Landing your dream job: designer edition
Why landing your dream job might be easier than you think.
The UX community is full of interesting people, and networking is one of the best ways to grow your career. Fortunately, there are a lot of people out there who want to meet new people and network as well. But what if you want to meet someone who can help you with your dream job? It makes no sense to contact this person because they are most likely extremely busy, right? Even if it feels out of reach, making that connection is easier than you think.
I came across an article by Ryan Holiday about the canvas strategy. It’s about understanding how to add value to the person you’re aiming to reach out to, so you can stand out from the crowd.
In other words, the strategy is about learning how to get what you want, by learning how to get people what they want.
Read that again.
3 steps to make it work
“Discover opportunities to promote their creativity, find outlets and people for collaboration, and eliminate distractions that hinder their progress and focus.” — Ryan Holiday
I really liked how AJ&Smart explained this in one of their videos.
1. Know where you are
Be humble and recognize that the person you want to connect with may have more experience, knowledge, and status. In the opposite way, if you’ve been a designer for a while, there are people ‘below’ you who have less knowledge and experience because they’re just starting out. It’s important you are completely honest with yourself here. Recognize and accept your current situation. You should not act as if you have years of experience if you are just starting out, but you should also avoid undervaluing yourself. The sooner you do this, the sooner you will be able to advance in your career.
2. Do your research
Assume you want to contact someone who has your dream job. You might wonder, “Why would this person want to contact me?” Or worse, you never considered this and simply sent the person a generic message like every other designer out there. That’s where research comes in.
You’re putting work on this person if you send a general message about what you can do for them or if you can meet. You are also unlikely to get a response. Instead, do some research on what this person might be looking for and think of a way to add value. You should do the work so this person doesn’t have to anymore. After all, you want their attention and not the other way around.
3. Do it
After you’ve come up with something that adds value to this person, put it into action without expecting anything in return. Make that redesign, address this person’s frustrations, or make that connection with someone this person wants to meet. Of course, there are no guarantees. That’s why you should add value and expect nothing in return.
How to do it yourself
Ryan Holliday describes 3 keys in his article:
1. Find new trains of thought to hand over for them to explore. Track down angles and contradictions and analogies that they can use.
Example: I was reading the biography of ______, I think you should look at it because there may be something you can do with the imagery.
Note: Sharing opportunities this person might benefit from is very valuable. You have a different perspective so you might think of opportunities this person hasn’t thought of yet.
2. Find outlets, people, associations, and connections. Cross wires to create new sparks.
Example: I know _________, and I think you two should talk. Have you thought about meeting ____?
Note: Creating valuable connections between people is a way to be noticed. You might already know someone this person would love to connect with so introduce them.
3. Find inefficiencies and waste and redundancies. Identify leaks and patches to free up resources for new areas.
Example: You don’t need to do ___________ anymore, I have an idea for improving the process, let me try it so you can worry about something else.
Note: Executed your idea on how you can make this person's life easier and share it. This is the perfect example of not expecting anything in return.
Endless possibilities
For this article, we used the example of wanting to connect with someone who can help you with your dream job, but you can use the canvas strategy for so much more. You can use it on the person above you in your current company to get that promotion or you can use it to stand out from the crowd when applying for your first job. The possibilities are endless.
Remember to add value while expecting nothing in return. It may take some practice, but if you get it right, it may help you achieve your goals.
Be honest
Congratulations if you’re in contact with the person you were trying to reach. I still have one thing to say to you.
Please be honest.
Be honest with yourself and the person you’re talking to. It’s possible that you’ll notice there’s no match while you’re talking. Maybe your dream job isn’t so perfect after all. Be truthful with yourself about this.
Also, don’t lie about your accomplishments and experiences to make a good impression. Some job applicants do this and believe me, they know.
We owe it to ourselves and the people in the design industry.
