I'm Applying for UX jobs during the Tech Recession (Vlog)

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[@michaellong9214]

You might want to consider doing UX job coaching. I have twenty-five years of working tech jobs (Webmaster, Web Designer/Developer, Flash Designer/Developer, Designer Integration Engineer, Design Technologist, UX Designer, and React Dev ). I get a lot out of your videos and have improved my portfolio considerably. I tend to talk too much about the tech end in design interviews. Thanks for the help.

[@BookWormLady]

I feel so validated !!! I'm still assembling my portfolio and trying to finish the Google course but I keep sort of getting stuck on making my first case study but your videos really help me figure out a template.

[@sharonyeunkim]

Glad it helped!!

[@hanhhnnguyen]

Thanks Sharon for sharing your Vlog about your thoughts and feelings on your journey! I felt understood and inspired by how you stay motivated in overcoming the internal and external struggles. I felt the same way as I am learning, growing in the craft. Right now, I am volunteering in projects and working on design challenges for more experiences. Whenever I am stuck or need improving my skills, your videos helped me move forward on what path I wanted to go. I hope the job opportunities are popping up for you!

[@Exotixa]

I graduated my Springboard bootcamp immediately when the recession began. 😂I decided to halt the job search and freelance with startups to build experience. I wasn't gonna go through another job hunt struggle like I did when I graduated with my degree in 2020.

[@sharonyeunkim]

That sounds pretty solid imo. Any experience esp freelancing is good and could also give you more practice to create even better projects with your portfolio 😎

[@Exotixa]

@sharonyeunkim Absolutely, I did notice a few companies have decided to specify "you need experience in big companies" in their job postings. 🙃 Thankfully, just a few handful. I am hoping what I have worked for pays off in the long run. Good luck in your search 😤💪

[@sharonyeunkim]

It will!!! Just gotta keep going literally everybody has to start somewhere

[@Jt-nh3py]

@@Exotixa how did you reach out to companies for freelancing? As in how did you contact them and what did you say? I’m kind of in the same boat lol

[@DjokovicIsOurLordAndSaviour]

​@@ExotixaPersistence is key I think. As long as we keep going it will pay off eventually. 😊

[@tommieirl1]

Thank you so much for taking us along. I have a long way to go but you're helping me big time. Hope you're doing well these days!

[@santoskhalifa8027]

I am in the same situation! Thank you so much for sharing this with us :)

[@sharonyeunkim]

Good luck!!!!

[@satalkar]

Good luck Sharon!

[@sharonyeunkim]

Thanks!!!

[@neonhandshakelove]

You will get loads of job offers. No doubt.

[@bobdaawid2218]

Nice watching your videos again Sharon your portfolio case study helped me to figure out how to layout my UX case study I am also trying to get my first role as a UX designer and i am also in my collage Final year. A lot of emotions comes through in this stage of my applications i just have to keep my head down and keep working on the things i can control and hope for the best. Thanks for the video jam section, I already scheduled meeting and can't wait to discuss with you.

[@sharonyeunkim]

For sure! Want to hear what other topics I can cover on in my videos and connect w some of you :) do click the date for this upcoming Friday tho not Monday!

[@celineee1]

hi im a newly admitted transfer student! i majored photography so my base is literally 0 in graphic design but parsons had put me in junior level + $16000 peryear scholarship. Do you think courses that you took in sophomore class is essential? i have no idea if i can just skip all the basic major courses.. and when does CD major students start their internship? I am really concerned... please help!

[@Nootlest]

Ahh you're New York based? Any tips for applying to NY based jobs?

[@sharonyeunkim]

I think it’s the same across states- however the work hustle culture would be more prevalent so it may feel a little more intense.

[@Nootlest]

@@sharonyeunkim What was your strategy, if it's okay to ask?

[@anhtho3369]

💗💗💗

[@sharonyeunkim]

🙆‍♀️🙆‍♀️

[@huwball]

Appreciate you so much sharing that you still feel imposter syndrome. I’ve done multiple UX gigs on my journey to break into the field and I still feel so much imposter syndrome for full time roles 🥲

[@sharonyeunkim]

Yeah definitely- I was definitely taken aback by it. It’s funny how I expected myself to not have imposter syndrome after having the work experience I did- but it never really goes away 🫠 there’s always a next step- a new thing you don’t have yet and can always feel not good enough. Nonetheless in a way I find it comforting how it is truly in the mind but experience & time can help.

