Is it reasonable for a job to require a decade of Figma expertise?

I just had a weird experience with a recruiter. They told me the job needs someone with 10 years of experience using Figma. This seems crazy to me! Figma hasn’t even been around that long, has it? I’m wondering if this is a mistake or if some companies are really asking for impossible qualifications. Has anyone else run into job postings with unrealistic experience requirements? How do you usually handle this kind of situation? Should I point out the error to the recruiter or just move on to other opportunities? I’m curious to hear what others think about this.

lol thats crazy! figma aint even that old. sounds like the recruiter messed up or the company is living in 2030 :joy: id say apply anyway and mention the goof. might even make u stand out. worst case, they say no. best case, u get a laugh and maybe even an interview. good luck!

As someone who’s been in the tech industry for quite a while, I can say with certainty that this requirement is not just unreasonable, it’s impossible. Figma was launched in 2016, so even its creators don’t have a decade of experience with it.

This situation is likely due to a poorly written job description or a lack of technical knowledge on the recruiter’s part. It’s not uncommon to see such discrepancies, especially with newer technologies.

If you’re interested in the position, I’d suggest reaching out to the recruiter for clarification. It’s possible they meant to ask for 10 years of general UI/UX design experience, with proficiency in Figma.

In any case, don’t let this deter you from applying if you feel you’re otherwise qualified. Focus on showcasing your relevant skills and experience in your application. Sometimes, these errors can be an opportunity to demonstrate your industry knowledge and attention to detail.

That’s definitely an unrealistic requirement. Figma was only publicly released in 2016, so even its earliest adopters wouldn’t have a full decade of experience yet. This sounds like a case of the job description not being properly vetted or updated. I’ve encountered similar situations before, usually with newer technologies.

In my experience, it’s often worth politely pointing out the discrepancy to the recruiter. They may not be aware of the issue, and it could lead to a constructive conversation about the actual experience level they’re seeking. Some companies use these inflated requirements as a way to filter candidates, but it’s a misguided practice that can deter qualified applicants.

If you’re interested in the role otherwise, I’d suggest inquiring about the actual experience level they’re looking for and highlighting your relevant skills, even if they don’t match the stated years. Sometimes these errors are opportunities to stand out by demonstrating your knowledge and attention to detail.

I’ve seen this kind of thing before, and it’s usually a mix-up or outdated job posting. As someone who’s been in the design field for a while, I can tell you that tool-specific experience isn’t always the most important factor.

What really matters is your overall design skills and ability to adapt to new software. I’ve switched between various design tools over the years, and the core principles remain the same. If you’re proficient in other design software, you can likely pick up Figma pretty quickly.

My advice would be to apply anyway if the rest of the job looks interesting. In your application or cover letter, you could tactfully mention the Figma timeline discrepancy and highlight your adaptability and relevant design experience instead. This approach has worked for me in the past when facing similar situations.

Remember, sometimes these ‘requirements’ are more like wish lists. Don’t let it discourage you from pursuing a role you’re otherwise qualified for.

I’ve been in the design industry for over 15 years, and I can tell you this Figma requirement is absurd. It’s a classic case of HR or recruiters not understanding the tech they’re hiring for.

In my experience, these impossible requirements often stem from a game of ‘telephone’ between the hiring manager and HR. The original request might have been ‘10 years of UI design experience, proficient in Figma,’ which somehow morphed into this nonsense.

My advice? Apply anyway. In your cover letter or initial contact, briefly mention the Figma timeline issue. Then, pivot to highlight your actual design experience and how quickly you adapt to new tools. I’ve landed several jobs by tactfully pointing out these kinds of errors - it shows you’re knowledgeable and pay attention to detail.

Remember, great designers are problem solvers first, tool experts second. If you’ve got solid design chops, you can learn any tool, Figma included.