I’ve hired UX designers across different industries—tech, banking, insurance, and education.
And every time, the best candidates weren’t just the ones with the best portfolios.
They were the ones who had the right fit.
The Three “Fits” I Look For
📌 1. Job Fit → Do you have the hard skills?
• Can you use Figma, Sketch, or the right tools?
• Do you understand UX frameworks, research, and design processes?
📌 2. Mindset Fit → Are you curious and adaptable?
• Do you learn from failures, or do you get stuck in them?
• Are you comfortable with ambiguity, or do you freeze when things aren’t clear?
📌 3. Culture Fit → Would we actually enjoy working together?
• Do your values align with the team?
• Can we collaborate for 40 hours a week without frustration?
Why Mindset Fit Matters More Than Skills
Your Figma skills will get you noticed.
Your problem-solving approach will get you the job.
Your mindset will keep you growing long-term.
I’ve seen designers with great portfolios struggle because they:
❌ Can’t take feedback.
❌ Panic when there’s no clear direction.
❌ Think UX is just about wireframes and UI.
On the other hand, I’ve seen mid-level designers get hired over seniors because they:
✅ Are flexible and open to change.
✅ Take ownership and solve problems beyond the obvious.
✅ Fit into the team without forcing ego into the mix.
The world doesn’t follow a linear path—and neither does a great UX career.
My own journey proves it:
🎨 Industrial design → 🚀 Startup founder → 🎓 Lecturer → 💰 Banking UX → 🏦 Insurance UX
To some, that looks “unfocused.” To the right teams, that’s versatile.
If an employer sees your diverse experience as a problem, they’re not the right fit for you.
So the next time you’re in an interview, don’t just prove you can do the work.
Prove that you’re the right fit.
What’s one quality you look for when joining a team? Reply and let me know.
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