What are the best practices for tailoring your IA portfolio or resume to a specific job posting?

To make a strong impression, start by digging into the company's website and social media channels to get a sense of their brand, values, and the products or services they offer. Look for any recent news that might give you insights into their current initiatives or projects. Then, focus on understanding the role you're applying for. Read the job description and highlight the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities they're seeking. Take note of any specific tools or methodologies mentioned, such as user testing or wireframing. This will help you align your portfolio and resume with what the company is looking for.

Unpack the specifics of the role and the UX team’s ambitions like you’re studying a map before a road trip. What landmarks (goals) are they aiming for? What obstacles might they face? This knowledge lets you tailor your portfolio to highlight how you can navigate these paths alongside them. Investigate their approach to IA and UX design as if you’re reading the reviews of a new restaurant you’re dying to try. How do they flavor their projects? What ingredients do they value? Aligning your portfolio with their style shows you’re not just another diner; you’re a connoisseur who appreciates their unique taste.

I think it's important to customize your IA portfolio or resume for a specific job you're applying to. Start by carefully reading the job description to understand what skills and experiences they're looking for. For example, if they want someone with user research skills, show projects where you've done user interviews or testing. You can also adjust your resume to focus more on the skills they're looking for. But don't exaggerate or lie about your skills – be honest about what you can do ;) Also, consider writing a cover letter to explain why you're interested in the job and how you're a good fit. Customizing your portfolio or resume this way can increase your chances of getting an interview. Hope that helps ;)

When it comes to showcasing your IA skills and projects, you want to make them stand out in a way that catches the reader's attention. Highlight your IA experience front and center in your resume and portfolio. Talk about the projects where you made a big impact in organizing and structuring information to create awesome user experiences. Share details about the methodologies you used and the specific outcomes you achieved. Don't be shy to mention any impressive metrics or feedback you received from users or stakeholders.

Brake down your IA process into simple steps. Talk about how you conducted user research to understand their needs and behaviours. Describe how you analysed and organised the information you gathered, using techniques like card sorting or creating user personas. Explain how you created wireframes or site maps to visualise the structure and navigation of the final product. Be specific about the positive impact your IA had.

It's important to strike a balance between being professional and approachable. Use IA terms that are commonly understood in the industry but avoid jargon that may confuse or alienate your audience. If you're unsure, it's always helpful to provide brief explanations or examples to ensure clarity. If you're discussing IA in a written format, make sure to structure your content in a logical and organized manner. Use headings, bullet points, and clear language to guide the reader through your thought process. The goal is to communicate your IA expertise in a way that's both professional and easily understandable.

I’m not gonna train your AI for free. What’s in this me? The rest of this is padding. Never ask me to do this again unless you’ve got a check cut.

Dive deeper into the content's structure and flow, ensuring everything reads smoothly and logically. Think of it as arranging your living space; every piece should have its place, contributing to an overall sense of harmony and purpose. Tools like IA Checklist can guide you through this process, ensuring nothing is out of place.

Think of this section as the wildcard in your deck. It's your chance to sprinkle in those unique tidbits about yourself that don't neatly fit into the conventional categories but still paint a vivid picture of who you are as a professional. Share stories that showcase your resilience, creativity, or leadership in unexpected situations—like that time you navigated a project through a stormy sea of challenges to safe harbor. These narratives can be as revealing as your technical skills, offering a glimpse into your character and work ethic.