Derek Bender

Digital product designer. Previously @Dott, @Instacart, @Pinterest, @Uber, @Lumosity. Let's go somewhere.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

@DevonMoodley I got a guy in de Pijp 😉 but I have been looking at this. https://t.co/VLbSTGQfW3

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

If you asked: "That was 2021, but what about now?" Well, I went through interview rounds again in Sep 2022 & Feb 2023. I'll post about those soon.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

In spring of 2021, I interviewed for Senior-level product designer positions in the EU (Amsterdam & Berlin). 36 in total. Of those, 5 turned into offers. And I took a ~50% pay cut coming from SF.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

For those who are curious, here's the spreadsheet that helped me track everything from salaries to company size while I interviewed:

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

Unfortunately, no US-based company would continue the conversation once they knew I was in the EU. Huge missed opportunity for those companies that were touting "remote friendly" positions.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

I never once applied to a job while in SF. Recruiters have always reached out preemptively.

If you're EU-based, you have to apply for jobs—recruiters almost never reach out directly.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

I temporarily set my location on LinkedIn back to SF during my latest job search. I averaged 1-2 recruiter inquiries per day.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

I'm also getting ready to launch my revamped portfolio. Building in @framer is oh so nice!

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

After a 3 month search, I've found my next position! Will share details soon. Until then I'll share some anecdotes of my experience.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

@JuanArreguin And things (furniture, home goods, plants) are cheaper here (at least, in my experience, coming from SF).

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

@JuanArreguin Start from scratch. It's very expensive to move big items overseas (and your plants would die coming over in a boat anyway) but if a company is moving you, get them to pay for it.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

I’m on the hunt for a new product design role!

Prev. @flexport, @instacart & @uber.
Designing complex systems, internal tools and 0-1 experiences.
Looking for full-time in the EU (I’m Amsterdam-based) or contract gigs (🌎 anywhere).

If you’re hiring, DM me!

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

@ow Not @Allbirds ???

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

@JuanArreguin I refuse to accept a mass message. I want a hastily typed out text at 11pm with lots of emojis.

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

@JuanArreguin

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

I just published: When a ballot decides your business model — a Case Study https://t.co/E053dGzrnE

[Derek Bender @derekbender]

Looking for a coffee spot to work from with good wifi in the Kinkerstraat/Foodhallen area ☕️💻. Any recs @ow @femkesvs @KevinHawkinsDC @DevonMoodley?