Staff Product Designer, Pay Ecosystem

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer, Pay Ecosystem

Company: Jobgether (on behalf of a partner company)

Location: United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-27

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design vision for complex B2B SaaS payroll and payments ecosystem, driving strategic UX and visual design decisions across multiple product areas.

• Design intuitive, scalable, and accessible experiences for enterprise users, from low-fidelity concepts to polished, production-ready interfaces, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and stakeholders to identify customer pain points, validate solutions, and deliver high-quality outcomes within a distributed, remote-first environment.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the design system, creating reusable components and ensuring consistency across products and workflows to enhance efficiency and user experience.

• Mentor peers, facilitate design critiques, and advocate for strong design practices, usability standards, and systems thinking to elevate overall design maturity and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a "Staff" level Product Designer, indicating a need for significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence design direction across a complex product suite. The focus on a "Pay Ecosystem" and B2B SaaS for payroll and international employment suggests a requirement for deep understanding of financial workflows, compliance, and enterprise user needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic UX and visual design for a complex payroll and payments ecosystem, encompassing multiple product areas and user journeys.

• Develop intuitive, scalable, and accessible user experiences for enterprise-level B2B SaaS clients, translating complex requirements into user-friendly interfaces.

• Drive user-centered design methodologies, including user research, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design, from concept to production.

• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and research teams to define product strategy, identify customer pain points, and iterate on solutions.

• Contribute to and evolve the company's design system by creating reusable components, patterns, and guidelines to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Facilitate design critiques, cross-functional workshops, and design reviews to align teams and drive consensus on design decisions.

• Mentor junior and peer designers, providing constructive feedback and sharing best practices in design thinking and execution.

• Leverage AI-driven prototyping and automation tools to accelerate the ideation, experimentation, and workflow efficiency within the design process.

• Champion accessibility standards (WCAG), scalability, and overall design craftsmanship across all product touchpoints.

• Continuously improve design processes, workflows, and ways of working within a remote-first, asynchronous collaboration culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and leadership in design. The emphasis on "complex payroll and payments ecosystem" and "enterprise-grade B2B SaaS platforms" points towards a need for experience with intricate workflows, financial transactions, and B2B user needs. The mention of "AI-driven prototyping and automation tools" suggests a forward-thinking approach and a desire for candidates comfortable with emerging design technologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, extensive experience and a strong portfolio are emphasized, suggesting that a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field would be beneficial but not strictly mandatory if equivalent experience is demonstrated.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Product Design, UX Design, or a similar role.

• Proven track record of designing and shipping complex, enterprise-grade B2B SaaS platforms.

• Demonstrated experience in leading end-to-end design initiatives for large-scale product ecosystems. Required Skills:

• User-Centered Design Methodologies: Deep expertise in user research, usability testing, persona development, and journey mapping.

• Interaction Design: Proficient in designing intuitive and efficient user flows and interactions for complex applications.

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to create polished, high-fidelity mockups and prototypes.

• Information Architecture: Skilled in organizing content and features logically for optimal user navigation and understanding.

• Design Systems: Experience creating, contributing to, and maintaining component-based design systems for consistency and scalability.

• Portfolio Demonstration: A robust portfolio showcasing complex product challenges solved through scalable and thoughtful design solutions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other stakeholders in fast-paced, distributed environments.

• Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects and drive alignment across organizational priorities.

• Accessibility Standards: Strong understanding of WCAG guidelines and best practices for inclusive design.

Preferred Skills:

• Industry Familiarity: Experience in HRTech, FinTech, payroll, or compliance-focused platforms.

• AI & Automation Tools: Experience leveraging AI and automation tools within design and product development processes.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to design for complex, interconnected product ecosystems, balancing consistency and innovation.

• Enterprise Design: Understanding of the nuances and requirements of designing for enterprise users and large organizations.

• Fluent English: Required for effective communication in a global team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "10+" years of experience requirement, coupled with "Staff" level designation, signals a senior role demanding strategic leadership and mentorship capabilities, not just execution. The preference for HRTech, FinTech, payroll, or compliance backgrounds is a strong indicator of the domain expertise valued for this "Pay Ecosystem" role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Complex B2B SaaS Products: Showcase 3-5 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end design process for enterprise-grade B2B SaaS products, ideally within FinTech, HRTech, or payroll domains.

• Problem/Solution Articulation: Clearly define the complex user or business problem addressed in each case study, followed by a robust explanation of your design approach and solutions.

• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your design solutions with relevant metrics (e.g., improved user task completion rates, reduced support tickets, increased adoption, efficiency gains).

• Design Process Documentation: Illustrate your design process, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, include examples of your contributions to or utilization of design systems, highlighting component creation, pattern definition, or system maintenance.

