We are trying all the traditional channels but it is helpful to hear of any hidden gems?
For context, we are looking for a product designer with 2-4+ yrs of experience in shipping android products. The portfolio should be modern but functional. We’ve been looking for 3 months and I’m surprised by how few leads there are, even with a recruiter in place.
The market seems to be tight. We have since done a significant increase in comp for designers who have less than 4 years experience. Having said that, the number of designers who actually have experience shipping products is very low.
Hey Rob - I hope you found some luck. If not, here are an some general comments with the same struggle I’ve experience:
If you want quality applications, I think you need to avoid Indeed posts. This is a turn off for designers (at least the handful that I’ve talked to). The application process through the site is not user friendly and limiting when it comes to a designers ability to apply creatively (ex. Uploading Custom styled resumes). If anything I would just direct to your .com, where we have a PDF uploader.
I would consider exploring alternative options: there are some really strong UX/UI Design Consultant agencies floating around. Might be more effective to have a team of 2-3 designers from a consultancy to come in a get you off the ground for a few months and then set the foundation for your in-house designers. I don’t know the cost of things like this so that might be a factor.
So I recommend opening up the application into a few different channels. No Particular order, I think they are all good options. Just depends what you’re looking for:
LinkedIn:
I would recommend post it as an actual job on LinkedIn so it shows up in the Jobs tab. Also I would avoid the ‘Easy Apply’ feature – you’ll only a surge of applications rather than quality.
This is a paid job board (~250 per post I think), but a lot of good UI designers will look here. Its less UX and more UI focused. nd with it being a Paid job Board, designers know that anything here is legit and quality.
IxDA
Cost: $295 Per Post
This is job board targeted at more experienced designers. The posting will get shared with members of the organization and be promoted on their social media accounts.
AngelList
Cost: Free
This is targeted towards people in the tech world looking to make an impact in the startup world. I think it would be a good place to get someone that is looking for a challenge.
This will also give you an idea of a pay range for what some of the bigger companies are offering.
I have been struggling with finding designers myself. I tried the freelancer route and it seems like the best ones always have projects to work on, and it is hard to book them.
Your list is very good and I agree Dribbble has a lot of designers but $250 for a job posting is a lot IMO. I would rather pay them if I hire somebody but not before that.
I have also used Upwork, Behance, and just reached out to my network. I am in the process of interviewing candidates and some of them are really good, especially from Behance.