As I mentioned the other day, I’ve noticed anecdotally noticed that companies are having a difficult time filling their UI and UER positions. So I decided to see if there was any quantifiable evidence which would confirm what I already suspect (if the barrage of recruiting VMs I get is any clue).
I realized that the weekly BayCHI Job Bank email that I’ve received the past few years would be a great place to start. In graphing the jobs located in the Bay Area, you’ll notice an interesting trend (see graph below).
You’ll see that there is a sustained demand for UI Designers and User Experience Researchers that over the past year has gone unmet, creating scarcity.
Assuming this market is efficient we should see two things happen: increased wages offered by firms seeking to attract talent and over the long term an increase in supply (new employees enter the regional market).
Once again, I believe the firms over the next few years that can attract and retain top talent will be successful in achieving their business goals.
Update 4/25/07: I’m hiring, check my current open positions
Technorati: job, bayarea, baychi, uijobs, user+experience
Steve Portigal at DUX observed a similar trend with his camera. See Resume Board vs. Job Board.
Hi Preston,
I am looking for an entry-level position in UX. I am finding it very difficult to sell myself because of my lack of experience.
Hi CD Evans,
I too wish things did not move at such a fast pace. However I do appreciate that at eBay I can enjoy some flexibility like 3 weeks vacation, 11 holidays, and the ability to work from home one day a week. I hope the Internet continues creates new opportunities in areas like Canada for people to try different work ethics. Good luck!
Preston