• Accessibility & Scalability Focus: Demonstrate how accessibility and scalability were considered and integrated into your design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Analysis & Optimization: Provide examples of how you have analyzed existing workflows to identify inefficiencies and designed optimized solutions for enterprise users.

• System Thinking in Design: Showcase instances where you applied systems thinking to ensure coherence and consistency across multiple interconnected product features or modules.

• Collaboration Documentation: Illustrate how you documented and communicated design decisions, rationale, and progress to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond showcasing pretty interfaces to demonstrating deep strategic thinking, problem-solving for complex enterprise environments, and quantifiable impact. The emphasis on "complex B2B SaaS," "Pay Ecosystem," and "Systems Thinking" means candidates should highlight how they navigate intricate requirements and ensure consistency across a broad product suite.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £70,700 - £159,050 GBP (equivalent to $70,700 - $159,050 USD, as stated in the listing, adjusted for UK context).

• Methodology: The provided salary range is stated in USD. For a UK-based role, this is often an indicator of the target compensation level, which might be paid in GBP. A direct conversion is provided. The range itself suggests a significant degree of variability based on experience, skills, and specific location within the UK, which is common for senior roles. The lower end reflects substantial experience but perhaps less specialized domain knowledge, while the higher end signifies deep expertise and proven impact in relevant industries.

Benefits:

• Competitive Annual Salary: As detailed above, with a broad range reflecting senior-level compensation.

• Fully Remote Work Environment: Freedom to work from anywhere within the United Kingdom, promoting work-life balance and autonomy.

• Flexible Working Hours: Support for asynchronous collaboration, allowing individuals to structure their workdays effectively.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

• 16 Weeks Paid Parental Leave: Comprehensive support for new parents.

• Comprehensive Mental Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to services dedicated to employee welfare.

• Equity Opportunities: Stock options provide a stake in the company's success.

• Dedicated Learning & Professional Development Budget: Investment in continuous skill enhancement and career growth.

• Home Office Setup Allowance & IT Equipment: Resources to ensure a productive and comfortable remote workspace.

• Budget for Coworking Memberships & Social Events: Support for maintaining social connections and professional networking, both virtually and in person.

• Strong Focus on Employee Growth & Internal Mobility: Clear pathways for career advancement and development within the organization.

• Fair Global Compensation Practices: Commitment to equitable pay across different regions.

• Inclusive & Diverse Work Culture: A commitment to belonging, accessibility, and equal opportunity.

Working Hours: The job states 40 hours per week, but the emphasis on flexible working hours and asynchronous collaboration suggests that while the workload is full-time, the specific daily schedule can be adaptable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated in USD, which is unusual for a UK-based role. This could mean the company operates on a global compensation framework where USD is the benchmark, or the posting is a general template. For a UK hire, this would likely be converted to GBP, and local market rates for senior product designers in the UK should also be considered. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on remote work support, professional development, and employee well-being, aligning with modern tech company offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The partner company operates within the FinTech/HRTech sector, specifically focusing on payroll and international employment solutions. This is a rapidly evolving industry driven by globalization, remote work trends, and the need for compliant, efficient employee management systems.

Company Size: While Jobgether is a platform, the partner company's size is not explicitly stated. However, the presence of a "Staff Product Designer" role, the mention of a "globally distributed design team," and the focus on scaling complex B2B SaaS products suggest it is likely a mid-to-large-sized tech company with established processes and a significant user base.

Founded: The founding date of the partner company is not specified. However, the focus on modern work environments (remote-first, asynchronous) and advanced design practices (AI-driven tools, design systems) indicates a company that is likely established but also forward-thinking.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: The role is part of a "globally distributed design team." This implies a team structure that is remote-first, likely organized by product areas or pods, and emphasizes asynchronous communication.

• Reporting: The Staff Product Designer is an individual contributor role, expected to lead design initiatives. They will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or potentially a Director of Product.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other stakeholders, suggesting a matrixed or pod-based team structure where design is integrated early and often in the product development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on user pain points, validation, and impact metrics suggests a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Systems Thinking: A core methodology for managing complexity within the "Pay Ecosystem."

• Agile/Lean Development: Implicit in the "fast-paced, high-growth" environment and cross-functional collaboration.

• Remote-First & Asynchronous: Key operational methodologies for effective collaboration in a distributed team.

Company Website: As Jobgether is posting on behalf of a partner, the specific partner company's website is not provided. Jobgether's website is: jobgether.com.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description paints a picture of a modern, distributed tech company operating in a specialized but critical B2B SaaS niche. The culture likely values autonomy, strong communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, especially concerning complex financial and HR workflows.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Product Designer. This is a senior individual contributor role, typically positioned above Senior Designer and below Principal Designer or Director of Design. It signifies a high level of expertise, strategic influence, and the ability to lead complex projects autonomously.

