Don’t be afraid to bring up salary expectations during an interview. This can be an essential step to ensure you don’t waste your or the interviewer’s time continuing the application process for a position that isn’t right for you.

If you’re a junior or senior UI Designer with experience, you’ll have more negotiation leverage. At the very least, you can compare the salary of your previous position to the one you are applying for. However, the number you ask for shouldn’t be more than 5%-10% more than the company’s baseline. You may be told the company doesn’t negotiate salaries. If this is the case, there are other benefits you may be able to negotiate, such as vacation days. If you’re looking for more than the company is willing to offer, then working with them may not be right for you.

Tip #5: Get Feedback

It’s important to get feedback throughout the entire process of applying for a job, from resumes to portfolios to interviews. Industry professionals or educators within your network will be able to provide feedback on the process and the materials you submit. Job searching can be stressful, and having trusted people on your side can make the process easier. Gaining professional feedback can also improve your chances of success.

One great place you can gain such feedback is in the UI Design Certificate Program offered through Noble Desktop. In addition to receiving hands-on training from expert instructors, students learn fundamental industry concepts and tools. They’ll also build a portfolio of professional projects and receive one-on-one career mentorship. During this mentorship, students can ask any questions they have about the job application process and receive feedback on their materials and approaches. This feedback can be invaluable in setting your application apart from the competition. 

Learn the Skills to Become a UI Designer at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers several UI design classes for those seeking professional instruction in pursuing a career as a UI Designer. Classes are small and feature expert instructors and free retake options. Courses can be attended in person in NYC or online from anywhere. 

The UI Design Certificate is designed to prepare students to launch a career in UI design. You’ll learn essential design principles as well as how to use the most popular UI design tools: Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. Throughout the course, you’ll complete a number of hands-on projects and build a portfolio to showcase your skills to potential employers.

Should you be interested in UX design as well as UI design (the two fields commonly overlap), you can pursue the UX & UI Design Certificate. You’ll learn the design principles and industry tools of both UX & UI design, build a professional portfolio, and receive one-on-one job preparation assistance. 

Bootcamps are also available where you can learn the ins and outs of the most popular UI design tools, including Figma, Photoshop, and Illustrator. These courses are open to pure beginners and are designed to guide you to mastery of the program. 

If you’re not ready to jump into a full UI design course, you can explore Noble Desktop’s learning hubs. These hubs are designed to inform you about a topic and offer learning resources, including free tutorials and self-guided education. UI design learn hubs include:

• Learn UI Design
• Learn Visual Design
• Learn Adobe XD
• Learn Figma
• Learn Sketch

Key Takeaways

• Searching for a job as a UI Designer can be a daunting and stressful process, but the right preparation can make things easier. 
• The most common way to find a position is through an online job board. Here, you may find job opportunities that aren’t listed online. However, job seekers shouldn’t neglect opportunities to build and reach out to a network.
• To keep up motivation throughout your job search, you should apply to positions you are genuinely interested in and excited about.
• It’s important to get feedback throughout the job application process to ensure your materials and approaches are top-notch, as well as get answers to any questions you might have.
• You can receive comprehensive training to become a UI Designer through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. These courses include one-on-one career mentorship that can significantly improve your chances of success during your job search.