Scot Westwater | AI Strategy Expert | Building Your Competitive Edge with AI | Co-founder @ Pragmatic Digital | Author | Speaker
How do you get experience when entry level jobs require 3-5 years of experience? I have been asked this question numerous times over the past 6 months by ?people looking to get their start in User Experience.? This seems to happen in a lot of industries but it's damn near a pandemic in User Experience. In many cases there are more openings than candidates, yet we still require 3-5 years and those positions go unfilled. I've also heard stories of crazy interview processes that stretch out for months and have 5-6 rounds. (NYC, I'm looking at you) I realize how lucky I was that someone believe in my ability to think critically and pick things up quickly when I made the jump from visual design to UX.? UX Pros, I'd love to hear your thoughts about what we can do to help people get their start and grow as practitioners. Any advice you'd give for someone looking to get their start?? Do any of you fine folks have thoughts on this??Amy?Joe?Stephen?Carmelina?Jennifer?Stephen?Drew?Kurt?Chad?Daniel #empathy #experience #help #gettingstarted #mentorship #helpingothers
In my experience it usually is about title and dates. At least at the recruiter level they tend to focus on that. I recently got to the last stage of a UX design interview process where I felt I did everything right. I think one of the challenges is that sometimes the hiring manager doesn't have a clear idea of what a UX designer is, and it often reflects in the job description. The more I interview and get feedback the more I realize you have to present yourself a certain way that isn't necessarily true to what UX design really is. People tend to focus on the visual design and not the critical thinking or product management experience that is very valuable to inform the visual design. I think creating as many visual design mockups as you can will help break down that barrier, but it really is on a case-by-case basis.
Scot Westwater, how do you feel about culture fit? I have the experience, and I do well on the design challenge like take-home test or whiteboard, but I always get I do not fit "the culture" in interviews. How do I get out of that bubble? - Thanks
Thanks Scot. This one hits right on target for me. I am transitioning my career path from a sales and marketing professional to UX/UI professional . It is disheartening to see entry level jobs require 3-5 years of experience when you know that you have the skills to get the job done but can't apply due lack of experience . Like you, I am looking for that one employer who will believe in my abilities and give me first break.#gettingstarted #help
Great post! Thank you, Scot for initiating this conversation. About a year ago, I changed my career path and attended a Bootcamp to pursue UX design. I often come across junior level job opportunities that require 2-3 years of experience and this is very discouraging. As of today, I have about 6 months of solid freelance experience but I still feel like I have a long way to go.
Get your foot in the door by offering them something they need at a discount price, generalists are always welcome because they save companies money.
Volunteer! Especially if you are unemployed and if you're in school, try to do as many internships as possible!!! Employers want to see projects done for real companies, not just student projects.
CPCU Candidate | Underwriting the Dreams of Small Businesses
7 年After six months of constant rejection and going broke- I left the industry. No one in that field wants to gamble on a newbie.