6 tips for your UX writing job search
By: Andrew Astleford
Tags: Ux Writing, Job Search, UX, Ux Writer, Ux Jobs

Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash

Interviewing for a UX writing position is hard. Juggling three or more interview situations at the same time is fall-on-the-floor exhausting.

That’s my takeaway after my job search, which lasted about two months. At one point, I balanced 10 interview situations. I entered the process motivated and curious. I left with lessons I’ll carry for years.

By the end of my journey, I noticed growth. I had clarity about what I wanted with my next opportunity. I had more confidence in my ability to speak about my work’s impact.

To begin, think about which two or three projects reveal your impact most effectively.

Of course, no two job searches are the same. We all value different things when charting our paths in life. But to place myself in a better position, I wish I would have grasped a few lessons earlier in my process. Here are six personal takeaways to simplify your UX writing job search:

1. Create a system to stay organized

If you’re juggling more than two situations, your schedule can get tricky. Staying organized is crucial.

I used the Notes app on my phone to make a Kanban board with stages in the process (see it below!). Under each header, I placed a company name. I added, deleted, and moved things based on developments.

If a screening or panel interview was scheduled, I placed the date of the call or video meetings next to the company in parentheses. I also kept my Google Calendar updated. Still, the Kanban board became a convenient way to see everything at a glance.

Frankly, the schedule made me dizzy at times. But this system kept my head above water. I would have been lost without it.

I made a Kanban board to keep organized.

2. Avoid overthinking rejections

I’ve changed how I think about rejections. They happen. Don’t overthink them, and don’t take them personally.

I’m convinced you can do everything “right” and be rejected for factors outside your control.

Someone with more experience might apply. An internal candidate might be promoted. An employee’s friend might be a referral.

Many times, we think we have an even chance to get a job after we apply. But that’s not entirely true. Hiring teams look to fill needs for a given moment, as they should.

You could have rocked each step of the process. But perhaps someone with more experience did just as well, and they were hired. Or maybe the hiring manager had a name in mind all along.

You didn’t do anything wrong. Sometimes, life is about timing.

Here’s a mental trick: Interview for multiple positions instead of placing your hopes in one opportunity. When a rejection comes, it’s not as much of a letdown because you have other options available.

3. Strengthen your portfolio presentation after feedback

Portfolio presentations sound scary, but they can be fun. After each session, think about areas to improve for the next time. I gave three presentations over video calls. I repurposed slides I made for the first situation and tweaked the content for other interviews.

Photo by Dylan Ferreira on Unsplash

To begin, think about which two or three projects reveal your impact most effectively. As I built my slides, I provided background about why we started the project. Then I detailed what I did within a cross-functional team. Finally, I spoke about the result of my work and gave data points when available. The presentation lasted about 45 minutes.

I changed slides based on feedback. For example, I embedded a product video after someone asked to see one. I also placed more emphasis on cross-functional work after learning that was important.

A tip: Keep water close! My voice cracked near the end of a presentation, but I recovered after a few sips.

4. Learn to tell your professional story

Repetition builds confidence. By the end of my process, I was better at telling my story. Before I began this journey, I was never told how to speak about myself. Seems like a basic thing, right?

In time, I learned to emphasize high-impact projects and an ability to work well within cross-functional teams.

Opinions might differ here. But for practice, nothing beats real interviews. The more I talked to recruiters, hiring managers, and other UX people, the better I became at sharing my story.

It helps to think about stories. When speaking, give color that goes beyond your résumé. Smile. Offer context. Share anecdotes. Be passionate. (People like passion!)

Last year, I took quite a few calls after recruiters contacted me. I viewed these situations as practice. Most times, I had little interest in pursuing their positions. But each call built a muscle I used later.

Be proud of your story. No one can tell it better than you.

5. Ask for a compensation range

At some point, you’ll talk salary expectations. I learned not to give a number, even though I had one in mind. Instead, I asked for a compensation range.

You want to do this for a few reasons.

The pay for UX writing jobs varies wildly. In my search, there was a difference of about $60,000 in base salary between the low and high ends of positions I considered. You want to learn what a company might pay. You also want to avoid lowballing yourself based on your current salary, which might be significantly less than what’s offered elsewhere.

Keep in mind the range you’re told can change. If a hiring team likes you, a company might offer more.

Of course, money isn’t everything. Weigh things like opportunity, a company’s trajectory, and how you connect with your potential manager and coworkers.

But when considering salary, place yourself in a favorable position.

6. Leave the process with no regrets

Interviewing can feel like a wicked ride in a tumble dryer. It’s flat-out exhausting, especially if you juggle three or more situations at the same time.

But if you’re true to yourself, you’ll have no regrets.

Be proud of your story. No one can tell it better than you.

Remember this: An interview is a two-way evaluation. Hide nothing. Be yourself. If someone doesn’t like what you show them, their company would have been a poor fit. If you get odd vibes from a hiring manager or potential coworkers, pay attention to those feelings.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

Like most things in life, this is an imperfect process. Candidates and hiring teams make consequential choices that affect both sides for years based on small snapshots in time. That’s kind of wild. If you’re not genuine in those brief moments, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Eventually, something will feel right. You’ll know where you’re meant to be. When that moment comes, take time for yourself. Then enter your next chapter with eyes wide open.