How to Spot a UX Red Flag Before You Join the Team
How to Vet a UX Role Before You Say Yes
Some teams talk the talk.
They say they’re “user-first.”
They mention “UX at the center.”
But the moment you join, it’s backlogs, resistance, and you fighting to explain why research matters.
So how do we spot the red flags before we sign the contract?
Today, we’re talking about how to vet a UX role before it becomes your next UX headache.
Common UX Red Flags Hidden in Job Descriptions
The Interview Questions We Ask to Test for Real UX Maturity
Join the UXU Team: Operations Lead for UXCON25
What to Look for in the First 10 Minutes of a Call
How to Tell if a Company is Just Checking the UX Box
UXCON '25 Spotlight
Resource Corner
Common UX Red Flags Hidden in Job Descriptions
We’ve seen hundreds of job listings that sound great on the surface.
But dig a little deeper, and the language tells you everything.
Here are a few red flags we’ve learned to spot:
“You’ll work closely with product to bring their ideas to life”
Translation: You’re not part of the idea stage. You’re here to decorate.“We move fast and don’t let research slow us down”
Translation: UX is treated like a bottleneck, not a driver.“Must be proficient in Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite”
Translation: They want UI. Not UX.“You’ll advocate for UX across the organization”
Translation: You’ll be fighting an uphill battle every day.
A good job description should talk about outcomes, not just tools.
It should mention users, collaboration, and ownership — not just software and deliverables.
The Interview Questions We Ask to Test for Real UX Maturity
It’s not just about how they interview you.
It’s about how you interview them.
Here are a few of our go-to questions to test UX culture fast:
“How does UX fit into your product development process?”
A strong team will give you a real answer — not just “early on.”“Can you walk me through a recent design decision that involved UX, product, and engineering?”
You’ll find out quickly whether UX actually has a seat at the table.“How do you measure the impact of UX?”
If no one knows, that’s a sign UX is probably not connected to business outcomes.“What’s your research budget or process?”
If they say “we don’t usually have time for research,” don’t expect it to suddenly change when you join.
before we continue…
We’re growing — and we want to grow with people from our own community.
As we build UXCON '25 into something even more impactful, we’re looking for a dedicated Operations Lead to help us keep the engine running. This isn’t just about logistics. It’s about shaping an experience that brings the UX community together in a real, unforgettable way.
If you're organized, proactive, and excited to work behind the scenes of a global UX event, we’d love for you to join the team.
back to where we stopped…
What to Look for in the First 10 Minutes of a Call
Forget the formalities… the first 10 minutes of a hiring conversation will tell you 80% of what you need to know.
Here’s what we pay attention to:
Are they asking thoughtful questions, or just reading off a checklist?
Do they understand the difference between UX and UI?
Are they describing UX as a function of empathy, insight, and impact — or as wireframes and mockups?
The language they use matters.
So does the energy.
If you’re constantly explaining what UX is, you’ll probably be doing that long after you join.
How to Tell if a Company is Just Checking the UX Box
Some teams hire UX because it’s trendy. Or because someone up top said they should.
Here’s how to spot a checkbox team before you commit:
They have one UX person for 12 developers
They use phrases like “make it pop” or “sprinkle some UX on this”
You’re the first UX hire, and there’s no product partner on the call
They care more about the design test than your past impact
There’s no mention of user research in the process
We’re not saying to avoid every red flag — but know what you’re walking into.
If the team is honest about their gaps and wants you to help them grow, great.
But if they don’t even know there’s a gap? That’s your sign.
UXCON '25 Spotlight: Building (or Joining) the Right Team
At UXCON '25, we’re bringing together teams who’ve done it right — and aren’t afraid to talk about what went wrong first.
You’ll hear:
What it takes to build a UX team that sticks
How to reset expectations with stakeholders when you’re the first UXer
What to look for in your next role if you want more than pixels and pushback
Resource Corner
Final Thought: A Job Can Make or Break Your Growth
You’re not just picking a paycheck.
You’re picking a system that will shape your confidence, your growth, and your day-to-day energy.
So ask more. Listen closely. And remember, walking away from the wrong role is one of the strongest career moves you can make.