Reporting Structure: The Staff Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Design, or Director of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their designated product area. The global, distributed nature suggests that direct oversight might be less about micro-management and more about strategic alignment and mentorship.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's core B2B SaaS product, specifically the intricate "Pay Ecosystem." By designing intuitive, secure, and compliant payment and payroll experiences, the designer directly influences customer acquisition, retention, operational efficiency for businesses, and the company's revenue growth. Their work on scalability and user experience is critical for supporting global expansion and high-volume transactions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to Principal Product Designer, where they would tackle even more complex, strategic challenges and potentially lead design initiatives across multiple product lines.

• Management Track: Potential transition into a Design Manager role, leading and mentoring a team of designers, if desired.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise within the FinTech/HRTech domain, becoming a subject matter expert in payroll and international employment design.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Become a key voice in product strategy, influencing the roadmap and vision based on user insights and design expertise.

• Mentorship & Advocacy: Continue to grow as a mentor, shaping design culture and best practices within the organization and potentially the wider industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title is a significant indicator of career trajectory. It's for designers who have mastered their craft and are ready to operate with a high degree of autonomy, tackle ambiguous problems, and mentor others. The growth opportunities lean towards deepening expertise and influence within the design function and product strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote role, indicating no requirement for a physical office presence. The company fosters a "remote-first" and "asynchronous collaboration culture."

Office Location(s): The role is based in the United Kingdom, but the "fully remote" nature means the employee can work from anywhere within the UK. The company may have some physical presence or host occasional in-person events, but the day-to-day work is distributed.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, the culture encourages collaboration through digital tools, video conferencing, and asynchronous communication channels (e.g., Slack, project management software). Design critiques and workshops will be conducted virtually.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to modern design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch), prototyping tools, collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Notion), and potentially AI-assisted design tools. The company provides IT equipment and a home office setup allowance.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with product managers, engineers, researchers, and fellow designers through scheduled meetings, ad-hoc discussions, and shared project spaces. The asynchronous nature requires proactive communication and clear documentation.

Work Schedule: The job specifies 40 hours per week. However, the emphasis on "flexible working hours" and "asynchronous collaboration culture" suggests a focus on output and results rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule. This allows individuals to manage their time effectively, particularly beneficial for those in different time zones within the UK or with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully remote" and "remote-first" aspects are central. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication, self-management, and leveraging digital tools for collaboration. The flexibility in working hours is a key benefit for work-life integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening (Jobgether AI): An AI-powered matching process reviews applications against core requirements for speed and objectivity.

• Hiring Company Review: Shortlisted candidates are shared with the partner company for their internal evaluation.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: Expect a deep dive into your portfolio. This might involve a presentation of 1-2 key case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and impact. Be prepared to discuss complex problems and how you navigated them.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.

• Staff-Level/Leadership Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to evaluate strategic thinking, mentorship capabilities, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your unique contribution, the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable outcomes.

• Focus on B2B & Complexity: Highlight your experience with enterprise-level B2B SaaS, especially if you have FinTech/HRTech/Payroll examples. Emphasize how you handled complex workflows, compliance, and scalability.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your design thinking and execution.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. Explain how your work contributed to business goals.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to defend your design decisions, explaining the "why" behind your choices, referencing user research, design principles, and business objectives.

• Demonstrate Systems Thinking: Showcase how you ensured consistency and scalability across interconnected product areas.

• Address AI/Automation: If you have experience using AI or automation in your design process, be ready to discuss it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Problems: Prepare for potential design challenges that involve complex workflows, data management, or user experience optimization within a payroll or payments context.

• Process & Strategy: Focus on articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and strategic thinking rather than just delivering a final visual design.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with remote, cross-functional teams, handle design disagreements, and influence stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI screening by Jobgether is an initial filter. The real evaluation begins with the partner company, where the portfolio is critical. Candidates need to prepare a compelling narrative around their work, emphasizing strategic impact and complex problem-solving relevant to the B2B SaaS Pay Ecosystem.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Notion, Asana or Jira (for project management).

• Design Systems: Tools like Zeroheight or Storybook for documentation, and the design tool itself for component management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, or similar tools for understanding user behavior and product adoption.

• Business Intelligence: Tableau, Looker, Power BI (less common for designers but useful for understanding data).

• User Feedback Tools: Hotjar, UserTesting.com, survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not directly a designer's tool, familiarity with Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar CRMs can provide context for B2B sales and customer data.

