How to Apply for a Product (UX/UI) Design Job — 14 Effective Tips
You’ve been on the prowl in the vast savannah of job boards, your eyes glued to the screen, hunting for that perfect UX/UI design job. Maybe you’ve struck gold and found a role that feels tailor-made for you — kudos! Now, the application process awaits, and it’s time to shine. Or, on the flip side, you might be rubbing your temples in frustration, wondering why the universe isn’t dropping those dreamy design jobs into your lap.
Fear not, your guide is here.
I’ve sifted through an ocean of job applications, resumes, and yes, even those hopeful, unsolicited emails over the past couple of years as a hiring manager. Along the way, I’ve compiled a treasure trove of insights — the kind that can mean the difference between an application that’s met with a nod of appreciation or one that barely gets a second glance.
In this piece, I’m rolling out 14 effective tips that will help you navigate the application process for a UX/UI design job. Whether walking the beaten path of job applications or blazing your own trail with an unconventional approach, these tips are your ace in the hole. Let’s dive in and get your application not just seen, but remembered.
🚀 1. Craft Your Unique Entry Point
In the world of product design, where creativity meets functionality, the pathway to your dream job isn’t always as clear-cut as in more traditional fields. It’s not just about acing your design courses or mastering the latest software. Sure, these are essential, but the real magic happens when you:
- Delve deep into understanding user experience beyond the classroom.
- Pursue side projects that solve real-world problems.
- Create designs that speak to the ethos of the companies you admire.
Just as in other professions, there isn’t a universally fast pass to land that dream design role. But product design has a secret door, a “Third Door” if you will, that Alex Banayan discusses in his book by the same name. This door isn’t about waiting in line; it’s about building a portfolio that turns heads and engaging with the design community in ways that showcase your skills and passion.
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Start a passion project that solves a problem you care about and document your design process. Share your progress on design-focused platforms like Behance or Dribbble, and don’t be shy about reaching out with a cold email to designers you admire for feedback or a virtual coffee chat. Create, share, engage, and open your own “Third Door” to opportunities in the product design world.
🔍 2. Master the Art of the Cold Email
When it comes to landing a prime position in the UX/UI world, the job market can be as layered and intricate as the designs you hope to create. Many of the most coveted roles in product design aren’t plastered on job boards or splashed across LinkedIn — they’re part of the hidden job market, accessible only to those who seek them out with intent and savvy.
Embrace the cold email, a tool as precise and necessary in your job-hunting arsenal as the pen tool is in your design toolkit. Take the initiative to reach out to your dream company with a well-crafted email. This proactive approach is your chance to sidestep the traditional job market line-up.
Crafting this email is akin to sketching the first lines of a new design — it’s about making a connection, not a hard sell. Your aim isn’t to ask outright for employment but to start a dialogue, presenting how your design expertise and creative vision could align with their mission.
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Draft an email to a company you admire. Comment on a recent project of theirs or an article they’ve published. Express your genuine admiration for their work and succinctly share how your unique design skills could contribute to their team. Offer value, perhaps by suggesting a fresh UX perspective on an existing project. Remember, it’s about starting a conversation, so close with an invitation to discuss further, not a demand for a job. If you don’t get a response, give it some time and try again — persistence can often open doors that were initially overlooked.
🌟 3. Embrace the Art of Timing
Imagine this scenario: my friend Gabe was on the lookout for an opportunity to break into the world of digital product design. His moment came when he spotted a tweet from an Airbnb Design Manager mentioning the need for innovative thinkers to elevate their user experience. Gabe, with his keen eye for design and understanding of Airbnb’s user-centric approach, crafted a timely and compelling response that resonated with the manager.
This is the essence of being an opportunist in the UX/UI design space. It’s about vigilance and readiness, about offering your design expertise at the precise moment a company like Airbnb shows an opening. Keep a close watch on their social media feeds, be an active member of their community, and engage with their initiatives.
