Here’s something you won’t hear often:
You can learn more from the job you don’t get than the one you do.
Over the years, I’ve faced plenty of rejections. But looking back, those so-called failures pushed me to make the biggest leaps in my UX career.
The Interview That Changed Everything
About ten years ago, I found myself at a career crossroads. I was working in design, but unsure whether to commit to a path in UI or UX. The decision felt huge.
I was also deeply dissatisfied with my job then, so I reached out to my network and lined up a few interviews. One was for a UI design position. I remember walking into the portfolio review, presenting a recent project with confidence. Halfway through, one of the interviewers stopped me and said:
“Honestly, I don’t know why you’re interviewing for this role. It’s clear you’re more interested in UX design.”
They were right. And even though I didn’t land the job, that moment flipped a switch. I stopped second-guessing and committed to UX. That rejection was actually the beginning of clarity.
Rejection That Sparks Ideas
Fast-forward to last week: I submitted an application for an artist residency in Paris. Realistically, I gave myself a 2% chance of getting it. The program was clearly tailored for fine artists, right down to asking for the materials used in each portfolio image. (I listed “paper and marker” under a photo of me facilitating a workshop.)
But here’s the kicker:
That application sparked something. It helped me imagine a totally new direction for my work—researching the future of UX design and prototyping a career development program for emerging design leaders. Whether or not I get accepted, the idea exists now. And it’s one I can pursue on my own terms.
What I Tell Designers About Interviews
Earlier this week, I shared this advice with another designer:
Know what you want, but stay curious.
Go into interviews with intention—but also with openness. Sometimes a single conversation can shift your career in an entirely new direction.
And if you’re feeling discouraged in your job search right now, you’re not alone. I’ve lost count of how many “we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate” emails I’ve received. It’s tough out there. But every application, every interview, even the ones that don’t pan out—can teach you something valuable if you let it.
Final Thought
Not getting the job doesn’t mean it was a waste of time.
Sometimes, the rejection reveals what you really want—and where you’re truly headed.
💚
—Maria
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