You read about the high demand UX designers are in and you think it's a good career (change) opportunity. However…

I'm guilty of getting excited about the whole hype around UX design.

I mean everywhere you look, UX design appears as one of the hottest jobs on the market. Moreover, there seems to be a lot more demand than offer. So you think to yourself that even as a junior you could get a job in a reasonable amount of time.

Well, the reality is different.

Whereas I'm happy with my experience as a UX Designer so far, it was not an easy path especially getting that first job. So here is my experience and some advice for those of you who are considering a career in UX design.

The reasons companies don't hire junior designers

They can't afford it. They need someone to start delivering quickly and they can't wait for you to learn.

They only have the budget for one designer and they don't want to hire someone with very little or no experience.

Their company is too fast-paced and they want someone who can bring design ideas to life very quickly.

They need someone who has experience with the design process and hence knows how non-linear it is.

I hope you are not disheartened by what you just read. There are things you can do that will help you land your first job in UX design. Read on.

What I've learned and improved from my job hunt for a UX Designer role

Your portfolio needs to be on point

There is no way around it.

You need to work on that portfolio like there is no tomorrow.

It's better to start applying later than do it with a non-convincing portfolio.

I did quite a lot of research when designing my portfolio and I reiterated it over and over again.

For more information, you can check this portfolio review as well as this one. There are newer portfolio reviews out there but I found these two very informative.

Have a "real-life" project in your portfolio

I know it's a chicken and egg kinda thing but it's a must in my opinion.

Try some open-source design projects or offer pro bono work to an NGO or small startup.

I'm not advocating for free work here, but to get you started, that first real-life project will be very important in landing you a job.

Here are 2 resources you might find helpful:

Network

People need to know that you are a UX designer and actively looking so get in touch with the people in your network (Linkedin, ex-colleagues, Dribble, etc).

I know it can be daunting to put yourself out there but it might be that someone who knows someone needs a wonderful designer and that designer could be you.

Your resume

While your portfolio is extremely important, don't neglect your CV. Make sure you capitalize on your background and skills.

Write cover letters

I know it's time-consuming, however:

This is your chance to tell your story and shine a light on why you are a fit for X company something that neither your resume nor portfolio will do.

The best cover letters you will write are for the companies that you really want to work for. Btw, the cover letter got me my first job as a UX Designer.

Keep track of your applications and review the feedback and results

I have a tracker where I added each job I applied to, including which platform I used and any other important details.

I reviewed this tracker regularly and adapted my strategy accordingly.

For example, if I got more answers from jobs advertised on We Work Remotely then I would spend more time there.

Apply for startups or small companies

Remote work is highly competitive and it's even harder to compete as a junior so you stand more chances applying for a small company or startup.

This shouldn't stop you from applying for your dream company, who knows, maybe that cover letter you wrote caught the attention of the right person 😉.

Lastly, don't lose hope

I know it's hard and sometimes you just think it's never going to happen. Keep going, there is a company out there that needs and wants your skills.

One last thing

If you consider starting a freelance activity — which some new designers choose to do — you might find the below article interesting. It goes through the steps of creating and managing a company online. The costs are low and there are quite a few benefits, especially for people living outside of Europe who want to establish a European entity. Hope it helps.

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