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Set up alerts for companies you’re interested in working with (like Airbnb) on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, and become familiar with the nuances of their service offerings and design language. When you notice a call for help or a hint at a vacancy, respond with a thoughtful message that highlights your relevant design experience, your passion for creating seamless user experiences, and your eagerness to contribute to their mission. Tailor your portfolio to include projects or concepts that align with the company’s aesthetic and values, and be ready to share it. By staying attuned to their digital pulse, you’ll be able to pounce on the opportunity to add value when it truly counts.
🎯 4. Make it Easy to Say ‘Yes’
One of the most effective strategies when aiming for that dream position, especially one that’s not being advertised, is to streamline the decision-making process for your potential employer.
Case in point: Gabe, when approaching Airbnb, understood the uncertainty that can come with bringing in new talent. So he proposed, “I recognize that integrating a new designer into the team might seem like a leap. How about I work on a short-term project or even a design challenge? If it doesn’t align with Airbnb’s vision, we can part ways, no strings attached.”
Such an approach eases the perceived risk for the company. They get to see your skills and fit with the team without making a long-term commitment right off the bat.
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When reaching out to a prospective employer like Airbnb, be proactive and suggest flexible engagement models, such as a trial period or a freelance project. This not only shows your confidence in your abilities but also indicates your understanding of their potential apprehensions. Ensure your proposal is low-risk and high-reward for them. Once you have that initial opportunity, deliver stellar work, and you might just secure a more permanent spot that surpasses anything you’d find in a standard job listing.
🛠️ 5. Craft Your Design Portfolio
Your portfolio is the visual narrative of your professional journey, especially critical in the field of UX/UI design. It’s your personal exhibit that displays your approach to problem-solving, your aesthetic sense, and your capacity for innovation.
Building a portfolio can start in numerous ways. You might take on roles that challenge you to produce work that you’re proud to display. This serves a dual purpose: you’re compensated for your craft and each project becomes a new exhibit in your gallery.
Johnny Harris’s journey is a fantastic example; he used his role at Vox to hone his skills in scripting and motion graphics, which later paved the way for his successful independent channel. Similarly, starting with an internship or a junior position at a company like Airbnb can offer a similar trajectory. It gives you the floor to demonstrate your value and grow your collection of work. Then, when the role you’ve been eyeing becomes available, you’re not just a candidate, you’re a known entity with proven capabilities.
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Dive into platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to snag freelance projects that align with your design strengths and interests. Every project completed is a potential masterpiece for your portfolio, expanding your repertoire and visibility in the design community. By building a diverse and robust portfolio, you stand ready not just to apply for your dream job but to let your dream job find you.
🔎 6. Distill Your Resume
In the realm of UX/UI design, clarity and conciseness are not just design principles, but also resume essentials. Aim for a resume that, much like a well-designed interface, allows the viewer to grasp the most important information without unnecessary clutter.
Keep your resume to a maximum of one page. This isn’t just about brevity — it’s about impact. Highlight your most compelling design achievements and let go of the less relevant details. For instance, while your stint behind the bar during your university years might have honed your people skills, it’s not as relevant as your last project that increased user engagement or retention for a major app.
It’s perfectly acceptable to have multiple versions of your resume, each tailored to highlight how your skills and experience align with the particular role you’re applying for. This bespoke approach to your applications shows focus and an understanding of what the hiring team values most.
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Take a scalpel to your existing resume and cut down to the essentials. What remains should be the roles and projects that best showcase your talent as a designer. For each entry, ask yourself, “Does this make a compelling case for my design skills?” If not, it’s probably not worth including. Remember, a succinct, one-page resume that hits all the high notes is like a well-designed app — it just works.
🚀 7. Showcase Your Design Impact
When applying, particularly in the initial contact such as a cold email, the emphasis should be on the value you can bring to the table. In UX/UI design, this means addressing specific design challenges the company faces and offering actionable insights or solutions.
