Honest UX Talks
#122 The State of Design Jobs in 2024-2025 w/Lena Kul
Dec 17, 2024
Lena Kul, founder of the boutique recruitment agency /kuːl/, shares her insights from years of scaling Product Design and UXR teams. She discusses current trends in the design job market for 2024-2025, emphasizing the importance of specialized roles and the growing demand for effective storytelling in pitches. Lena highlights that while technical skills are vital, soft skills and networking are equally crucial for aspiring designers. She encourages those entering the field to be adaptable and to leverage freelance opportunities as the landscape continues to evolve.
49:14
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The competitive design job market now demands candidates who meet all specified competencies, requiring targeted applications and comprehensive skills.
- Economic instability has led experienced designers to embrace freelance opportunities, emphasizing the importance of networking and personal connections for success.
Deep dives
The Shift in Hiring Practices
The current job market has experienced a significant shift in hiring practices, particularly in the design and user research sectors. Previously, candidates were often hired based on potential, with companies willing to overlook certain skill gaps if applicants met around 65-70% of a job's requirements. However, the market has since become more competitive, leading employers to seek candidates who meet all specified competencies. This change necessitates more targeted applications from job seekers, who must now present themselves as fully qualified for roles to progress in the hiring process.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
