Trying to get your first gig as a UX or Product Designer can feel overwhelming. The competition is so high, you feel like a drop in the ocean and you have no idea how you’re going to get noticed among the thousands of other applicants. You’ve done your training so you have a foundation of knowledge, but you’ve never had a chance to apply those skills. Now you’re not getting hired because you haven’t got the experience…But you need a chance to apply your skills first!
It feels like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel.
Don’t worry, I’ve been there! Over 10 years ago when I was trying to get my first gig, I felt exactly the same. There are so many things that I’ve learnt after a decade of being in the industry. Here are some of them!
1. Stop trying to do the same thing over and over again and expecting the same results.
This is literally Einstein's interpretation of insanity. If it didn’t work the first few times, it’s unlikely to work the next thousand times you try it. Design is about tapping into your creative problem solving skills. You need to apply this out of the box thinking to every stage in your application process. From your CV, to your application, to your interview and after you get hired too. If you want to be an epic Product Designer, you’ll need to be good at getting creative, because not all your ideas will get through either. You’ll have to get good at thinking up new ideas and looking at things from multiple angles. Apply this lateral creative thinking to your applications. Make yourself stand out from the crowd!
2. Treat your applications like a date
It’s easy to start feeling the pressure when job hunting. If you apply feeling stressed and pressured, you’re going to give off this energy in your applications and you won’t come across as well as if you’re relaxed and having fun. Think about it… Imagine you’re on a date and the other person is all stressy trying to rush the conversations, ordering really fast, isn’t being attentive to you and only talks about themselves… Would you want to go back for a second date? Didn’t think so. The same goes for your applications. Relax, let go off the pressure and have fun with them! If you treat your applications with the same level of care you would do as if you were on a date with someone you like, you’re more likely to be invited in for an interview.
3. Show off your ability to make the complex…simple.
Strategic UX and research involves being able to absorb large amounts of information, understand patterns from data and then distill that information down into easy to digest, manageable information for colleagues to understand what’s happening in the real world.
UX design involves creating wireframes that remember what the people who are using the product need at each stage of their journey in a way that flows easily for them.
This means making the complex simple, for both the teams you are collaborating with and for the people using the products too.
4. Get into UX spaces
If you haven’t already, surround yourself in spaces where UX is being discussed. Go to UX talks, conferences and networking events. Think of it like learning a language, if you go to a country that speaks the language you’re learning, you’re more likely to learn it faster and be able to pronounce your words better too. When you’re absorbed in your new world, you’ll subconsciously pick up industry words, tips, networks and ideas that you’re less likely to gain if you stay at home, hiding behind your laptop. So be brave and get out there, even if you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. In fact, this is the best time to be out there. Push yourself out of your comfort zone! Remember, these are the things that will set you apart from your competition and can help your career fly.
5. Get ready to meet your future employer
When you go to your UX events, you never know when you might meet your future employer. So be ready to make a good impression on anyone you meet, regardless of their role. If they’ve already met you before they interview you, they’re more likely to notice you. Remember, there are multiple departments who need to know they can rely on you and want to know you’re easy to work with too. It’s not just the final decision maker you need to impress - it’s the Developers, Account Managers, Designers, Marketers, Directors and anyone you’re likely to be working closely with.
6. Don’t forget your transferable skills
You will have transferable skills from whatever career you are changing from and they can be applied to your new role as a UX/Product Designer. Being a quality Designer isn’t just about easy flowing seamless designs, it’s also about your communication skills, how well you collaborate with other amazing minds, how flexible you are willing to be, how to present your ideas, how to take constructive criticism, how to quickly improve your designs and being empathetic.
Many of these soft skills are essential and are what sets apart an average UX/Product Designer to an excellent one. There are so many candidates applying for these roles, so it’s important to get clear on what your individual USP is, what makes you stand out and what you can do to get your foot in the door.
Use these tips to help you get closer to landing your first job! These are just some of the tips I have to offer. There are plenty more which I help my clients with through my mentoring service.
If you would like more support, I offer mentoring packages and sessions to help you with your CV, interview prep, portfolio reviews and tailored advice to help you get your first job and support you once you’ve got your job too!
One of the biggest things that helped me kickoff my career was speaking to the right people. Even just one conversation with someone who was experienced in the area I wanted to go in was a huge game changer for me. Their wisdom was invaluable and I wouldn’t have got to where I am without their support, so I can not thank them enough!
To book your mentoring sessions with me or to learn more, click here.