How to Keep Your Sanity During Your UX Job Search
4 Tips From a Career Coach on How to Go the Distance
These days, there are a lot of LinkedIn posts about UXers losing heart in what’s become a longer-than-expected job search. Some people have given up and are looking for jobs in other fields; others have temporarily suspended their search to save their sanity.
By some estimates, it takes an average of 6–7 months to land a new job. That means that if you’re like most Uxers, you’ll have to buckle up for the ride.
Having realistic expectations is vital to your overall success, no matter how skilled a designer you are. And it’s crucial to maintain peace of mind if you’re going through a turbulent job search.
But so is knowing how to approach your search in the first place.
I spoke with Brittany Dawson, Certified Life Coach & Career Coach at General Assembly, a global EdTech company, to get her perspective.
In Dawson’s experience, “The honest answer to how long a job search will go on is, ‘it depends.’”
“I know it isn’t the most statistically sound answer; however, it’s true because it depends on many factors: how many job applications someone submits, the roles they’re targeting, current market trends, and the ‘quality’ of their materials.
“So, it’s more about focusing on what an individual must commit to from a strategy perspective to expedite their process and keep it moving forward.
“There are even things like geographic location, level of experience, soft skills, and so many other nuances that can impact the search, so preparedness, clarity, and an understanding of the market is key.”
Dawson had some solid advice on weathering this stressful time and being proactive in your search.
Here’s what she had to say:
1. Get crystal clear about your motivation
“Before applying to roles, spend time reflecting on your motivation, what you want from your next position, and what’s important to you in a job.
“Being intentional can keep you from wasting time on the wrong jobs. It can also help you not waste hours applying and interviewing for a job that’s a mismatch. Why suffer the application process for a job you didn’t want anyway?
“Zooming out and considering the big picture will help you make intentional choices when deciding what role, industry, or company to consider.
“It’s essential to think about practicalities such as flexibility in when and how you work, but it’s also wise to think about professional satisfaction.
“Is it a desire to make a difference in the world? What problems are you passionate about solving? What legacy do you want to leave behind through this work? Being passionate about why you do what you do resonates with people, especially hiring managers.”
2. Track Your Applications and Analyze the Data from Your Search
“One of the biggest pain points of first-time UXers is feeling afraid to put themselves out there. That usually comes from a place of fear of rejection, the unknown, or simply being unsure.
“If you’re not putting your materials out there, you’re missing the opportunity to test what’s working and what’s not.
“Do you want to move from round one to a final interview, but find yourself stuck in the design challenge? That’s valuable information on what you should focus on for the future. You won’t know that until you test yourself. Track your applications, seek feedback, and consider how you might learn and grow from the experience to iterate more effectively in the next round.”
3. Connect with human beings
“Networking is an authentic way to learn about the hidden job market, learn from industry professionals, and expand your network.
You can do this in various ways by connecting with folx on LinkedIn, attending Meetups in your area, and simply doing a Google search to find relevant opportunities that interest you.
We think of networking as someone doing us a favor, which some find uncomfortable.
“But what about networking by helping other people when you can? Put yourself out there and be ready to learn from folx, but also be prepared to share your learning with others.
“Helping others can result in opportunities for yourself down the line and help you positively define your personal brand. It’s also just a great thing to do.”
4. Be compassionate with yourself
“A job search is a process that requires a growth mindset to continuously improve: celebrate all of the wins, regardless of how small. The small wins can keep you going over time. Positive comments and support from your communities on your designs and ideas can give you the confidence to keep going during a job search.
“This is a journey, not a sprint, so take breaks, unplug, and trust that your consistency will pay off in time!”
