Jobs with Optimal Usability
We are constantly on the lookout for skilled usability engineers to join our team on a contractual or permanent basis.
Ideally we would like candidates with HCI qualifications and experience, behavioural/cognitive psychology research skills, or who have some usability industry experience. However, acknowledging that usability is such a multi-disciplinary field, we would consider people with degrees in computer science, marketing, industrial design or business. We would be willing to train the right people regardless of their previous experience. What you must possess are excellent communication skills, thoroughness, experience with a wide range of technology — and a sense of humour.
Current Openings
We have no full-time positions at the moment, but we continually need freelance and part-time help. Send your resume to jobs@optimalusability.com. Alternatively, other usability consultants in New Zealand may be looking for people.
Advice
If you are thinking of starting a career in HCI, then you may find the following links useful. Feel free to email us about our experience setting up a usability company.
- Usability Jobs in New Zealand - a blog entry written in March 2005 with some practical advice on how to get into the industry.
- High demand for user-friendly goods - a 2003 New Zealand Herald article that introduces interaction design and usability as viable career options. We were interviewed about the industry in New Zealand, what consultants can expect to earn and what we consider to be desirable skills.
- The Human-Computer Interaction Resource Network - This organization has a job board on which you can post your openings for free. It also has links to six other job boards, mostly advertising in Europe and North America.
- STC Usability SIG Salary and Career Information
- Ground Floor Perspective on the Usability Job Hunt (Jan, 2001)
This is an article written by a recent college graduate from Canada. She is looking for a job in the usability field and writes about what it is like to be on the ground floor in usability job hunting. - Starting a Career in User Experience (Feb, 2003)
This article is based upon Marcus Haid's experience transitioning from a career in corporate-world project management into the field of user experience design. He outlines some key points to consider if you are planning to start a career in user experience design.
