Stop pitching yourself. start proving your value.

You’re applying for your dream UX role.

You’ve got the skills.

You’ve got the drive.

But so does everyone else.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth:

Most candidates sound exactly the same.

→ “Passionate about user-centric design.”

→ “Skilled in Figma, research, prototyping.”

→ “Looking for the next challenge.”

If you’re pitching yourself like that… you’ve already lost.

What you need isn’t a better pitch.

You need a Minimum Valuable Pitch — an MVP.

Think of it like a trailer before a movie.

A preview of the results you bring before you even join.

It’s not theory.

It’s not speculation.

It’s your value, in action.

Here’s how to build one:

Step 1: Deep research — like an embedded designer

→ Don’t just read the “About” page.

→ Comb through product reviews.

→ Scan employee posts on LinkedIn.

→ Note expansion plans or known product pain points.

What you’re hunting for is this:

A single UX problem that you can solve.

Step 2: Spot your UX opportunity gap

→ List 3–5 potential problems or growth areas.

→ Use the RICE framework: Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort.

→ Prioritize the one that best overlaps with your skill edge.

If your edge is onboarding flows, don’t pitch a design system revamp.

Play to your strengths.

Step 3: Package a crisp, visual solution

→ Create a 5-slide deck.

→ Mock up a new screen, flow, or experience.

→ Show before → after.

→ Add a short Loom walkthrough if needed.

It’s not about being right. It’s about being thoughtful.

You’re showing how you think — not selling a finished product.

Step 4: Deliver it like a leader

→ Don’t cold email “Hey, I’m applying…”

→ Try this instead:

“Hi [Hiring Manager], I’ve been following [Company]’s product journey — especially your expansion into [new region]. Based on some reviews and customer insights, I noticed a UX friction point around [X]. I took a shot at a simple improvement. Here’s a 2-minute Loom and a 5-slide deck with my thinking. Hope it’s useful!”

That’s not an application.

That’s a demonstration.

And it works — because it does 3 things instantly:

→ Shows your initiative

→ Proves your thinking

→ Reduces their risk

You’re not just telling them you’re a strong candidate.

You’re showing them why you’re the obvious one.

Most people pitch themselves with fluff.

You’ll pitch yourself with proof.

Reply back to this email — what’s your take?