The UX industry is in a weird place. Mammoth companies are laying off thousands of people, UX-ers are learning how to work in smaller teams, and the future of tech feels uncertain.
So if you're looking for your first UX writing role, the situation can feel daunting. It's more important than ever to stand out among the crowd. But how can you do that if you're just getting started?
Know your stuff
Junior doesn't mean absolute beginner. I'll be honest: I didn't know enough when I first started out. I had good grammar and organisation, knew how to write blog posts and some basic content, but that was it.
I was lucky enough to work with a company that invested in me to learn as I went. But I wish I'd gone in with a better understanding of what UX writing actually was, and what the main processes looked like.
Read books about everything UX
Take courses focused on product design, development, research, and writing
Follow people already in the industry
Create an online presence
You don't have to be a blogger or influencer to be a UX writer. But it's good to integrate into the online community, and have a space for your portfolio and resume.
It's okay if you don't have "real" experience. Take some screenshots from your favorite app or website and create a case study about how you'd improve the flow. Include some of your basic principles: like how you handle consistency vs. clarity, or your attitudes toward product design.
Note that most recruiters don't want to see witty content or random words. UX writing is about context and clarity. Show that you're an organized, detail-oriented person who thinks through the entire user experience.
Ace the interview process
Is it too cheesy to say be yourself? Fine, but I'll say it anyway. Product teams are all about collaboration. You need to show your personality so that they can determine whether you'd be a good fit on the team.
Ask questions, answer emails and requests in a timely manner, and do research on the company. And if you're given a take-home assignment, follow these tips to blow them away.
Don't give up
Getting any job takes time. Continue improving your skills while you're searching for the perfect fit, and remember that writers never stop growing. You don't have to be perfect to be a UX writer; you just need to care about the users, and passionate about making things as clear and simple as possible.
Good luck!
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