Stop Applying for Jobs and Read: A Guide to Finding the Right UI/UX Job
Are you tired of applying for job after job, only to receive rejection emails or never hear back from employers? As a UI/UX designer, it can be challenging to find the right job opportunity, especially when you’re just starting out in your career.
However, blindly applying for every job you come across is not the solution. Instead, take a step back and focus on researching job opportunities before you apply.
In this article, we’ll cover why blindly applying for every job you come across is a mistake, using my personal experience and how to approach your job search strategically. By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of finding the right job for you.
Why Blindly Applying for Jobs is a Mistake
Have you ever felt like you’re sending your job applications into a black hole? That was the situation I found myself in as a newbie UI/UX designer in 2020/2021. I applied for every job I could find, hoping that someone would take a chance on me. But with each rejection email that landed in my mail, I became more and more disheartened.
After being rejected from more than 200 jobs, I knew I had to change my approach. I took a hard look at my job search/application strategy then I realized the problem: I wasn’t reading the job descriptions or overviews carefully before applying. I was blindly applying for every job I came across, without taking the time to see if my skills and experience matched what the company was looking for.
I decided to stop applying for jobs and instead focus on honing my skills and changing my job search/application strategy, it was a difficult journey, but it paid off.
When you’re desperate for a job, it can be tempting to apply for every job opening you see, regardless of whether you’re a good fit for the role or not. However, this approach is not only a waste of your time, but it can also harm your chances of finding the right job in the long run.
Firstly, when you apply for a job without reading the job description, you run the risk of applying for a job that’s not a good fit for your skills and experience. This can result in rejection emails or never hearing back from employers, which can be demotivating and frustrating.
Secondly, blindly applying for jobs can harm your personal brand. Employers and recruiters may begin to see you as someone who doesn’t take the time to research job opportunities or understand the skills required for a particular role. This can harm your chances of being considered for future job openings, even if you’re a good fit for the role.
How to Approach Your Job Search/Application Strategically
To increase your chances of finding the right UI/UX job, it’s essential to approach your job search/application strategically.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Read the Job Description and overview Carefully
Before applying for any job, take the time to read the job description carefully. Make sure you understand the skills and experience required for the role. If you’re not a good fit for the role, it’s best to move on to the next opportunity. When applying for remote jobs from outside your country, it’s important to pay attention to the job description and confirm whether the employer is recruiting from other countries or if the remote option is limited to people residing in that country. This information can help you avoid wasting time and effort applying for a job that you may not be eligible for due to location restrictions.
Research the Company and Its Culture
When applying for a job, taking the time to understand the company and its culture is crucial. Not only will this help you determine if the company is a good fit for you, but it can also help you tailor your application materials to better showcase your skills and experience.
To research a company, start by looking at their website and social media accounts. Pay attention to their values, mission, and the types of projects they work on. This can give you an idea of the company’s overall culture and whether it aligns with your own values and interests.
You can also look up employee reviews on websites like Glassdoor Indeed, Comparably, Kununu, Vault, CareerBliss, FairyGodBoss, JobAdvisor, AmbitionBox, and InHerSight to get an inside look at what it’s like to work at the company. This can help you understand the company’s management style, work-life balance, and overall employee satisfaction.
By doing your research and understanding the company and its culture, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about whether to apply for the job and, if so, how to tailor your application materials to stand out.
Tailor Your Resume and Portfolio to the Job
When applying for a job, it’s important to remember that one size does not fit all. Once you’ve found a job that’s a good fit for your skills and experience, take the time to tailor your resume and portfolio to the job. Don’t simply submit the same generic materials to every job posting. Instead, highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job requirements. By doing this, you’ll increase your chances of standing out from other applicants and showing the hiring manager that you’re a great fit for the role. Remember, it’s not about quantity, but quality.
Personalize Your Cover Letter
When it comes to applying for a job, personalization is key. Generic cover letters won’t cut it if you want to stand out from the crowd. Address the hiring manager by name (if provided), and take the time to research the company and its values. Explain why you’re interested in the role and how your skills and experience align with the company’s goals. By personalizing your cover letter, you’ll show the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in the job and that you’re willing to put in the effort to make a great impression. So, take the extra time to tailor your cover letter to each job, and watch as your chances of getting hired improve.
Follow Up After Applying
After you’ve applied for a job, it can be nerve-wracking to wait for a response from the employer. But don’t be afraid to take the initiative and follow up. A polite email or LinkedIn message to the hiring manager can show that you’re genuinely interested in the job and can help keep you on top of your mind.
In your message, thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for the position. Be sure to keep your message concise and to the point, as hiring managers are often busy and may not have time to read a lengthy message.
Finally, ask about the status of your application and when you can expect to hear back. This shows that you’re serious about the job and helps you plan your job search accordingly. Just remember to be polite and respectful in your follow-up message, as you don’t want to come across as pushy or demanding.
Summarily, blindly applying for every job you come across is a mistake. Instead, take the time to research job opportunities, understand the company and its culture, and tailor your application materials to the job.
By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of finding the right job for you.
