Back in the day, I'd scour openings everywhere even Craigslist (yes, companies used to post legit jobs there). I pounded pavement. Visited design firms to drop off a custom, hardbound book and a packet containing resume, business card, post cards, etc. After a week, I'd pick it up in hope for an interview. Defining my brand as a designer was time consuming and costly— custom book, ink, quality paper and enclosures.

Entering tech a lot of this fell off. Like... Who even HAS business cards? By 2020, interviews went virtual. Now there's more change with layoffs and jobs flooded with applications hours after post. It's rough even if you're a well seasoned designer.

So what’s needed now?

🤝Lean into your network.
• Work alumni channels are great for finding job posts, referrals and feedback.
• Connected with any recruiters? Check in. See if they’re working on UX roles.

💬 Be self- critical.
Inbox dry? What was successful before might not be working now. Ask for peer feedback on approach and other materials. This offers a chance to pivot, refresh and come out stronger. 💪🏾

📄 Update your application materials.
• Brand it. Do you need to spend hours on a logo? No. It could be clean letterhead with nicely set type.
• Your resume should be 2 pages max of relevant experience and metric backed achievements. Prep a cover letter just in case. Try AI as a starting point for your writing then edit it yourself. Don't be generic. 😐
• Get materials reviewed by a colleague or a respected writing service. Research before you buy! You shouldn't pay over $700. Getting my materials updated by Velvet Jobs helped me a lot more than I expected.
• Bonus! Design Sample Sheet: A 2-page doc with project snapshots, a brief summary of responsibilities, activities performed and list of outcomes. If there's an option to upload “additional supporting documents” I upload this pdf. When recruiters or hiring managers request info in my DMs, I include this doc along with resume and portfolio link.

📢 Get comfy with self promotion.
• I've always viewed website portfolios as promo tools. You do not share them in interviews. Let portfolio presentation decks do that work. Websites should compel visitors with nice visuals, measurable impact and enough depth to show problem solving.
• You can add other sections (ex. about, blog, resume, etc.) to round things out and give folks a greater sense of who you are.
• Don't just announce that you’re looking. Share case studies, thoughts on industry, tips for designers, etc. on LinkedIn. The goal is not to be an influencer. The goal is VISIBILITY and conversion in the form of invites to interview.

Like I say… “I’m not trying to be a LinkedIn influencer. I only want to influence myself into a job.” Hopefully the algorithm places you in the path of hiring managers and recruiters. Good luck, friends! 🍀