The Golden Rule of Job Hunting: Specialization and Consistency

As a designer or anyone in tech, avoid making this mistake when you're looking for work.

Not having a consistent message or branding is a mistake. Knowing what you want to do and the skills you bring comes before applying for jobs, period. Convince me otherwise.

In the bustling corridors of the tech industry, where roles require multiple skills, there exists a golden rule for those on the job hunt: Know yourself and showcase yourself accordingly. This seemingly straightforward rule often becomes a stumbling block for many. The reason? There is a need for specialization and consistency in how they present their skills and passions.

Let me explain.

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Know Your Arena

Take a moment before hitting the "apply" button on job portals. Reflect on what you genuinely want to do. What ignites your passion? Is it crafting cute things as a UI designer or delving into the user experience and understanding the psychology behind user interactions? This self-awareness is crucial.

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Specialization is Your Best Friend

In a world teeming with competition, specialization can set you apart. Consider the example of a UI designer with a knack for web design specifically tailored for health and fitness companies. This niche, though narrow, positions you as an expert in a specific domain. When potential employers or clients scour the internet, your portfolio becomes a beacon of specialization. It's not just about being a UI designer; it's about being the UI designer for health and fitness web platforms.

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Consistency Across Platforms

Your online presence speaks volumes before you even get the chance to. Ensure your profiles across Dribble, Behance, LinkedIn, and other platforms exhibit a cohesive narrative about your skills and passion. This consistency is not just about your work's visual style but also the message you convey. Every piece of content, every portfolio piece, should echo your specialization and dedication to your craft.

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The Narrative of Your Work

Taking UI design as an example, your work still needs to solve problems and tell a story. However, this storytelling will be more visual and more focused on aesthetics. Your deliverables need to be pixel-perfect, embodying the principles of design you stand for. 

If you're a UX designer or UX researcher, this does not mean a UX researcher or UX designer should neglect the visual aspect of their portfolio. These positions will have a narrative that might delve deeper into research, overall strategy, and user journeys, offering a more detailed storyline.

Every case study you put out there should testify to your attention to detail and your commitment to quality. Your portfolio should be devoid of half-baked projects. Instead, it should showcase your best, most polished work, proving you're competent and exceptional. When a potential client or recruiter is looking at who you are, it needs to be clear that you offer "X," and that solves the "X" problem, which makes you unique because of "X."

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Stay tuned for more insights and discussions. Subscribe to my Substack for long-form content where we delve deeper into the nuances of design, career growth, and personal branding in the tech industry.