• Automation: Experience with workflow automation tools might be beneficial for understanding how design impacts automated processes. AI-driven prototyping tools are specifically mentioned.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific tools aren't listed, standard industry practices for senior product designers apply. Proficiency in leading design tools like Figma is essential. The mention of "AI-driven prototyping and automation tools" suggests an openness to and preference for candidates exploring these emerging technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving customer problems, especially for enterprise users managing complex financial operations.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and reliable designs that reflect attention to detail.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, constructive feedback, and shared ownership within a distributed team.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Designing solutions that are not only effective but also scalable and efficient for both users and the business.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new technologies (like AI in design) and actively seeking ways to enhance processes and outcomes.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A core value to ensure products are usable and accessible to a diverse range of users.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First & Asynchronous: Emphasis on clear written communication, detailed documentation, and respecting different working hours.

• Cross-functional Integration: Design is seen as an integral part of the product development process, working hand-in-hand with Product and Engineering from ideation to launch.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that encourages giving and receiving constructive feedback through design critiques, peer reviews, and retrospectives.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and potentially wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be modern, progressive, and focused on enabling high-performing remote teams. Values like user-centricity, craft, and collaboration are standard for strong design organizations, but the emphasis on remote-first and AI integration adds a contemporary layer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of the Pay Ecosystem: Designing for intricate payroll and international payment workflows involves numerous variables, compliance requirements, and diverse user roles, demanding meticulous attention to detail and robust systems thinking.

• Balancing Consistency and Innovation: Maintaining a cohesive user experience across a large, interconnected product suite while also introducing new features and innovative solutions requires careful strategic planning and design system governance.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and driving alignment within a globally distributed, asynchronous team can be challenging, requiring strong communication skills and proactive engagement.

• Integrating AI Tools: Learning and effectively integrating AI-driven prototyping and automation tools into existing workflows requires experimentation and adaptation.

• Elevating Design Maturity: As a Staff Designer, a key challenge will be to continuously advocate for and elevate design standards and practices across the organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Develop skills in strategic influencing, complex problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership.

• FinTech/HRTech Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge of payroll, international employment, compliance, and financial operations, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Emerging Design Technologies: Gain hands-on experience with AI in design, automation tools, and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Mentorship Development: Hone coaching and mentoring skills by guiding junior and peer designers.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Utilize the professional development budget for relevant events, workshops, or certifications to stay current with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in complex B2B SaaS environments. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding influence, expertise, and leadership within the design function and the specific industry domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the end-to-end design of a complex B2B SaaS feature or product. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, collaboration, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for intricate financial workflows or compliance-heavy products? Can you provide an example?" (Assess domain understanding and ability to handle complexity).

• "How would you balance maintaining consistency with introducing innovative new features within a large design system and product ecosystem?" (Test systems thinking and strategic trade-offs).

• "In a remote-first, asynchronous environment, how do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment with product and engineering teams?" (Evaluate remote collaboration skills).

• "How do you leverage user research and data to inform your design decisions, especially when dealing with enterprise clients?" (Assess user-centricity and data-driven approach). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for the 'Pay Ecosystem' and the FinTech/HRTech industry?" (Gauge genuine interest and research).

• "How do you see your role as a Staff Designer contributing to the overall design maturity and culture of a distributed team?" (Understand your leadership and mentorship philosophy).

• "Describe your experience working with AI or automation tools in the design process. What are your thoughts on their future role?" (Assess openness to new technologies).

• "How do you handle constructive feedback on your designs, especially from cross-functional peers?" (Evaluate receptiveness and collaboration). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Strategic Case Studies: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your ability to solve complex B2B SaaS problems, your design process, and quantifiable results. Prioritize FinTech/HRTech if available.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the business context, the user problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process (research, ideation, iteration), key decisions and rationale, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Show how your designs fit into a larger product ecosystem and maintain consistency.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics, testimonials, or business outcomes to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making. Practice articulating your rationale clearly and concisely.

• Enthusiasm for the Domain: Express your excitement about the challenges and opportunities within the payroll and payments space.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep problem-solving skills for complex B2B environments, and leadership potential. The portfolio presentation is the most critical part, requiring a clear, data-backed narrative of impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Jobgether.

• Curate Your Portfolio for Impact: Select 2-3 of your strongest B2B SaaS design case studies that highlight complex problem-solving, your systematic approach, and measurable outcomes. Tailor your portfolio presentation to emphasize FinTech, HRTech, or payroll experience if possible.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, focusing on achievements in enterprise B2B SaaS design, leadership, and mentorship. Use keywords from the job description such as "Staff Product Designer," "B2B SaaS," "Pay Ecosystem," "Design Systems," and "Remote-First."

• Prepare Your Presentation Narrative: Practice presenting your chosen portfolio case studies. Focus on storytelling, clearly explaining the "why" behind your design decisions, and quantifying the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex workflows and systems thinking.

• Research the Industry & Company: Understand the challenges and opportunities within the payroll and international employment space. Research Jobgether and any publicly available information about the partner company (if identifiable) to demonstrate your interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.