IXDA Chicago May 2015 : Recruiting Palace Gate Jennifer Hegener

1. • Make sure your resume is accurate and specific
• Double and triple check for typos, grammatical errors, etc.
• Lean toward examples and results, don’t generalize (i.e.: how did
you use Axure on a class or client project, versus just listing the
skill)
• Have examples readily available; know your Non-Disclosure
Agreement
• Some client information is proprietary; make sure you have work
examples to share with a potential employer (i.e.: websites,
wireframes, screen shots, etc.)
• Do not publish anything on social media that you would not show your
grandmother
• Your LinkedIn profile should be current and match your resume
• Think about compensation and what you would accept for this position
IxDA – Advice for UX Candidates – Application

2. • Research the company and people with whom you will be speaking
• Understand the company, its business and philosophy; don’t ask
questions that are general and easily answered by the company’s
website
• Google the company, read recent articles, blogs, etc.
• Use your LinkedIn network to see who you know at the company,
find out the inside scoop
• Check out the LinkedIn profiles of the people with whom you will
be speaking
• Dress the part
• Bring hard copies of your resume
• Bring your laptop and be ready to present your work
• Leverage your recruiter/search firm/university placement office
IxDA – Advice for UX Candidates – Interview Prep

3. • Re-read your resume and work samples, making sure you can speak to
everything you reference
• Refresh yourself with any current trends, terms, etc. that are pertinent
to the job
• Rehearse; come up with answers to standard interview questions:
• Give an example of the most challenging UX design problem you
have faced and how you solved it.
• Give an example of your biggest work accomplishment.
• In what areas do you excel? Need improvement?
IxDA – Advice for UX Candidates – Interview Prep

4. • Make sure you know where you are going (onsite interview) or that you
are in a quiet place for a phone screen
• Arrive at least 15 minutes early and have a photo ID (you may need it
for building security)
• Make eye contact and have a firm handshake
• Ask for an overview of the job from the hiring manager
• Listen to the questions being asked, and give examples of when,
where, etc. you have done what is required
• Do not bring up compensation with the hiring manager – this is typically
an HR or recruiting firm question
• Take a deep breath and relax!
• Don’t forget to smile J
IxDA – Advice for UX Candidates – Day of Interview

5. • Send thank you emails to each person with whom you met within 24
hours; make sure you are specific and don’t use canned responses
• If you have not heard in 1 week on status (or within the timeframe as
outlined by the hiring manager), send a short, concise email to the
hiring manager/HR/recruiting firm for a status update, reiterate your
interest
• Be patient, sometimes it takes 2-3 weeks to get an answer
IxDA – Advice for UX Candidates – Post-Interview