Generic expressions of interest fall flat because they don’t showcase your understanding of the company’s needs or your ability to meet them. Instead of saying, “I’m passionate about design and I admire your work,” illustrate how your design process or a particular project you worked on could alleviate pain points or enhance user experience for the company.
Think of your application letter as a user interface — it should guide the reader effortlessly to the most important information: how your skills and experience will benefit them.
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Craft the opening of your application letter or email to immediately focus on a problem you know the company is facing and how you can solve it. Follow this with a succinct account of your relevant experience and the reason for your application. This structure is like a well-designed user flow: it engages the user (in this case, the hiring manager) and guides them to the desired outcome (considering you for the position).
🛠️ 8. Deliver a Prototype
For a UX/UI designer, the best way to stand out is to showcase that you can walk the walk, not just talk the talk. One strategy is to invest some time in creating a small, but impressive piece of work tailored for the company you’re applying to.
If you’re eyeing a design role, take a stab at redesigning a feature of the company’s app or website. Present a case study on it, explaining your design decisions based on usability heuristics and how they could impact user experience positively. Make sure to include this in your portfolio or as a link in your application letter.
Or, if the company has a recurring design challenge, address it with a thoughtful design solution or a fresh concept. This doesn’t just show initiative, it also displays your commitment and seriousness about working with them.
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Identify a specific aspect of the company’s product that could be improved. Design a prototype or create a detailed concept for it. In your application, offer this work as a demonstration of your skills and a testament to how you could contribute to their team. This proactive approach often leaves a lasting impression and could tip the scales in your favor.
😄 9. Match the Vibe
When crafting your application for a UX/UI design position, mirroring the company’s communication style can be just as crucial as showcasing your design skills. A corporate firm might prefer a more traditional and formal tone, while a tech startup might appreciate a relaxed, conversational style that reflects its innovative spirit.
In the design world, where the culture is often collaborative and dynamic, it’s generally safe to lean towards a friendly and enthusiastic tone. Start your email with a warm greeting that feels personal yet professional — think “Hello [Team’s Name]” or “Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name].”
Avoid outdated and overly formal salutations like “To whom it may concern.” They tend to create a disconnect, particularly in the creative sectors. Instead, do a bit of research — check the company’s website, and social media, or even reach out to support to find out who will be reviewing your application.
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Before sending that application letter or email, take a moment to peruse the company’s online presence. Note the language they use and the way they present themselves. Tailor your message to align with this vibe, showing that you not only have the design chops but also the cultural fit to be part of their team.
💡 10. Honesty is the Best Design Principle
In the realm of UX/UI design, authenticity speaks volumes. It’s easy to spot when someone tries to oversell their skills with excessive fluff or technical jargon that doesn’t quite land. If your application starts to read like a thesaurus exploded, it’s time to step back and simplify.
Here’s a less-than-stellar example:
A cover letter brimming with buzzwords but lacking clear, demonstrable expertise. Proclaiming you “revolutionize user experiences” or “craft unparalleled visual journeys” might sound grand, but without concrete examples, such claims are hollow. Save those big statements for when you can back them up with an impressive design portfolio or well-documented case studies.
Skip the overused expressions and verbose language that could make Shakespeare yawn. Instead, be direct and focus on what truly matters: your actual experience and the value you bring. Phrases like “I’m passionate about creating user-centric designs” are fine, but only if you follow up with solid evidence of your work and its impact.
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As you write your application, keep it jargon-free and genuine. Reflect on your actual experiences and convey them succinctly.
🔍 11. Keep Your Enthusiasm User-Friendly
Passion is a double-edged sword. While it’s crucial to show that you’re excited about the possibility of joining a new team or project, it’s also important not to let that enthusiasm cross into hyperbole.
For instance, claiming “I’m over the moon to apply for this UX position — it’s as if all my life’s designs were leading me to this moment!” might come off as a bit much. It can feel forced, like a pop-up ad that’s trying too hard to get your attention.
What you want to do is convey a well-measured excitement that feels genuine and reflects a true appreciation for the company’s work. Maybe you admire their innovative approach to accessibility in design or their commitment to user research.
