064: Interview with Cheryl Platz about the UX hiring process, portfolios, & storytelling

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Navigating the job market can feel like a maze. In this episode, Cheryl Platz, a seasoned UX professional, lays out a map for job seekers to present themselves effectively.

Cheryl shares with Sarah her own job search experiences, sharing insights on how to adapt to feedback and connect with interviewers. She stresses the importance of engagement on platforms like LinkedIn, and how sharing genuine content can open unexpected doors in your career. Additionally, this episode delves into the process of evaluating portfolios, the critical skill of storytelling in interviews, and strategies for career transitions. Hear personal anecdotes on maximizing LinkedIn and tips for your first day and the first 90 days in a new role.

Whether you're starting, switching, or advancing your career, this discussion provides practical advice for making the right moves on your professional journey.

05:33 Post-9/11 economy disrupts computer science career.

07:53 Diverse skills: production, writing, UX, game design.

11:30 Transition from Gates Foundation to Riot leadership.

14:40 Focus on strengths, strategize for interview success.

17:23 Incorporating gaming experience into professional interviews.

20:32 Engage with community, share work, mentor.

23:29 LinkedIn as a career tool; use wisely.

28:46 Flipping hiring practices, vetting applicants for interviews.

30:40 Prioritizing criteria and quality in portfolio evaluations.

34:20 Specific criteria for job search impact assessment.

36:31 Celebrating wins and saving companies money is important.

40:38 UX designers must design for others, not themselves.

44:29 Presentation foreshadows potential client meeting behavior.

47:39 Evaluating skills, problem definition, and case studies.

51:15 Start by learning, absorb, set goals, learn rhythm.

54:24 Quick social media post leads to resolution.

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