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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reach out to companies directly: Reach out to companies in need of UX design services and offer your skills as a freelancer or contractor.
- 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:
- 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.
- Customize your search: Use the search function on a company's career page to search for specific UX design keywords or job titles.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Creative Circle: A recruiting agency that specializes in creative and marketing positions, including UX design.
- Aquent Talent: A global staffing agency that specializes in creative and digital marketing positions, including UX design.
- Robert Half - The Creative Group: A staffing agency that specializes in creative and marketing positions, including UX design.
- 24 Seven Talent: A staffing agency that specializes in creative, marketing, and digital positions, including UX design.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Stay in touch: Keep in touch with recruiters regularly to ensure you stay top of mind for job opportunities in UX design.
- 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.