Introduction
Job hunting is a daunting challenge for recent college graduates, especially those without an established professional background. Many struggle with unclear job requirements, self-doubt, and a lack of mentorship. As a recent graduate myself, I faced similar frustrations, which inspired me to create Boon, an application that eases the job search process by providing transparency, mentorship, and community-driven support.
As the sole UX researcher and product designer, I conducted in-depth user research, identified pain points, and designed solutions to improve the job search experience for inexperienced professionals.
Problem Statement
Many companies advertise positions as “entry-level” yet require years of experience, creating an impossible barrier for recent graduates. The job search process is often overwhelming, isolating, and discouraging due to:
- Unclear job application processes leading to confusion and frustration.
- Self-doubt and lack of confidence in qualifications.
- Absence of mentorship to guide first-time job seekers.
- Lack of community support, making the experience isolating.
Boon was designed to disrupt this system by providing a transparent, supportive, and community-driven job search experience.
My Role & Responsibilities
As the UX Researcher & Product Designer, I worked closely with project managers and fellow UX designers to:
- Conduct user research through market analysis, interviews, and surveys.
- Identify key pain points in the job search process.
- Design prototypes and wireframes based on user insights.Validate design decisions through usability testing.
Research Process
To create a user-centered solution, I conducted extensive research using the following methods:
- Market Analysis
I analyzed existing job search platforms, identifying gaps in features, transparency, and user satisfaction. This helped define Boon’s unique value proposition.
- User Interviews
I interviewed recent graduates and job seekers to understand their struggles, motivations, and expectations. These interviews provided qualitative insights into user frustrations and desires.
- Affinity Mapping
Using insights from the interviews, I created an affinity map to categorize recurring themes and pain points. This helped structure the core problems that Boon needed to address.
- Theme Analysis
By grouping user feedback into common themes, I identified key priorities, such as the need for transparency, mentorship, and personalized job recommendations. These findings guided the product’s feature development.
Research & Insights
I explored three key research questions:
- How can we improve the job search experience for recent graduates?
- How can we create a supportive environment for first-time job seekers?
- How can we address the disparity between required experience and entry-level jobs?
Key Findings:
- Job application transparency is lacking, making the process stressful.
- Many users doubt their qualifications, even when they meet job criteria.
- A lack of mentorship leaves job seekers feeling lost and unsupported.
- Users want a community-driven platform where they can share experiences and seek guidance.
Solution: Boon’s User-Centered Features
- Personalized Job Matching
A recommendation system that aligns job postings with users’ skills, interests, and career goals. - Peer & Mentor Support
A built-in mentorship program that connects job seekers with experienced professionals for career guidance and advice. - Application Transparency
Real-time updates on job application statuses to reduce uncertainty and provide clarity. - Community Forums
An interactive space for job seekers to share experiences, ask questions, and support each other.
Design Process
- Wireframing & Prototyping
Based on research insights, I designed low-fidelity wireframes, iterated based on feedback, and created high-fidelity prototypes. - Usability Testing & Refinements
I tested the prototypes with users, gathered feedback, and refined the designs to improve usability and functionality.
Impact & Future Developments
The designs and research insights from Boon lay a strong foundation for future product development. As the project moves toward early-stage startup development, the groundwork I’ve laid will streamline the transition to a fully functional application.
Expected Outcomes:
- A more inclusive and accessible job search platform for inexperienced professionals.
- Increased confidence among job seekers through mentorship and community support.
- A more transparent application process, reducing frustration and uncertainty.
Conclusion
The job search experience for recent graduates should not be defined by uncertainty, stress, or isolation. Boon aims to transform this process by offering clarity, confidence, and community-driven support. By addressing key challenges in the job market, Boon provides a platform where inexperienced professionals can navigate their careers with ease.
Next Steps: The next phase of development will focus on refining features and implementing the platform for real-world testing.