Spotify Jobs Glassdoor: How One Designer's Journey Led Them to Their Dream Role

As a design team lead at Spotify, responsible for shaping the consumer experience, I've learned that leading a design team is not just about managing tasks and deadlines, but also about understanding what drives your team members. In this article, I'll share my personal journey, from being a sole researcher in a start-up to becoming a design leader at Spotify, and offer insights into what it takes to succeed in a company like Spotify.

My career has taken me all over the world - from New York to London to Singapore - but after spending over a decade working in UX design, I was excited to join Spotify, a company that not only makes a product I love but also values research and UXR maturity. Two years ago, I uprooted my life to move to Sweden to work at Spotify.

As a designer, it's natural to want to work for a company with good practices and skills in UXR. Unfortunately, my previous company was not in tech, and while I enjoyed working on internal facing products, I found it challenging to amplify the impact of my work. With 2 years of experience in UXR and a Master's degree from London, I felt ready for a change.

When I started applying for roles at tech giants like Google, Meta, Spotify (where I currently work), and others, I almost failed every time at the CV stage. I wondered if these companies have higher bars for UXR experience or if I was too junior to apply for these roles. Maybe my CV wasn't standing out enough?

As someone who has worked in both start-ups and larger organizations, I've learned that it's essential to tailor your application materials to each company's specific requirements. For example, Spotify's design team values collaboration, empathy, and creativity. If you're applying for a role at Spotify, be sure to highlight your experience working with cross-functional teams, conducting user research, and designing user-centered solutions.

In conclusion, my journey from start-up designer to design leader at Spotify has been filled with challenges and opportunities. While it's not easy to break into the tech industry, especially at companies like Google or Meta, perseverance and a willingness to learn are crucial. If you're looking for a career change and considering applying for roles at these companies, remember that it's essential to showcase your skills and experience in UXR, as well as your passion for design and collaboration.

By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may be considering a similar path. Whether you're already leading a design team or aspiring to do so, the key takeaway is that success requires not only technical expertise but also emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

If you have any questions about my experience or would like to share your own story, please leave a comment below!

Spotify jobs glassdoor