The UX Job Search: 5 Ways to Find Your Next Design Role

The field of UX design offers an exciting career path for those interested in technology, design, and human behavior. 

With a growing demand for UX designers across industries, there are some incredible opportunities for career growth, whether you’re new to the field or working your way through mid or senior level roles. Plus, with the rise of remote work, the location of your dream job doesn't have to be a limiting factor.

But … where are these jobs? How do you find them? 

Whether you're a seasoned UX professional or just starting out, this guide will help you efficiently navigate the job search process and land your next exciting role.

• Job Boards
• Networking
• Freelancing and Contract Work
• Company Websites
• Job Recruiters
• Key Takeaways

Job Boards

One of the most popular and effective ways to find UX jobs is through job boards. 

Job boards are online platforms where employers post job vacancies, and job seekers can apply for open positions. There are various job boards dedicated to UX design jobs, and by utilizing these boards, you can quickly and efficiently find job opportunities that match your skills and experience.

Job Board Tips & Strategies

When using job boards, it's essential to approach your job search strategically to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of job postings. Here are some tips to help you run an effective job board search:

Use specific keywords: When searching for UX jobs, be sure to use specific keywords related to your skills and experience. For example, use "UX designer" or "user experience researcher" instead of "designer" or "researcher." Specific keywords will help narrow down your search and ensure you find jobs that are relevant to your expertise.

Automate notifications: Job boards often have features that allow you to set up automated notifications based on your search criteria. Take advantage of this feature to ensure that you receive timely updates on relevant job postings.

Set up alerts: Job boards also offer an alert system that sends you an email when a new job posting matches your search criteria. Setting up alerts can save you time and effort and ensure that you don't miss out on any job opportunities.

Sign up for job listings: Many job boards offer daily or weekly email newsletters that feature the latest job listings. Signing up for these newsletters can be a great way to stay informed about new job opportunities.

Popular Job Boards for UX Designers

• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor
• Working Not Working
• WeWorkRemotely
• Wellfound
• Dribbble
• Behance
• Indeed

Special mention: Huntr, a job searching app that helps you stay organized and motivated during your job search. UX Academy graduates receive access to Huntr—along with a curated list of UX jobs that they can apply to.

→ Read more: Remote-specific job boards for UX designers.

Networking

Networking is crucial in the field of UX design, as it allows you to make meaningful connections with other professionals and learn from their experiences.

But let’s back up a moment, and clarify:

A network is literally any human you know, and any human that person knows.

So you already have a network, and it’s composed of your family, friends, and acquaintances (and their family, friends, and acquaintances).

With this in mind, your goal should be to build upon your existing network, and be strategic about where to go next.

Networking can take many forms, from attending industry events and meetups to reaching out to contacts on social media platforms like LinkedIn. By expanding your network, you increase your chances of finding job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.

LinkedIn and other social media platforms for networking

When it comes to online networking, LinkedIn is an incredibly valuable tool for UX designers.  This platform allows you to connect with other professionals, share your work, and join industry groups and discussions.  Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and engage with other professionals on the platform.

→ Learn more: Our Guide to LinkedIn shows you how to make the most of your account profile to effectively network (and apply for jobs) on this platform. 

Depending on your specific goals and interests, you can also utilize other social media platforms to expand your network, whether that takes the form of Facebook groups, joining online UX design communities, or following and interacting with industry professionals in Instagram.

Tips for networking

1. Attend industry events: Whether local or online, participating in meetups, conferences, and other events can be a great way to meet other professionals and learn about industry trends.
2. Follow up with contacts: After meeting someone new, follow up with them to keep the connection alive. Even a quick message to say hello can help keep the relationship going.
3. Join online communities: Join UX design groups and discussions on Slack, Discord, and other social platforms to connect with other professionals and learn from their experiences. 

Throughout this journey, keep in mind that networking is a two-way street. It's essential to give back and help others in your network as well.

→ For more tips on networking, read our Guide to Networking for UX Designers.

Freelancing and Contract Work 

Not all jobs come in the form of a 9 to 5. 

Freelancing is a great option for UX designers who want a little more freedom and flexibility with their work day—or as a way to bring in some income while you search for something more permanent. 

For designers who are just embarking on a career journey, freelancing can help you build your portfolio and gain experience—while building a career-enhancing network of clients at the same time. 

In UX design, freelancing and contract work can range from designing a website or app to conducting user research or creating wireframes. Depending on how you manage your work or prefer to be billed, you might work on a per-project or contract basis.

Popular platforms for finding freelance and contract work

There are numerous platforms and job boards dedicated to freelance and contract work, which make it easy to find opportunities that fit your skills and experience. These platforms also include some structure that can be helpful if you’re new to managing projects, client work, and the legal requirements.

Some of the more well-known platforms include:

• Upwork
• Freelancer
• Toptal
• 99designs 
• Fiverr

Keep in mind that there is a lot of competition on each of these platforms, and your ability to “sell” your skills, expertise, and solution will often trump the skills themselves. (In other words: using a freelance platform can be a great opportunity to test and improve your pitching skills.)

