How to publish a UX/UI work or product design abroad from scratch | 7 tips and strategies (2023)

Breaking down barriers: How to get a UX/UI job in a new country

Are you a UX/UI designer or a product designer who wants to take your skills to a new level and experience a different culture?

Working abroad can offer endless opportunities for personal and professional growth, but your job search can be overwhelming if you're starting from scratch and don't have connections in your chosen location.

That's why I'm here to share my story and offerseven tips and strategiesget your dream job abroad.

I was a total loser with no connections or benefits when it comes to finding a job abroad. Born and raised in South Korea, I didn't have a degree in design or attend the best foreign university, so I lacked English language skills. But despite all these limitations, I was determined to pursue my dream of working abroad as a designer – a passion I shared.previous article.

During the pandemic, I encountered a number of obstacles that made the idea of ​​working abroad impossible. Doubts arose and it seemed to me that there were many reasons why I failed to achieve my goal - no degree in design, no knowledge of the English language, no experience in the chosen place and the need for a visa were just some of the obstacles I had to face defeat.

But I didn't let those limitations define me. I started from scratch and embarked on a journey that lastedMy from zero to full time abroad, along with a sponsored visain just two and a half years. Along the way, I have gathered some valuable tips and strategies that I would like to share with you today.

In this guide, you will learn seven practical steps that will help you find a job abroad in UX/UI or product design. From creating an attractive English portfolio site to mastering the art of messaging, I'll help you navigate the job search process with confidence and clarity.

1. Decide in which country or city you want to find a job

Choosing the right country or city to look for a job can make a huge difference in realizing your dream of working abroad. Extensive research of labor markets and design communities from different locations is very important, also taking into account factors such as language, cost of living and cultural fit.

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Once you've narrowed down your options, start contacting designers and professionals in your chosen locations to gain insights and learn about the industry. Thanks to this, you will be better prepared to make informed decisions and stand out from the competition.

For me, the decision to pursue a career in Australia was obvious. The Working Holiday Visa provided me with an easy option to start traveling to find work abroad as it was quickly approved in just one week.

However, it is important to realize that each country has its own visa and sponsorship rules, so understanding the specific requirements of the job market you are interested in is crucial. It's also helpful to search for jobs that offer a chance to get permanent residency, as this can be an ideal long-term solution for people looking to settle in a new country.

2. Create a portfolio site

If you want it to be serious in the competitive world of UX/UI or product design, you need to have an attractive website with a portfolio. It's the best tool to showcase your skills and make a lasting impression on potential employers. In today's digital age, your portfolio is often the first thing hiring managers see, so you need to make it count. That's why it's so important to build an impressive and engaging portfolio that will set you apart from the crowd.

English is the most spoken language in the design industry, so make sure your portfolio is in English. Even if English is not your first language, your portfolio will be a testament to your communication skills and your ability to communicate your projects to clients and stakeholders.

When creating your portfolio, be sure to use a clean, modern design and organize your work into clear categories to make it easier for employers to navigate. Be sure to highlight your latest and greatest work, along with a brief description of each project and your role in it.

👋 Don't worry if you're just starting out and don't have a portfolio yet. I cover youfree Notion portfolio templatethat you can still use today. You can findmy previous articleto understand what to include in your portfolio.

3. Create a great resume

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Creating a winning resume can be a daunting task, but it's critical to keep it as simple and effective as possible. Personally, I went through dozens of iterations to create a concise, compelling resume that highlights my strengths and achievements. Trust me, you don't want to send an embarrassing resume that contains unnecessary elements or repetitive information. I suggest you get inspired by the biographies of other designers and adapt them to your style.

Investing in a good guide or professional service can also help you build a strong resume from the start. I have personally used the free proofreading service sinceTopHervattento refine my CV and get unbiased feedback. I've also recently started using ChatGPT, they're great for fine-tuning sentences.

Remember, the most important thing is to focus on performance technology and highlight your contributions and achievements. Use powerful keywords around verbs that showcase your technical skills and design achievements. That's itYour chance to impress potential employersso make sure you do your best.

If you are not a native English speaker, creating a CV in English can be even more of a challenge. Consulting with a native speaker or reading various articles about the design industry can help you improve your language skills and use the correct terminology. Don't underestimate the power of a well-prepared resume - it can be the key to landing your dream job in UX/UI or product design.

what to include

(*Obligatory)

• Name*
  - It doesn't have to be your official name
• Wallet website address
  - Add hyperlinks to your website in your resume/resume PDF
• Contact
  - Email address*, phone number
• Where do you live
• Experience*
  - Company name/position/period/place/function
• Academic education*
  - School Name/Department and Course Name/Date/Location/Credit/Function
• Skills
  - Support tools / Design methods / Support platforms (mobile, web design, etc.)

👋 Have no idea how to create a winning resume? I put together the best comprehensive CV/CV set for UX/UI, product designers. This includes 6 fully customizable templates, 10 practical tips and tricks, 50 powerful verbs and 25 useful statistics to create an impressive resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. Look atHere!

