So many of the job say 3 – 5 years experience, can I still apply?

Though many job descriptions will say 3 – 5 years experience, don’t fret about this, apply regardless. Through our research with people involved in UX hiring we can confidently say that these requirements are not hard requirements. “So why do they put that on the job description if it’s not really a requirement?” We wish it was different, but that’s how it is!

Read this Twitter thread about UX why you should apply to roles even if you don’t have 3 – 5 years of experience.

What skills do UX hiring managers want to see from career launchers?

If you are just starting out in your UX career, you need to demonstrate that you know how to do the job. This means you must show examples of your work and go beyond just showing deliverables. You will stand out from other candidates when you explain not just what you did but why you did it. 

The best way to stand out is to have a portfolio that’s focused on telling the story of not just what you did but why and how you did it. Bonus points if you also communicate the outcome or result of what you did. 

If you do a great job at articulating your skills in a strong portfolio, you can even stand out from more senior candidates as discussed in this Twitter thread and in these interviews with hiring managers from Gusto, IBM, Meta, and Shopify 

I’m tired of applying to roles and not getting interviews, what I am doing wrong?

As someone launching their career, it’s crucial to create a strong first impression. It’s not just enough to have a degree or a certificate. You will stand out if you demonstrate that you also have the soft skills companies are looking for in candidates. 

To create a strong first impression, you have to look at all your career materials – your resume, portfolio, LinkedIn, cover letters, etc. You don’t know what HR person or manager will look at first. So you must ensure all of your career materials tell an accurate and consistent story about your skills and experience. 

Want to know what mistakes entry level candidates make, according to UX hiring managers? Read this Twitter thread with over 70 comments!

How long will it take me to get hired in UX as a career launcher?

On average, people who work with us inside Career Strategy Lab get hired 3.5 – 4 months after they join. These people dedicate an average of 8 – 10 hours a week to everything that’s involved in getting hired (eg. portfolio, resume, LinkedIn, job search, preparing for interviews). 

We’ve worked with many, many UX candidates who were previously applying to roles and not getting interviews or, who applied to 200+ roles and didn’t get more than 5 interviews. However, after working with us, people get hired faster and without applying the numbers game.  

Our candidates are able to get hired faster because in their job search they prioritize people over platforms and they tailor their materials (ever so slightly) to the roles they’re applying to.