Table of Contents
- UX Job searching is Soul crushing
- What is the Rule of Singular Focus?
- The Science Behind The Rule
- Quality Over Quantity in UX Job Search
- Talk Their Language – The Importance of Cultural Fit
- Beyond Portfolios: Amplifying the Rule’s Power for UX Design Jobs
- The Ripple Effect of Singular Focus
- Adapting this Rule to your Digital Networks
- Summary: Steps to apply Singular Focus to your UX job search
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UX Job searching is Soul crushing
In today's job market, hunting for a UX Design role can sometimes feel like looking for a puzzle piece in a mountain of mismatched sets.
With countless skilled designers in every corner, standing out is a daunting quest.
The common sentiment is clear "Why can't I get noticed?”
But what if I told you there's a unique formula?
→ Enter the 'Rule of Singular Focus.’
Through this lens, I have successfully:
- Navigated the stormy seas of the employment market
- Landed countless interviews
- Secured my dream role as the Head of Design amidst a global pandemic.
And it's simpler than you might think. Let's dive deeper 👇
What is the Rule of Singular Focus?
Picture this: you're an archer with a single arrow, and in front of you is one target.
Instead of throwing a bunch of arrows aimlessly, you take careful aim with that one arrow to ensure it hits the bullseye.
For UI/UX Designers, this analogy translates to tailoring each piece of your portfolio to meet the specific needs of one company.
The Science Behind The Rule
Psychologically speaking, the human brain gravitates towards clarity and simplicity.
When a recruiter sifts through dozens of portfolios, they're subconsciously asking a single question:
"Can this designer solve our company’s unique problem?"
If your portfolio clearly addresses one problem and offers a tangible solution, it simplifies their decision-making process. In a world overloaded with information, simplicity can be your strongest ally.
Inevitably, this laser-focused approach is your edge in a saturated UX jobs market.
Quality Over Quantity in UX Job Search
Less can indeed be more.
Instead of overwhelming a recruiter with dozens of projects…
→ Handpick a few that best demonstrate your design process, problem-solving abilities, and creativity.
It's analogous to a chef presenting a few signature dishes rather than an overwhelming buffet.
By showcasing fewer but highly relevant projects, you can capture and retain the recruiter's attention.
Talk Their Language – The Importance of Cultural Fit
Every company has its unique culture, language, and ethos.
By echoing a company's language in your application and correspondence, you subtly convey that you're not just a great designer but also a potential cultural fit.
It's like visiting a foreign country and speaking their native tongue; the locals are more likely to appreciate and warm up to you.
Land your next role with Job Sprint —165+ micro-video lessons directly from years of experience hiring UX designers as UX Managers.
Beyond Portfolios: Amplifying the Rule’s Power for UX Design Jobs
While portfolios are pivotal, the 'Rule of Singular Focus' also extends to cover letters and interviews.
Tailor your cover letters with a single narrative of how you can resolve a company's pressing UX issue.
During interviews, rather than discussing a wide range of projects, delve deep into one or two, detailing your design thinking process.
→ This showcases depth, expertise, and your unique problem-solving approach.
The Ripple Effect of Singular Focus
Applying this rule doesn't just benefit your UX job hunt.
It instills a discipline of focus in all your professional undertakings.
Whether you're designing, problem-solving, or communicating, this single-minded approach ensures clarity and enhances productivity.
Adapting this Rule to your Digital Networks
In an era where networking is predominantly digital, use the 'Rule of Singular Focus' in your online interactions.
On platforms like LinkedIn, instead of broadly reaching out, target specific individuals in companies
→ Discussing particular UX challenges they might be facing, and subtly hinting at your solution-centric approach.
This not only grabs attention but positions you as a valuable asset.
Summary: Steps to apply Singular Focus to your UX job search
- Tailor every portfolio piece to address one company's unique challenge — specificity is your secret weapon.
- Simplify to amplify: In all communications, offer clear solutions that resonate with the company's needs.
- Embrace quality over quantity; handpick projects that best display your distinct approach and problem-solving prowess.
- Dive deep into company culture and values; reflect them in your interactions to show you're not just a fit, but a valuable addition.
Focus and clarity lead the way — Aim with precision, showcase your unique solutions, and communicate with clarity.
Securing your dream UX Design role isn't all about accumulating experience or projects. It's about targeted focus.
By embracing and executing the 'Rule of Singular Focus', you present yourself as a thoughtful designer attuned to a company's specific needs.
The UX world is waiting for your distinct mark.
Go make it! 💪🏻
Whenever you're ready, there are 4 ways I can help you:
1. Junior Designer Bundle: Transition into UX with my playbooks: breaking down portfolios, applications, and UX frameworks, to build a solid career foundation. Craft an unforgettable portfolio & get hired.
2. Senior Designer Bundle: Become a design leader with systems to build healthier, happier teams and grow you and others meaningfully. Join 500+ aspiring leaders.
3. UX Portfolio Critique: Get a 20-minute video of brutally honest feedback, a checklist of things to fix, in less than 48 hours. Get a personalised portfolio critique here.
4. Job Sprint Course: Stand out in an unpredictable job market by building a memorable personal brand and a killer job search strategy. Get hired in UX with Job Sprint.