Let’s take this hypothetical scenario: You’re applying to a company that’s known for its sleek, minimalist design aesthetics, which you truly admire. It’s more professional to say something like, “I’ve long admired the clean and functional design approach your team has pioneered, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to this vision.”
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When writing your application letter or discussing your interest in a role, pinpoint what specifically draws you to the company’s design philosophy or its products. Express your enthusiasm in a way that reflects your professional respect for their work and aligns with your own design values. Remember, less can be more.
🔎 12. Keep Your Communication Flawless with Attention to Detail
Designing digital products, whether it’s for a sleek app interface or an innovative web layout, demands impeccable attention to detail. This precision should reflect not just in your designs but also in the way you communicate, especially when reaching out for a potential opportunity.
Imagine this: You’ve crafted an impressive portfolio showcasing your ability to flawlessly align elements, choose harmonious color schemes, and maintain consistent typography. But then, the cover letter or email you send with it has typos or grammatical errors. It’s like a stunning webpage with a broken link — it can instantly impact the user’s (or in this case, the employer’s) experience.
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So, before hitting send:
- Review — Just like you’d meticulously inspect every pixel in a design, go over your cover letter for any typos or grammar errors.
- Get Feedback — Having a second pair of eyes can help catch things you might have missed. Perhaps you can trade services with a peer designer — proofreading in exchange for design advice or feedback!
- Stay Consistent — This isn’t just about spelling. Ensure consistent formatting throughout your application. In the same way, you’d ensure the uniformity of buttons or icons in your design.
🎬 13. Create a Video Application
Ditch the idea that video applications are only for the pros. You don’t need fancy equipment or editing skills — your phone is your studio, and your personality is the star. Record a simple video to say, “Hey, I’ve put together this video to go with my application to give you a sense of who I am and what I bring to your team.” It’s a powerful way to leap off the page and into the minds of employers, transforming you from a name on a list to Candidate №1 in their eyes. Showcasing this enthusiasm and dedication can make all the difference.
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Your mission is simple: hit record. Find a spot with good lighting, ensure it’s quiet enough to hear you clearly and dress to impress — just as you would for an in-person interview. Keep your message concise; a one-minute video can make a more significant impact than a thousand-word letter. Tell them about your unique value proposition — what you’ll bring to their team that nobody else will. After filming, watch your video to ensure it’s clear, concise, and true to you. Attach the link to your application or cold email, and you’re all set to become more than just a number — you’re the candidate they’ll remember.
⭐ 14. Master Your Craft for Word-of-Mouth Wins
Excelling in your job and cultivating strong industry relationships are more than just good practices; they’re career game-changers. If you consistently do impressive work, two significant things happen: First, you’re likely to hear about specialized opportunities that aren’t advertised through your network before they go public. Second, your reputation could attract opportunities to you directly; someone in need of your skills might just reach out to you. This is how you create a powerful personal brand: do amazing work, and let word-of-mouth do the rest.
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Start building a name for yourself in the UX/UI world by engaging authentically with your community. Keep updating your portfolio, but also write blog posts or create content that showcases your design thinking and problem-solving skills. Join local design groups in your area participate in online communities, and perhaps even start a meetup where you can swap ideas with peers. Mentorship can go both ways, too; mentoring others enriches your own perspective. The goal isn’t just visibility — it’s about forming real relationships that can naturally evolve into opportunities.
That’s it — my complete guide on how to apply for a Product (UX/UI) Design job. Follow this advice, work on your skills, and hopefully, you’ll ace your next application.
📣 Announcements
- If you enjoyed this issue, hold the like button and I’ll keep similar ones coming!
- I’m opening up spots to mentor designers. We’ll develop a personalized career mentorship plan and my partner (another Head of Design) and I will support you with resume/portfolio review, interview practice, and telling your story. Book time below!
🛳️ Book me on Mentor Cruise! -> https://mentors.to/geronimoramos
