Design Staffing in Chicago

The typical timeframe to identify the right candidate is 1 to 3 weeks where we will deliver 3-5 highly qualified candidates. Our process involves tapping into our vetted network and possibly extending the search externally, if necessary. We meticulously match candidates based on the specific opportunity, presenting them to clients with a succinct rationale that underscores their suitability for the project, all while coordinating interviews to ensure a seamless hiring process.

Our staffing division operates under a no-upfront-cost structure, generating revenue through the margins between what we charge our clients and what we pay our talented contractors. This approach creates a symbiotic relationship, where we are able to provide skilled professionals without any initial costs, charging only upon the successful placement of a candidate in a role.We offer a rich network of highly skilled contractors, with the hourly rate being contingent upon various factors including the position, seniority, experience, and geographical location of the individual. This model ensures flexibility and a customized approach to cater to the unique demands of each role. To delve deeper into our strategy and for guidance on selecting the right recruiting model for your UX team, we invite you to read our informative article titled: "How to Choose the Right Recruiting Model for Your UX Team".

We recognize that not every placement may align perfectly with expectations. If an issue arises with a candidate, we actively step in to mediate and find a resolution. In cases where it becomes necessary to part ways with a candidate, we are prepared to facilitate this with the utmost professionalism and consideration for all parties involved.We generally request a two-week notice as a professional courtesy to allow for a smooth transition, except in instances where there has been a breach of company policy, unlawful activities, or unethical behavior, which will necessitate immediate dismissal. Our goal is to manage these situations responsibly, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining the integrity of your work environment.

No, our staffing division operates under a no-upfront-cost structure.

Yes, we serve as a responsible Employer of Record for many professionals in our network. Predominantly, the talent at Academy are brought on board as W-2 employees, minimizing risks associated with worker misclassification while also offering a range of benefits such as paid sick leave, retirement plan contributions, and unemployment insurance, even for those in part-time or short-term assignments. However, we also collaborate with international contractors who may not be classified as W-2 employees and therefore do not have access to the same range of benefits. This allows us to maintain a flexible and diverse talent pool to cater to a wide variety of client needs. Importantly, we always engage in thorough discussions with our clients before initiating any partnership, to ascertain and agree upon the employment model that best suits their specific business requirements and objectives.

Our talent is predominately located in the United States, however we work with talent all over the world. So long as they can reasonably work on our clients timezone. This typically limits our talent to Europe, South America, and the Middle East. Unfortunately, in only special cases are we able to work with talent in Asia or Australia as the timezone difference would create an unreasonable work schedule for people.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a defining pillar of our operations, serving as a beacon in the journey toward fostering a richly diverse talent pool. Our multifaceted approach begins with a globally diverse team of recruiters adept at bypassing biases to focus on the inherent value of each candidate, often seeing beyond polished resumes to identify untapped potential. This commitment extends to active community engagement, where we not only participate in key industry dialogues through platforms such as ADPList, Design Leadership Forum, Design Ops Assemble and more but also offer vital resources for career growth and development. Equally important is our role in shaping inclusive job listings, where we work tirelessly to ensure our partners adopt language that underscores a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our sourcing strategy is expansive, giving precedence to candidates from marginalized groups and leveraging a vast international talent pool, facilitated by our remote-first approach. Furthermore, we champion the cause of pay transparency and equity, nurturing an equitable compensation structure upheld through regular audits that consider factors like ethnicity and gender. Stay tuned for further updates as we continually refine our strategies to nurture a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry.

We specialize in UX recruitment, expertly connecting mid to executive-level professionals with suitable positions in the industry. Our focus lies in placing top-notch Product Designers, Design Engineers, UX Designers, UI Designers, UX Researchers, and Product Managers. Additionally, we facilitate roles for DesignOps, Strategists, and UX Writers. Our network also extends to skilled individuals in fields such as illustration, game design, motion graphics, Webflow design, AR/VR, interaction, and service design, making us your one-stop solution for all UX recruitment needs.

At Academy, we pride ourselves on a robust and supportive screening process for potential candidates. Initially, every application undergoes a meticulous review, followed by progressive stages of phone and portfolio interviews. If a candidate progresses to the client interview stage but isn't selected, we ensure to offer constructive feedback based on client insights. Throughout each step, we maintain a transparent communication line, providing candidates with detailed feedback and resources to foster their growth. This process, rooted in a strong foundation of evaluating execution strategies and behavioral traits, ensures that we find the perfect fit for our clients while assisting candidates in honing their skills. To get an in-depth view of our process, refer to our article, "A Guide to Interviewing for Your Next UX Role".