Resilience and perseverance are crucial in the job search process; maintaining self-motivation is essential despite rejection and uncertainty.
An effective portfolio should focus on one standout project that highlights problem-solving abilities and personal growth, emphasizing relevancy and impact over process.
During interviews, authenticity is key; candidates should ask insightful questions to understand company culture and values, while negotiating salary based on their own worth and facts.
Deep dives
Challenges and struggles in the job search process
The podcast episode explores the personal experience of the host transitioning from one job to another, highlighting the challenges and struggles faced during the job search process. It emphasizes the importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of rejection and discouragement. The host shares personal anecdotes of being laid off and offers advice on how to cope with uncertainties and maintain self-motivation throughout the process. The episode also emphasizes the need to maintain authenticity and be true to oneself during interviews and job applications.
Crafting an effective portfolio
The podcast episode provides insights and tips on creating an effective portfolio that showcases one's skills and experiences. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on one standout project or story rather than including a wide range of unrelated work. The host suggests highlighting the problem-solving approach, the solution, and the impact achieved in each project. Documenting struggles, innovations, and personal growth allows potential employers to gain a better understanding of the candidate's abilities. The episode also advises on curating case studies to emphasize relevancy and impact, rather than focusing too much on the process.
Interviewing tips and considerations
The podcast episode provides valuable tips and insights on interviewing for a UX job. The host emphasizes the importance of being authentic and genuine during interviews, rather than trying to present a perfect image. It encourages candidates to ask insightful questions to gain a deeper understanding of the company culture, leadership, collaboration, and opportunities for growth. The episode highlights the significance of researching the company, evaluating the UX maturity level, and understanding the organization's philosophy on training and education. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of negotiating salary and reminds listeners to focus on facts and their own worth.
Networking and Personal Branding
One of the most important parts of landing a job in UX is networking. Building and fostering connections can lead to opportunities and enthusiastic endorsements. It is crucial to maintain relationships and reach out to acquaintances genuinely, without expecting anything in return. Developing a strong personal brand and being known for certain skills or expertise increases the chances of being thought of when an opportunity arises.
Creating Your Own Experience
Sometimes, the challenge of getting a job in UX is the catch-22 situation of needing experience without having a job. In such cases, it is advised to create your own experience. Look for areas within your sphere of influence where you can effect change and build a case study to demonstrate your skills. Having a self-initiated project on your portfolio and resume shows initiative and potential to recruiters. And in situations where there is a lack of experience, it is important for hiring managers to consider the potential and ability of candidates to learn on the job.
This is the last episode of 2021. After nearly two years of outlining the content for this episode and nearly two months (at time of writing) of recording and editing, here's everything I know (so far) on landing a job in UX. I hope this content is not only useful to you and anyone you know looking to land their first (or next) job in UX, but I sincerely hope this episode is greatly inspirational and even life-changing for you. I forgot to say it at the end of the episode, so Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Joyous New Year dear Defenders! Take care of yourself and each other, and I'll see you on the other side of this year with more amazing UX/Design content! 👊 Jason.
Song credit at the end "Comeback Kid" by The Midnight
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Origin (4:50)
Count the Costs (9:53)
Portfolio (21:18)
Resume (29:49)
Networking (35:03)
Applying (40:38)
Interviewing (50:11)
Negotiating (1:02:32)
In Closing (1:09:45)
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Check out the detailed show notes including mentioned links, transcript, and much more at userdefenders.com/080
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