[@stephanieliu8320]

Hi Sharon I just want you to know that I’m really grateful for your content. I applied for jobs a few months back too during recession and got my first full time UX job. I was super anxious and your content esp presentation tips def helped. I think you will most definitely get a job too soon:)) Hope you can creating videos or just talk about your journey

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hey Stephanie, that really means a lot I’m glad we could connect here :) yes I hope so! Just gotta keep going! Good luck to you too 🤍

[@allenliu7450]

Really good content as always, I just confused that if people like you are having a hard time finding a job, then what’s the point of us still learning UX Is this field still a viable choice? I just started to learn UX in Toronto, not sure if I can land a job, it’s pretty discouraging to see these talents can’t find a job easily.

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hi! It's not that it's "hard for me" to find a job persay- it's just that the overall job hunt and struggle is the same across the board. My particular struggle is more a mental thing as for myself I'm searching for my first official job out of college and that this new stage is something I'm not used to yet. Comes to show everyone struggles, no matter who you think it is, lol.

[@allenliu7450]

@@sharonyeunkim Thanks for replying! It makes sense. I'm struggling to build my portfolio without any real-world experience. I watched your presentation on Onnit. It's amazing. Creating a personal project seems the most viable option for me to get started, but the problem is, I feel like most of these fake project ideas I got are not that practical tbh. Do you just work on it? Even though it's not quite grounded or useful.

[@Redemptiontimes]

Congratulations did you start your LLC to work as a contractor on the side ?

[@DjokovicIsOurLordAndSaviour]

I'm in a similar situation. I'll be finishing my thesis in about 6 weeks trying to find a graduate role ready for me when I'm done. Making lots of connections and hoping for the best. I'm sure it will work out in the end. But, the market is certainly tough right now.

[@sharonyeunkim]

For sure. I think it’s good that you’re making connections tho as that’s always helpful. Don’t give up! Gotta stay positive and something will eventually turn out.

[@brisingr6570]

Feeling the same too. I am also trying to apply for UX jobs during this situation, and thank you for sharing this with us! It is very relieving and helpful!

[@sharonyeunkim]

Yes I know so many people who feel the same way!

[@kevinliang2850]

i'm in the same boat. just graduated from college, applying for ux roles. best of luck!

[@sharonyeunkim]

Yes yes in it together!

[@venetiaaddo-ansong5328]

Can you please do a tutorial, on placing wireframes into an iphone mock up. That would be much appreciated, thank you.

[@carmenlilianaflores7167]

Thank you so much Sharon! Your whole channel is such a blessing! I start my Springboard cohort in 2 weeks and honestly taking all the tips and plan to apply them! Tysm🥰😊✨

[@mayumiadati]

Sharon, your content is so refreshing! Thanks for just being vulnerable and showing your reality, which is exactly what many of us is going through right now. I’m also applying and it’s been a struggle! What’s been keeping me from going crazy😂 it’s taking in freelance projects. It definitely boosts my confidence and keeps me active in the market. Let’s keep going! ❤

[@deqzadraws942]

I just graduated too and it’s so hard to find a ux job rn, even last summer I applied to so many internships and never heard back from most

[@avivalavida403]

Sharon thanks so much for posting this times are tough rn nice to know I’m not alone!! Tech recession anxiety is real!!

[@stephlambruschini5415]

You go girl!!! You are truly such a wonderful inspiration. Thank you for sharing!

[@tonydeesigns]

Is your laptop keyboard folding

[@jinnykim5274]

Hi Sharon, thanks for sharing this video :) btw I registered your video Jam this Friday but it was cancelled, when could I join? haha

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hey Jinny! Yeah it filled up quick 😵‍💫 I hope to do these about once a month so keep a lookout on that link. Also may try to open up a few more slots if I can. If you have anything you’d like to see from me do let me know here in the comments! I read everything.

[@briannaduncan1456]

I also graduated this May and am facing the same situation. Fingers crossed for you and all of us applying for jobs! I am wondering, where is your tank top from? It’s so pretty!

