Talent

How To Get UX Experience When You Don't Have Any?

Kickstart your UX career with no experience: focus on self-projects, utilize free tools, network, and showcase creativity.

Adam Perlis

Jul 3, 2023 — 2 min read

In the competitive world of UX design, standing out from the crowd is essential. Adam Perlis, CEO and Founder of Academy, offers invaluable strategies for those aspiring to make a mark in this dynamic field. In his recent appearance on The Product Design Podcast, Perlis shared his unique approach to recruiting product design talent and provided actionable tips for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. Here's a condensed guide to help you navigate the path to a successful UX design career.

Embrace Essential Skills and Traits

Growth Mindset and Problem-Solving:

The first step to distinguish yourself is by adopting a growth mindset and honing your problem-solving skills. Perlis emphasizes the importance of constantly learning new things and adding new tools to your skill set. This approach not only showcases your value but also demonstrates your adaptability and eagerness to evolve.

Storytelling as a Key Competence:

Perlis points out that storytelling is often an underdeveloped skill among many talents. He recommends the book "Building a Brand Story" by Donald Miller to improve this vital aspect. Excelling in storytelling means you can effectively present yourself and your work, a critical factor in landing your dream role.

Strategies for Landing Your Dream Job

Find the Flaw, Build a Case Study:

Perlis suggests a proactive approach: identify the company and job you aim for, find a flaw in their product or a new feature to suggest, and then build a case study around your solution. This targeted effort not only demonstrates your UX abilities but also showcases your initiative and creative thinking.

Targeted Communication:

Reaching out to the right person is as important as your application. Perlis advises finding the hiring manager on LinkedIn and sending them a personalized message about your case study. For added impact, consider recording a brief introductory video to summarize the key points of your case study.

Conclusion: Make Time, Stand Out

Adam Perlis's insights highlight the importance of a strategic, focused approach in the UX recruitment process. By showcasing the right skills, adopting a problem-solving mindset, and taking a targeted approach to job applications, you can significantly enhance your chances of success in the UX design industry.

**Adam Perlis, CEO and Founder of** **Academy**

"You gotta make time. I'm not a big proponent of hustle culture, but I do think that putting in the extra effort on very strategic, targeted things can yield high results."