John Smith

Senior UX Manager @ Apple | ex-Google, ex-Amazon
5.0
(157 reviews)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 157 reviews | 87% of my mentees land jobs within a month of portfolio work
United States of America Active today Usually responds in a few hours

Services

$820 / month

Includes a call every two weeks + daily email/chat/feedback on artifacts

2 calls per month (30min/call)

Unlimited Q&A via chat

Expect responses in 3-4 days

Hands-on support

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About

The UX job market is tough, but I’m here to help.
📈 93% of my mentees get interviews within a month of updating their portfolios
📊 87% land roles at design-mature, name-brand companies, of which 92% with role & salary upgrades
(*Stats updated June 2025, based on data from the past 2 years. Happy to share the stats.)

Two things set me apart as a mentor:

1. Funnel-based mentoring — Every 6 months, I run studies with recruiters and hiring managers to understand how the hiring funnel really works at different companies. I know where it’s strong, where it breaks down, and how candidates can take advantage of gaps. My coaching is structured around that funnel, so you’re not just polishing a portfolio — you’re moving strategically through every stage of the hiring process.

2. Deep offline support — Between calls, I give daily written feedback, structured notes, and clear next steps. You’ll never be left guessing what to do next.

I lead UX for Apple’s communication apps — Messages, FaceTime, Mail, Phone and Contacts. I have 15+ years of experience designing mass-scale products at Google (like Gmail, Meet, Messages) and now Apple, along with a strong startup background. I also have a background in higher-education teaching.

I'm on the hiring committee for Apple. I've also been on the hiring committee for Google and Amazon. I know what stands out. I love helping others navigate similar opportunities 🚀.

Let’s connect! I’ll get back to you within 24 hours to set up a free introductory call 📞. Our first call involves a career worksheet 📋, and from there, I’ll provide detailed notes and a structured plan.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/john--ux

What mentees say

5 out of 5 stars

Working with John has been a game-changer for my career and personal growth. His expertise, dedication, and mentee-first approach make him an exceptional guide for anyone looking to advance in design. Thanks to his guidance, I built a compelling portfolio and presentation decks that truly showcased my skills. His detailed and focused preparation for interviews—including CV and LinkedIn, tackling whiteboard exercises, and app critique —set me up for success. With his support, I earned a promotion at my previous role, which boosted my confidence and later helped me get a job at the company I’ve always aspired to work for. John is not just a mentor—he’s your biggest supporter and cheerleader, with a genuine passion for helping his mentees succeed. His professionalism, wealth of experience, and ability to inspire made every session valuable and empowering. I wholeheartedly recommend John to anyone looking for mentorship. His expertise and dedication make him an exceptional guide for anyone aiming to achieve their goals and thrive in their career.

Anastasia

Anastasia

Lite Plan • 40 months

5 out of 5 stars

I reached out to John when I felt stuck in my role and lacked the confidence and structure to take the next step in my career. His continuous motivation, structured approach to building case studies, and detailed guidance helped me grow in my current role, create a strong portfolio, feel confident in interviews, and land my next role with ease. Working with John was a true investment in my professional growth, and I 100% recommend him to anyone looking for an excellent mentor and an honest, supportive relationship.

Andriana

Andriana

Lite Plan • 35 months

Andriana wrote 1 more review for the same mentorship

5 out of 5 stars

John is a fantastic mentor. His approach is personal and targeted to my needs, his guidance is thoughtful and effective while the resources provided throughout the sessions are very useful. I fully recommend John to anyone who is looking for structured guidance tailored to their needs.

Andriana

Andriana

5 out of 5 stars

When I started looking for mentorship, I wanted clarity, how to strengthen my case studies, build a more focused portfolio, and grow my interview skills. John provided exactly that and more. He has a thoughtful, attentive approach and always makes sure his feedback translates into clear, actionable steps. Together we worked on refining my case study narratives, analyzing the job market to focus on the right opportunities, and sharpening my interviewing skills through whiteboarding practice. Every session left me with concrete next steps and a better sense of direction. The impact has been huge. I now feel more confident telling my story, more strategic about how I position myself, and more prepared for the interview process. John is resourceful, honest, and genuinely invested in helping you grow. If you’re a designer navigating uncertainty and looking for a mentor who can provide sharp insights, practical tools, and thoughtful guidance, John is the kind of mentor who can help you unlock your potential.

Hang

Hang

Lite Plan • 1 month

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