Here's how you can tap into your existing network to discover UX job openings.

To tap into your existing network for UX job openings, start by updating your LinkedIn profile to highlight your UX skills and experiences. Connect with former colleagues, classmates, and industry professionals, and let them know you're seeking new opportunities. Attend UX-related events and webinars to expand your connections. Join relevant LinkedIn and Facebook groups, and actively participate in discussions. Inform your contacts through direct messages or posts about your job search. Additionally, ask for informational interviews to gain insights and potential referrals from experienced professionals in your network.

First, update your LinkedIn profile to emphasize your UX experiences and skills in order to reach out to people in your current network for UX job vacancies. Make contact with previous coworkers, students, and business leaders, and inform them that you are looking for new possibilities. To grow your network, go to webinars and events centered around user experience. Join pertinent Facebook and LinkedIn groups and take part in the conversations there. Use posts or direct messages to let your acquaintances know that you're looking for work.

Find and follow people leading the innovation you care about the most. Asking questions and actively participating can lead to new knowledge and new networks. Consider both large branded and community events devoted to various content design, service design, product design, and user experience disciplines.

You do not need your portfolio to be online, since in some areas of UX it's almost to show anything off legally. But having your profile filled in with the tasks you do and the responsiblity you have makes it easier for Recruiters and potential employers to discover a potential fit. Also be absolutely honest: If not, you might get into processes where will not fit anyway but miss out on the processes that fit your skills and experiences.

I would not only say mentors, but als people than can act like catalysts. To be super honest (not only because I've been there, done that), try to find a really well connected and specialized recruiter. I know there are lots of bad apples in the basket there but the effort to connect with someone that is looking to have you in his closer network and really support you in finding the next career step can be a huge game changer. Those people are doing nothing else than networking and gathering opportunities, evaluating your profile and potential roles, giving valuable advice on your portfolio, how you present, because that's their daily business and their aim as well is to find your perfect match (because they live off it). :)

Mentorship is a gift and can take many forms. Sharing and offering an objective view can unlock an individual's value and provide insight into why it matters. Share examples or stories with your mentors to illustrate how you've applied their advice. Earning their trust can lead to referrals, but this takes time.

From my experience, former colleagues have consistently been the best source of help in a job search. These people are familiar with your work. They know your dedication, successes, and maybe even the harsh lessons learned during a career. You'll find them working at some of the companies you're targeting. Also, consider those who transitioned from or to a current role to one you're targeting now. People with multiple domain expertise are often uniquely placed to see the more significant opportunities.