Securing a design position at a digital agency in less than 24 hours
The key strengths that set me apart and how I impressed the design agency.
What makes you stand out in the interview process?
In interviews, while most of us discuss our achievements, it’s the act of showcasing and demonstrating that truly leaves a lasting impression.
The story of how I got hired in less than 24 hours by a digital design agency
Upon completing my three-month tech boot camp at General Assembly, I actively shared content on LinkedIn and persistently reached out to recruiters and hiring managers in pursuit of a job opportunity.
Reached out to maybe over 100 people a day and never really heard back except from a few individuals.
Eventually, I connected with @Terris Johnson, who was a Senior UX Designer at Sagepath Inc at the time. He reached out in hopes of mentoring me on my journey. We met up and got some food at a South African restaurant. This engagement led to bigger and better things.
Having a mentor in the industry was a game-changer for me. I could reach out to Terris at any time with questions about the intricacies of the industry, seeking guidance on job-related challenges, or understanding nuanced processes. The wealth of knowledge and experience he offered was invaluable. More than just answering questions, Terris genuinely embodied the role of a mentor, consistently guiding, supporting, and ensuring that I was always on the right path. He truly kept his word and played an instrumental role in my professional journey.
I want to list out the importance of having a mentor:
Navigating the professional landscape can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career. This is where the invaluable guidance of a mentor comes into play. But why exactly do you need a mentor? Let’s break down the reasons:
- Guidance from Experience: A mentor brings years of industry experience to the table. They’ve likely faced the challenges you’re encountering and can provide insights based on their own journey. This first-hand advice can help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Skill Development: Beyond just industry knowledge, mentors can help refine your skills. They can provide feedback, recommend resources, and even offer training sessions. Their perspective can be critical in enhancing your skill set.
- Networking Opportunities: A mentor can introduce you to their professional network, opening doors to potential job opportunities, collaborations, or partnerships that you might not have had access to otherwise.
- Personalized Feedback: One of the most beneficial aspects of having a mentor is receiving personalized feedback. They can offer constructive criticism tailored to your specific needs, helping you grow and improve in targeted areas.
- Emotional Support: The professional world can be taxing, both mentally and emotionally. A mentor understands the highs and lows of the industry and can offer emotional support during challenging times, ensuring you don’t feel alone in your journey.
- Goal Setting and Accountability: With a mentor by your side, you can set clear, achievable goals. They can help outline a roadmap for your career and, more importantly, hold you accountable, ensuring you stay on track.
- Broader Perspective: Sometimes, we can get tunnel vision in our careers. A mentor, having been in varied situations and roles, can provide a broader perspective, helping you see the bigger picture and make informed decisions.
In essence, a mentor is more than just a guide. They are a confidant, a teacher, and often, a lifelong connection in your professional network. Investing time in building a mentor-mentee relationship can yield dividends throughout your career, ensuring you’re always on a path to growth and success.
A few months after getting acquainted with Terris, he was in the process of transitioning out of his role at Sagepath. He mentioned that they were on the lookout for a UX designer to fill his shoes. Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity.
I scheduled an interview with two representatives from the company. Back then, my portfolio was straightforward, showcasing my identity and case studies – a clear testament to my capabilities as an app designer. Upon arrival, I was given a tour of the office. Later, I had the opportunity to sit with the company’s leadership and present my portfolio.
I showcased some of my standout designs, including a comprehensive case study for an architectural app. This innovative app captures floorplans, transforms them into 3D models, and then offers users an immersive experience by letting them interact with these models on their smartphones.
While this project was conceptual, it laid the groundwork for my proficiency in 3D and augmented reality. By incorporating AR principles, I ensured that this concept distinguished me from the rest. My interview with them was generally easy. I took in one question at a time while I was presenting.
The second project I showed them, while not groundbreaking, aligned closely with the agency’s core competencies. Given their expertise in crafting E-commerce websites and apps, I wanted my work to resonate with their domain.
I collaborated with a team on a client project for NCR, redesigning a micro-site intended for customer onboarding to purchase a POS device. Once the primary user experience overhaul for the micro-site was achieved, I took the lead in creating a 3D model of the actual POS device.
This equipment, essentially a payment processing machine, accommodated an Android tablet and functioned as an in-store register. The purpose of this was to showcase the product the customer would buy. They can interact with this 3D preview. I got to a point where I displayed this 3D interactive product within the website prototype. I used my mouse to pan and orbit around the 3d object.
After showcasing this product in the interview, you can hear them gasp at the quality of what I presented. They saw that I went above and beyond. I knew at that moment I had blown their socks off. I was confident I had truly impressed them beyond their expectations.
The biggest thing here is going above and beyond.
Let’s talk about standing out! 😎
In today’s saturated market of UX designers, standing out from the crowd can be a daunting task. However, those who find a way to transcend conventional boundaries often experience the sweet taste of unparalleled success.
A key component in this pursuit of excellence is a UX portfolio that not only showcases your skills but also dazzles your potential employers or clients. But how do you elevate your portfolio from ‘good’ to ‘exceptional’?
Importance of Portfolios in Hiring Decisions:
In a survey of hiring managers in the design field, over 70% indicated that a candidate’s portfolio is the most critical factor in their hiring decision.
Almost 65% of recruiters and hiring managers believe that a portfolio’s quality is more important than any degree or credential.
With that, you may want to consider looking at various ways to stand out with your portfolio.
Let’s dive in.
- The Power of the First Impression:
- The initial glance at your portfolio can make or break a potential opportunity. Your designs should captivate and hold the viewer’s attention from the get-go.
- 2. Storytelling at Its Finest:
- Each project in your portfolio should narrate a compelling story. Detail the problem, your process, and the resultant solution. Providing context enables the viewer to immerse themselves in your journey and witness the depth of your understanding and skill set.
- 3. Showcase the Unexpected:
- While it’s essential to demonstrate core UX principles and methods, sometimes venturing beyond the expected can set you apart. Including projects that utilize cutting-edge technologies or unique methodologies, like AR concepts or intricate animations, can make your portfolio memorable.
- 4. Process Over Product:
- While the final design is crucial, shedding light on your process can be a game-changer. Documenting each stage, from user research and wireframing to high-fidelity prototypes, can offer a comprehensive look into your skill set and problem-solving capabilities.
- 5. Testimonials & Real-world Impact:
- Including feedback from past clients or metrics showcasing the positive impact of your designs can provide concrete evidence of your expertise. This builds trust and adds an element of credibility to your work.
- Let’s keep reading on…
- 6. Personal Projects – A Reflection of Passion:
- Including personal projects can showcase your passion and dedication to the field. It’s an opportunity to experiment, be creative, and demonstrate your drive beyond professional obligations.
- 7. Interactive Elements:
- Interactive prototypes or live links to your designs can offer a hands-on experience to the viewer. It’s one thing to explain your design decisions, but allowing someone to interact with your creations adds another dimension to your presentation.
- 8. Constant Evolution:
- The world of UX is ever-evolving, and so should your portfolio. Regular updates, reflecting your growth and the latest trends in the industry, can keep your portfolio fresh and relevant.
- In conclusion, a stellar UX portfolio is more than a compilation of your work. It’s a testament to your journey, passion, and dedication to the craft. By going above and beyond in its presentation, you not only showcase your skills but also underline your commitment to excellence. In the competitive landscape of UX design, this commitment can be your ticket to unparalleled opportunities and success.
- One thing I want to mention is the company I mentioned: Sagepath. Is a digital agency. I wanted to share what opportunities come out of digital agencies and if you ever decide to work for them.
