Sarah Doody, CEO of Career Strategy Lab, sat down with Product Momentum co-hosts Sean Murray and Dan Sharp to offer advice to UX designers out there who are frustrated by the volatility in today’s job market. Treat your career like a product you’re designing, Sarah says, and focus on the essential skills you need in a turbulent job market. This is what you’ll learn:

Job Searchers.

Think of your career as a Product. Sarah offers 3 pro tips:

Think about how you’re designing your career? Marketing your career? Selling your career? Cut out the noise. Maintain a balance between collecting information and acting on it.

Vet the people who offer career advice. Ask for evidence that shows their advice actually works.

Expand your search beyond big tech. These days, every company is a “tech company,” so look to industries like Finance, Healthcare, Education, and Travel for opportunities.
Focus on the timeless skills that will remain useful for years to come – e.g., communication skills, business acumen, relationship-building vs. software-specific skills that will continue to change.

Hiring managers.

Refine job descriptions to focus less on “kitchen sink” responsibilities and more on the day-to-day.
Consider applicants who may have gaps, but whom you can train to fill that skill set.

Product managers.

Include your UX Researcher in the conversation, starting on Day 1. There’s a growing recognition that UX research enhances the user experience and reduces rework.
Engage with Users. Maintain a consistent pulse on user feedback through community engagement and research cadences to inform product development.

ITX’s Product + Design Conference returns to Rochester, June 25-26. Our first 3 keynote speakers have been announced! Learn more here!

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