You can also simply use your website to advertise your design services, and get clients through various marketing tactics, whether that’s word of mouth, strategic self-promotion on blogs or social media, or through your existing network.

Tips for finding freelance and contract work

Here are some tips for finding freelance and contract work in UX design:

1. Build your portfolio: As a freelancer, your portfolio is your most critical asset. Build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience in UX design.
2. Network: Networking is also essential for finding freelance and contract work. Reach out to other professionals in the field, attend industry events, and join online communities to increase your chances of finding work.
3. Use freelance platforms: There are several platforms that connect freelancers with clients in need of their services. Create a profile on these platforms and start bidding on relevant projects.
4. Reach out to companies directly: Reach out to companies in need of UX design services and offer your skills as a freelancer or contractor.
5. Consider working with agencies: Many agencies hire freelancers and contractors to work on specific projects. Reach out to agencies in your area and inquire about freelance opportunities.

By utilizing these tips and taking advantage of freelance and contract work opportunities, you can gain valuable experience in UX design while maintaining flexibility in your schedule. Remember to approach freelancing and contract work strategically and stay organized to ensure a successful and rewarding experience.

Company Websites

Company websites are an excellent source for finding UX design jobs as they often list open positions on their career pages. While some companies also post job openings on external job boards, others prefer to advertise exclusively on their websites. This makes it crucial to check company websites regularly for job opportunities in UX design.

To find UX design jobs on company websites, start by identifying companies that align with your interests and goals. You can begin your search by using search engines to find companies in your area or those that specialize in a particular industry.

Once you've identified a company, navigate to their website and look for their career page or job listings section. Many companies will have a dedicated UX design job listing, while others may have more general design positions that include UX design as a requirement.

Tips for Using Company Websites

Here are some tips for using company websites to find UX design jobs:

1. Set up job alerts: Many company websites offer the option to set up job alerts, or enter your email to subscribe, which will notify you when new positions in UX design become available.
2. Customize your search: Use the search function on a company's career page to search for specific UX design keywords or job titles.
3. Research the company: Before applying to a position on a company website, do your research on the company to ensure it aligns with your values and goals.
4. Check back regularly: Job openings on company websites can be posted at any time, so it's essential to check back regularly for new opportunities. Depending on the company, they might only announce new job openings by posting on their website … or by sending out an email to their list. 
5. Create a spreadsheet: Even when I’m not actively job searching, I keep an updated spreadsheet of various companies that I wouldn’t mind working for. My personal criteria encompass things like a fully remote working environment, transparent pay, and a company culture that truly supports a healthy work-life balance. With an up-to-date spreadsheet, I can easily review dozens of company-specific openings in the course of just a few minutes..

Job Recruiters

Job recruiters are individuals or agencies that work to match job seekers with open positions. Recruiters often specialize in specific industries or job types, making them a valuable resource for finding job opportunities in UX design.

When it comes to UX design, there are several job recruiters that specialize in the field. Here are some popular job recruiters for UX design jobs:

1. Creative Circle: A recruiting agency that specializes in creative and marketing positions, including UX design.
2. Aquent Talent: A global staffing agency that specializes in creative and digital marketing positions, including UX design.
3. Robert Half - The Creative Group: A staffing agency that specializes in creative and marketing positions, including UX design.
4. 24 Seven Talent: A staffing agency that specializes in creative, marketing, and digital positions, including UX design.
5. Regional Agencies: There are also many regional staffing agencies that specialize in UX design positions. These agencies may have more localized connections and job opportunities.

Here are some tips for working with job recruiters to find UX design jobs:

1. Build relationships: Recruiters often have established connections with hiring managers and companies in the industry. Building a relationship with a recruiter can increase your chances of finding job opportunities in UX design.
2. Be specific: When working with a recruiter, be specific about your skills and experience in UX design. This will help them match you with relevant job opportunities.
3. Stay in touch: Keep in touch with recruiters regularly to ensure you stay top of mind for job opportunities in UX design.
4. Be professional: Treat working with recruiters as you would any other job opportunity. Be professional and responsive throughout the process.

Key Takeaways

• The field of UX design offers career growth opportunities in various industries, and remote work options have expanded job possibilities.
• Job boards dedicated to UX design provide a quick way to find relevant job opportunities by using specific keywords and taking advantage of automated notifications and alerts.
• Networking is crucial for UX designers to make meaningful connections, expand their network, and discover hidden job opportunities.
• Freelancing and contract work in UX design offer flexibility, portfolio building, and networking opportunities. 
• Company websites are a valuable source for finding UX design jobs, and regularly checking their career pages or setting up job alerts can help discover new opportunities. 
• Job recruiters specializing in UX design can help match job seekers with relevant positions. Building relationships with recruiters and being specific about skills and experience is crucial.