When most designers start looking for a new role, they head straight to job boards. LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor.
By the time a role hits a public job site, hundreds of other designers are already applying. It becomes a numbers game, and often a discouraging one.
I leaned heavily on job boards, early in my career. I’d spend hours scrolling, applying, tweaking my resume, and waiting.
But my best opportunities didn’t come from applications at all. They came from conversations, referrals, and connections.
My personal turning point
One of my most pivotal jobs wasn’t listed anywhere online.
I reconnected with former colleague when they mentioned their friend’s company was looking for someone to lead design. The role wasn’t posted yet, but I asked for an introduction.
That conversation turned into an interview, and then into a job offer.
No endless applying. No résumé black hole.
Just a connection that opened a door.
Hidden opportunities often outweigh the visible ones.
3 ways to uncover those hidden roles
Here are three proven methods to find design opportunities that go beyond job boards:
Leverage your network. With intention.
I've often talked about how “networking is key.” Reaching out to those you don't know can be challenging.
Be intentional.
Start small: Make a list of 5–10 people you already know. Former coworkers, classmates, mentors, colleagues you’ve freelanced with.
Check in: Reach out with a genuine message. Ask how they’re doing, what they’re working on, and share a quick update about yourself.
Plant the seed: Casually mention that you’re exploring new opportunities.
👉 Try this action: Pick 3 people on your list and send them a short, authentic check-in.
Don’t ask for a job. Just reconnect. You’ll be surprised how often opportunities emerge from these conversations.
Tap into communities and niche groups
Whenever I hired designers I would always share the opportunity to my social media network before posting to a job board.
Many design roles get circulated quietly in professional communities.
Think:
• Slack groups for UX designers ( here a list: Designer Slack Communities )
• Discord channels for product folks ( UX Discord channels )
• Alumni networks
• Local meetup groups
I’ve seen countless roles pop up in these spaces with a simple message like:
“Hey, our team is hiring a product designer. DM me if interested.”
These openings often get filled before they’re posted publicly.
👉 Try this: Join one new design community (Slack, Discord, or LinkedIn group). Introduce yourself, engage in conversations, and check job-sharing channels regularly.
Follow the companies you admire
Not every job makes it to LinkedIn or Indeed. Sometimes, roles are only announced on a company’s careers page, or even quietly shared on their social channels.
Instead of waiting for an algorithm to surface them, build a shortlist of 10 target companies you’d love to work for.
Then:
• "Follow" the company on LinkedIn.
• Select "I'm interested" to be 'spotlighted' on the recruiter dashboard.
• Engage with their posts to stay visible.
This proactive approach helps you spot roles early and puts you on the radar before you even apply.
Final thoughts
Job boards aren’t bad they’re just crowded.
Tap into the hidden job market. The roles that travel through networks, communities, and word of mouth.
So this week, take one small step: reconnect with a colleague, join a community, or build your company shortlist.
Remember: the best design job for you might not be posted online — but it’s out there, waiting for the right connection.
👉 What’s the most unexpected way you’ve landed a design role?
Hit reply and let me know!
Good luck.
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