The UX Identity Crisis
First, you need to understand that the field of UX is still undergoing a bit of an identity crisis. What I mean is, ask ten people what “UX” means and you will probably get ten different responses.
The UX identity crisis and the lack of consistent job titles can be very frustrating for those of us that work professionally in this field because it makes our job search more challenging.
However, the situation is not hopeless; let me share some tips that have helped me find jobs in more markets, and often with less competition.
Nielsen Norman Group surveyed 1,015 UX professionals and what they discovered is that very few respondents (only 6%) actually had the title of “user experience designer” or “UX designer.”
Furthermore, the respondents listed a total of 210 different job titles under which they practice UX.
What this means is that we should not be limiting ourselves to job titles with the keyword "UX" in them. Rather we should be open to exploring all kinds of jobs opportunities that focus on practicing user-centered design (or human-centered design).
Change the Way You Search for Jobs
Check out the short list of UX related job titles below and find the ones that you feel best match your desired role.
· Digital Designer
· Digital Experience Designer
· Digital Strategist
· Experience Architect
· Experience Designer
· Information Architect
· Interaction Designer
· Product Designer
· Product Owner
· Product Strategist
· UI/UX Designer
· Usability Architect
· Usability Engineer
· Usability Specialist
· UX Architect
· UX Designer
· UX Engineer
· UX Researcher
· UX Specialist
· UX Strategist
Now use a job search engine such as Indeed.com to setup job alerts with several job titles.
With some patience and creativity, we can find some “hidden gem” opportunities if we can let go of the notion that “UX” must be in our future job title.
Share Your Experience
Before you go, what has been your experience searching for a UX job recently? Have you had success finding a UX job with an unusual title? Share your thoughts below.