A few things to consider when looking for your first UX gig

I thought I'd answer some questions I get asked a lot in an article format, so people can re-visit it.

So without further ado:

How can I design my portfolio to get my foot in the door?

My old boss Nick always used to say your CV is what you’ve done and your portfolio should show how you’ve done it. 

A UX portfolio should be aesthetically pleasing to look at, show a clear process and the why behind the how. For example, a lot of portfolios are great at explaining how someone has worked through the process but I rarely see why. 

Why did you go onto empathy maps? 

Why did you do extra research? Why didn’t you? Why did you assume? 

When you’re designing a portfolio, you need to write it for your target audience which is hiring managers. Hiring managers want to know you have good design thinking, can think on your feet and proactive in projects. 

For more tips on designing your portfolio, please check out a recent blog post. 

What strategies can I utilise to get interviews?

Look, getting a junior role is hard. 

Do you really think just applying on Indeed will wield results? Maybe. 

Thinking outside the box will result in more coffee chats, interviews, future contacts in the industry. 

Some of my favourite strategies: 

• Approach hiring managers on LinkedIn. Don’t go in with a hard sell, connect, write a message introducing yourself and what you’re looking for. They might be able to help, but they will 100% remember you for any future junior roles. 
• Online networking — connect with your peers on LinkedIn, Twitter, Behance, join Slack groups such as Candles to connect with likeminded people who are in the same boat and have access to people currently in the industry willing to help. This game is who you know, not what you know sometimes. 
• Meetups- UX as an industry is great. So many people love to help, inspire and educate. Take advantage of being around so many extroverts.
• Join a co-working space and get access to the start-ups hiring, and approach them. 
• Go on Angel list, see who the co-founders are and approach. Also, apply directly. 
• Create content- Medium, personal website, Twitter, LinkedIn articles. I don’t care, just create. Create content that engages people, makes you stand out and people will take notice. Don’t underestimate how powerful personal branding is when looking for a new role. 

What sort of company should I join as a new UXer? 

Focus on the project, not company. 

You could get into a FTSE 250 and get great exposure to great people, benefits, salary etc but it’s likely you’ll be working on a very small project. 

I’d advise looking at projects where you get end-to-end exposure, research, hands on deliverables and see your work actually used. 

The great thing about UX is how people outside of work can help. It’s easy to attend a meet-up, learn and grab a mentor along the way.