[@sharonyeunkim]

Thank you! And yes my regular V neck tank is from & Other Stories and the more corset/sweetheart neckline one is from Zara 😁

[@beilumi4504]

Accidentally found your channel and just keeping watching ❤ like your confidence !

[@sharonyeunkim]

thank you!!!

[@ahmedgafer7906]

Keep going,Sharon 💪 and good luck with your search❤. I am also working as a freelancer for more than 1 year but struggling to get a full time job as a product designer.

[@sharonyeunkim]

Thank you! And congratulations on freelancing! I have a few friends who went that route too and I don’t believe it has to be a full time job to build up experience - it will come for both of us!

[@johncliffalvarez6513]

Currently I’m pivoting from being a Senior Art Director within the advertisement industry into Product Design, and yes, during the Tech recession as well. I had recently finished my site portfolio and currently wrapping up two last courses of the Google UX Design certification. Which I actually took a chance at emailing you for some feedback on and maybe get advice in exactly what you were going through at the time of this vlog. Hope things have since gotten better!

[@sharonyeunkim]

Hey! Wow that’s a major change- kudos to you for the switch. I’ve been busy with work but plan to open spots as a mentor soon (will announce on website and such) so haven’t been too available for feedback 🥹. Hope to connect soon though!! And yes things have gotten much better :)

[@johncliffalvarez6513]

@@sharonyeunkim Lol, I saw! Congrats! But sounds great, looking forward to it! :)

[@AnnalisesLife]

Thank you for this video, I love your authenticity!

[@sharonyeunkim]

We’re in it together 😆

[@jinny-lee]

Hi Sharon, thank you for your video! I have my first phone screen next week xD what kind of questions did you get during your phone screening?

[@sharonyeunkim]

Ahh congrats Jinny!!! 😆 So excited for you. Yeah so questions that generally are asked for these types of interviews are 1) Tell me about your work experience background? 2) What is your most favorite project and why? 3) Why do you want to work at x company? 4) ^^ How does this position align with your personal career goals? 5) Where do you see yourself in 5 years? And other general things about your background like where you’re located and I’d Ira hybrid can you come in x times a week. From experience truly it’s just a conversation they’re curious to know more about you so don’t stress about it!!!

[@jinny-lee]

@@sharonyeunkim Thank you so much 🥹 Will definitely go through these questions and hope to be back with good news :)

[@jinny-lee]

@@sharonyeunkim Hey Sharon! I just wanted to let you know that thanks to your advice, I'm moving onto the next round of interview with the hiring manager. The call is scheduled for 30 min long and I wondered if I should expect behavioral questions as well as a portfolio presentation? I feel like it's not enough time to go through everything. Is this normal? I'm interviewing for an internship role by the way. Would love to to hear your inputs on this!

[@sharonyeunkim]

@@jinny-lee Hi! It def sounds like more behavioral interview to me. Prepare more "tell me about a time" questions where say you faced a difficult stumbling block with your project and what you did about it. If it's a portfolio presentation they should've told you and those are typically an hour. My guess is that it's def behavioral but it'll also be related tto your work!

[@ColorOfCozy]

I’m rooting for you 🎉

[@sharonyeunkim]

You too!! 😆

[@britneyle]

ohh nooo, you're not starting at amazon?

[@sharonyeunkim]

It wasn’t right for me 😅 plus the start date was pushed back for everyone till next year so it may be very difficult to wait till then anyways. Are you still in school? I remember you commented on past vids!

[@britneyle]

@@sharonyeunkim i’m the same year as you so i just graduated too!! i also got my start date push back to early next year :( I’m still happy I have a job lined up tho, the UX market is incredibly tough, goodluck to you!

[@FunnyVideos-cj8gk]

I am also working on my ui/ux portfolio. Wish me luck.

[@sharonyeunkim]

Yes, good luck! If you have questions I'm hosting a video Jam session next Friday if you'd like to join :)

[@FunnyVideos-cj8gk]

@@sharonyeunkim I would love to join. Keep me updated.

[@sharonyeunkim]

It’s the link in my description box!!

[@FunnyVideos-cj8gk]

@@sharonyeunkim ok

[@ahmedgafer7906]

@@sharonyeunkim can I join !?