Dump 9: Dear Techie, Still Job Hunting?

How to remain useful and relevant outside a full-time team

Nov 20, 2024

Hey Besties💜,

If you’ve been job hunting for a while, you need to read and do these things✊

I have been job hunting for a full-time content design role for a while now, and while I haven’t found a role yet, I’ve been busy. “Busy doing what?” you might ask; well, I’ve been busy building systems.

Job hunting is exhausting, and for most people, it rapidly becomes the only thing they eat, live, and think about–that’s sad. I understand that getting a Job is really important. I also understand that job hunting is a full-time job. You know what else I understand? Job hunting shouldn’t be the ‘be all, do all.’ It’s a phase.

I’ve been in this phase long enough to tell you the following things; The parts of Job hunting that no one emphasizes, the part rarely talked about. How to stay relevant even while job hunting. How to not get lost in the full-time job of job hunting. How to live in the chaos and still feel useful.

Here are a few things I have done while Job hunting that have made me even more relevant than a full-time Job. This is my secret genie, so I would be grateful if you could use it wisely!

Create A Functional System

Create a system around what you’d like to be known for. As a content designer, for example, I show up on my social media sharing what I know, how I do it, and the results of my work. This increases your social credibility and draws the right attention to you. Also, ensure that the system you create shows up even when you’re away.

P.S. I have received requests from a lot of hiring managers like the one below…

…and secured speaking engagements such as the UX Writing Conference coming up in a few days where I’ll be giving a keynote speech on Branding– something I built while job hunting…See the big picture now?🤭🤭

P.S. If you’re a Content Designer/UX Writer or anyone trying to build a personal brand, this VIRTUAL CONFERENCE would be highly beneficial to you. Not only will I be sharing insights as a UX Professional, but I’ll be sharing these insights as a TECH DIGITAL CREATOR too!!!! Grab your tickets so you don’t miss out!

Volunteer

While job hunting, I have volunteered to work with designers, and even taken up internships to brush up my skills and feel useful outside of a full-time team.

The idea isn’t to keep offering free services for a long time. The goal is to build a level of hands-on experience and credibility relevant to your dream job or whatever you’ll take up in the coming days.

Know when to stay and know when you should leave and move on to new things!

Document Your Journey

I began documenting my journey and helping more people get into my path. I write two newsletters, this one you’re currently reading where I help people like you and I get through the difficult times in their tech career while my LinkedIn newsletter helps beginners in Content Design/UX Writing walk through this new path.

Build a community of people who resonate and connect with you beyond words. I am successfully building and nurturing a community of UX and Tech darlings like you, Bestie💜. (Thank you for being a part of this community🤭)

Speak To Leaders in Your Field

I’ve scheduled regular mentorships and meetings with Content Design leaders just to get tips, and insights and have them look through my portfolio and resume. This helps me recognize where I could strengthen up so I stand a chance to get hired.

No man’s an Island and this is why you need to constantly network or build a network of people who’d hold your hands through each phase of your career even though they’re not as frequently available as you’d like them to be.

Leverage your network of industry leaders; you’ll never know who’ll put in a word for you in your absence!

Share The DigiTool Dump

Take Breaks

I take breaks often. After all the trial and error, resume and portfolio tweaks, job applications, etc… I rest for a short while to avoid getting depressed or sad.

a woman in a mask sitting in front of a laptop

I left the internet for 90 days this year, simply because I was mentally exhausted from all the job hunting + real-life issues. I talked about it in this vulnerable video and you can watch it on TikTok or Instagram…Leave me a chat in the comments if this resonates with you💜

I also read up on the latest trends in my field and catch up on practical work so that I’m not left behind at all. This is how busy you should get.

I mean…think about it– If you’re not making money, you should be making progress in one or two other aspects of your life such as personal growth and development or in this case, PUTTING YOURSELF OUT THERE!!!

Anyway, If you’re already doing these things, then you’re doing something right and I’m rooting for you. You are on the right track and you’ll get your dream job soon.

In the meantime, leave a link to your portfolio and resume in the comments section. Your hiring manager might just be watching! Let’s gooo!