Landing a UX Job: A Generalist’s Guide

The UX job market is a hot mess. Between contract roles and fake job postings, it’s all confusing. The influx of layoffs and remote roles means competition is fierce. I was laid off from a previous role last June, which brought a mix of emotions and required a lot of hard work to navigate the UX job market. Here’s my streamlined strategy to help you with your job search.

Craft a UX Portfolio That Stands Out

Your portfolio is your first impression. It can make or break your chances of landing an interview. Recruiters want to see real-world case studies, not just pretty screens. Showcase your design process and how you think, but also include user research, final prototypes, and user interfaces.

Not every project needs to be end-to-end. Instead, highlight a variety of projects, problems, and solutions. Be authentic. Sometimes, you have to present what you have, but if you can, show the depth of your experience. My portfolio includes a Service Design/Strategy project, two UX/UI projects, a freelance project, and a fun graphic design project to add a personal touch.

There are plenty of tools available, from WordPress to Wix to Squarespace, to help you create a website. 🛠️ Use them to your advantage to display your design work. A clean, easy-to-navigate website is all you need. Your content shapes the impression you make.

Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn

Here’s the truth about resumes. Keywords matter, but so does the content itself. Find a balance between incorporating phrases recruiters look for and telling your unique story. Highlight how you got into UX, your responsibilities, and your achievements. Measurable results, like increasing engagement by 25%, always stand out.

Leverage your network. Ask people to review and provide feedback on your resume. UX resumes can differ significantly from other industries, so gathering diverse perspectives is valuable. Recruiters aren’t always UX-savvy, so ensure your resume is clear and accessible. Grammar and spelling are crucial, and the more eyes on your resume, the better. Treat it like any UX project—iterate based on feedback. UX professionals, other industry professionals, recruiters, and even teachers can be great reviewers.

I repurposed much of my resume content for my LinkedIn profile, but one key difference was my headline. Your headline is visible to everyone, whether they’re viewing your profile or seeing your comments on posts. A compelling headline can get you that crucial click, and sometimes, one click is all it takes. 👀

Leverage Social Media and Networking

Social media isn’t just for scrolling. It’s a powerful job search tool. I removed Instagram and Facebook from my phone, redirecting my scrolling habit toward LinkedIn. I engaged with posts whenever possible to increase my visibility. I also commented on hiring posts with a link to my portfolio, ensuring I followed any instructions on messaging or applying.

I reached out to former coworkers, second-degree connections, and even strangers who had posted about hiring or worked at companies with UX openings I was interested in. This led to several great conversations that turned into interviews. Many people, strangers included, gave me kind and uplifting feedback on my work, which was both motivating and insightful.

There are also many local UX communities and meetups, both virtual and in person. Attend events when possible and make connections. Add those people on LinkedIn. Before applying to any role, check if you have a connection at that company. Referrals go a long way, even if it’s a friend of a former coworker.

Ace the Interview and Design Challenge With Confidence

Be prepared to present your process, not just the final design. Have a presentation ready, even if it’s a project from your portfolio website. Offer to show it when you can. Some hiring managers just want to talk but are curious about your presentation. It has helped the conversation move better for me, rather than discussing hypotheticals. Hiring managers want to see your storytelling skills, thought process, and decision-making. 💡
As a designer, you’ll likely encounter a design challenge during the interview process. Some companies require multi-hour, complex challenges with deliverables, while others conduct quick whiteboard challenges to assess your thinking and teamwork. It’s up to you to accept or decline a challenge—this is a controversial topic, and there is no right or wrong decision.

For whiteboard challenges, think out loud to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Ask about the users, the requirements, and any available data before diving in. As someone who loves brainstorming sessions, these challenges can still feel intimidating—but stay positive. The best experiences for me have been when interviewers were engaged and collaborative. Plan ahead and prepare some questions, ideas, and strategies to help ease the nerves.

Final Thoughts: Stay Consistent and Keep Improving

Finding a UX job takes time, but with a strong portfolio, an active social media presence, and strategic networking, you can get noticed faster. Stay consistent, keep improving, and let your passion shine.