Joseph Louis Tan

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Stop guessing your way through the UX job hunt

You’re doing all the right things.


You’re applying to roles, sending out resumes, even getting some interviews. But nothing sticks.


The problem isn’t your skills — it’s your strategy.


Most UX designers try to tackle the hiring process like it’s a checklist: apply, wait, repeat. But that’s not how decision-makers think.


Here’s how they really think:


→ They’re not just reading your resume; they’re skimming for ROI.


→ They’re not just looking for experience; they’re looking for alignment.


→ They’re not just interested in your portfolio; they’re interested in your process and impact.


That’s why I created the 5S Framework:


Skip the line: Reach out directly to hiring managers instead of waiting to be noticed.


Send a personalized pitch: Tailor every cover letter to the role’s specific pain points.


Share a curated portfolio: Highlight 2–3 projects that directly mirror the role’s challenges.


Show genuine interest: Mention a recent project or milestone that caught your eye.


Say thank you: Follow up with a concise, memorable message that reinforces your value.


You can keep guessing, or you can follow a framework that gets results.


Which of the 5S steps are you skipping?

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