4. Write a compelling cover letter

Foreign cover letters can be vague and have no fixed format, leaving applicants unsure of what to include. However, it is important to take advantage of this opportunity to show yourself in the best possible light. A well-prepared cover letter can significantly increase your chances of being selected for a given position.

When project team members are not involved in the hiring process, recruiters often prioritize candidates based on their resumes or cover letters. That's why it's so important that your cover letter is concise, informative, and consistent with your product features and company job description. This will help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired.

Keep the following tips in mind to create an effective cover letter.

1. Stick to one page and limit it to four or five paragraphs.
   Your cover letter should be able to concisely and interestingly summarize your entire career and grab the recruiter's attention from the very first paragraph.
2. In parts two and three, summarize your previous positions and work experience.
   Be sure to tailor your experience to your specific role and company by using keywords related to your product or industry.
3. You can also include hyperlinks to your work to showcase your skills and experience.
   While it may not be universally liked, I have personally used it with great success, and I even thank the recruiter for organizing my work into an easy-to-see format. Remember to use links strategically and only include those that are relevant and add value to your app.
4. In the last paragraph, provide a compelling reason for joining the team.
   This is your chance to express your enthusiasm and show the recruiter that you are perfect for the position.

A well-written cover letter can make a big difference in your job search. By following these tips and adapting them to your specific situation, you can create a cover letter that will stand out and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

5. Optimize your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers, so optimizing your profile to stand out is essential. Use a professional portrait photo and a concise, compelling title. Make sure your experience and skills are up to date, and ask colleagues and clients for recommendations that will increase your credibility.

Keep the following tips in mind to create an attractive profile.

1. Define your personal brand
   A good LinkedIn profile is essential for job seekers and starts with a professional profile picture and title. Your profile summary should be concise, compelling, and clearly describe your goals and unique strengths.
2. Interact with people and connect
   Connecting with others on LinkedIn can increase your visibility and gain expertise in your field. Joining industry-related groups and sharing interesting articles can show your passion for your job and connect you with professionals with similar interests, leading to valuable networking opportunities.
3. Show your work
   LinkedIn showcases your best work, so take advantage of this feature by uploading examples from your portfolio and posting links to your website or online portfolio. Including visual content like images and videos can also make your profile more engaging and memorable.
4. get recommendations
   Testimonials from former colleagues and clients can increase your credibility and provide valuable insights into your work style and performance. Ask for recommendations from people who can talk about your strengths and skills and post them on your profile to show your expertise and build trust with potential employers.

6. Master the art of cold messages

Cold messaging can be a powerful tool in finding your dream job if used properly. It basically involves sending a message to someone you don't know or expect to hear from you. However, how you go about it can make the difference between a successful strategy and plain spam.

I first heard about this strategy from a product designer in Australia who advised me to contact the designer at the company I was applying for. While I initially tried LinkedIn Premium's Inmail feature, it didn't produce great results.

Instead, I found that a more direct approach likesend a short friendly messagefor a senior or lead product designer, it usually works best. I made sure that there was something positive in their portfolio and that the message was concise but powerful.

My previous manager actually stumbled upon my portfolio via a message I sent, even after I was nearly ignored by the recruiter and missed the first phone check. I can boldly saythis strategy helped me stand out from the crowd during the recruitment process and ultimately get the job.While cold messages aren't always the answer, they can certainly be a useful tactic to consider in certain situations.

👋 You have no idea how to make the perfect cold message? Don't worry, I'll take care of you. ClickHereto see step by step directions and the exact post that got me a full time job!

7. Track your job search with the job search tracker

Creating and using a job search table can speed up your job search. Customize your table to your needs and track key elements such as agency contact, title, company name, application deadlines, application links, submitted cover letter, follow-up emails and more. By storing this information,you can apply for positions quickly and experience enhanced strategiesfor every application and every interview.

However, it is important to remember that simply applying to a large number of companies is not the goal. instead,focus on finding companies that offer products you enjoy designing for, then tailor your approach to each application.By using the job search tracker, you can stay organized, track your progress and increase your chances of finding the perfect job for you.

👋 Are you lost in the labyrinth of job search? You were hiding too. I created a job search tracker ($0+ ✨) with Notion that you can easily customize to your needs. Check it out and start improving your job search today!

Get ready to take your career or personal development to the next level with my one-on-one mentoring program. As your personal guide, I will help you overcome the ups and downs on your way to success.

See more details about my mentoring program and testimonials from satisfied students,Here.

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  My personalized coffee chats are designed to support your specific goals and get you where you want to go.plan now(30 minutes)
• New to building a portfolio for your website or need a portfolio evaluation?
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  -Those who are building their website portfolio for the first time or need a personal branding strategy.
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  *Portfolio is a weapon when looking for a job abroad.I will share my practical knowledge to help you build an impressive portfolio and become a candidate companies don't want to miss out on.

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contact me at the addresshallo@vivishin.comor follow me on IG@hallo.vivishinand feel free to send me a DM