Are you a UX/UI or product designer looking to take your skills to new heights and experience a different culture?

Working abroad can offer endless opportunities for personal and professional growth, but the job search can be overwhelming if you’re starting from scratch with no connections in your desired location.

That’s why I’m here to share my story and offer seven tips and strategies for landing your dream job abroad.

My story: From zero to hired

I was a total underdog with zero connections or advantages when it came to landing a job abroad. Born and raised in South Korea, I didn’t have a design degree or attend a top university overseas, which left my English skills lacking. But despite all of these limitations, I was determined to pursue my dream of working abroad as a designer — a passion that I shared in a previous article.

In the midst of the pandemic, I faced a slew of obstacles that made the idea of working overseas seem impossible. Doubts crept in and I felt like there were countless reasons why I couldn’t achieve my goal — no degree in design, lack of English proficiency, no experience in my desired location, and the need for a visa were just a few of the hurdles I had to overcome.

But I didn’t let those limitations define me. I started from scratch and embarked on a journey that took me from zero to a full-time job abroad, complete with a sponsored visa, in just two and a half years. Along the way, I picked up some valuable tips and strategies that I can’t wait to share with you today.

In this guide, you’ll discover seven practical steps for landing a UX/UI or product design job abroad. From creating a standout English portfolio website to mastering the art of cold messaging, I’ll help you navigate the job search process with confidence and clarity.

7 tips and strategies for you

1. Decide which country or city you want to get a job from

Choosing the right country or city for your job search can make all the difference in achieving your dream of working abroad. It’s crucial to conduct extensive research on the job markets and design communities of various locations, while also taking into consideration factors such as language, cost of living, and cultural fit.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, start connecting with designers and professionals in those desired locations to gain insights and learn about the industry. By doing so, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions and stand out from the competition.

For me, the decision to pursue a career in Australia as a start was a no-brainer. The working holiday visa provided me with a straightforward option to initiate my journey to landing a job abroad, as it was quickly approved in just a week.

However, it’s important to recognize that each country has its own unique visa and sponsorship regulations, so it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements of the job market you’re interested in. Furthermore, it’s beneficial to investigate job opportunities that offer a chance at obtaining permanent residency, as this can be an ideal long-term solution for those looking to settle down in a new country.

2. Create a portfolio website

If you’re serious about making it in the competitive world of UX/UI or product design, then you need to have a standout portfolio website. It’s your ultimate tool for showcasing your skills and leaving 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 crucial to create an impressive and compelling portfolio that sets you apart from the rest.

English is the most commonly used language in the design industry, so make sure your portfolio is in English. Even if English isn’t your first language, your portfolio will be a testament to your communication skills and your ability to convey your designs to clients and stakeholders.

When designing your portfolio, remember to use a clean, modern design and organize your work into clear categories to make it easy for employers to navigate. Be sure to highlight your most recent and best work, along with a brief description of each project and your role in it.

👋 If you’re just starting out and don’t have a portfolio yet, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with a free Notion portfolio template that you can start using today. You can find my previous article to understand what to include in your portfolio.

3. Craft a killer CV/ Resume

Crafting a winning CV can be a challenging task, but it’s crucial to make it as simple and effective as possible. I personally went through dozens of iterations to create a concise and compelling CV that highlights my strengths and achievements. Trust me, you don’t want to submit an embarrassing CV that includes unnecessary elements or repeated information. I suggest gathering inspiration from other designers’ CVs and tailoring it to your own style.

Investing in a good guide or professional service can also help you create a strong CV from the get-go. I’ve personally used a free review service from TopResume to refine my CV and get objective feedback. I’ve also started using ChatGPT lately, they are so great for polishing your sentences.

Remember, the most important thing is to focus on performance-oriented technology and highlight your contributions and achievements. Use impactful keywords centred on verbs that showcase your technical skills and design achievements. This is your opportunity to impress potential employers, so make sure to put your best foot forward.

If you’re not a native English speaker, crafting a CV in English can be even more challenging. Consulting a native speaker or reading various articles in the design industry can help you improve your language skills and use appropriate terminology. Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crafted CV — it could be the key to landing your dream job in UX/UI or product design.

What to include

(*Required)

• Name*
  - It doesn’t have to be your legal name
• Portfolio website address
  - Add hyperlinks to your website on your CV/ Resume’s PDF file
• Contact
  - Email address*, phone number
• Where do you live
• Experience*
  - Company name/ position/ period/ location/ role
• Academic background*
  - School name / Department and degree name / Period / Location / Credit / Role
• Skills
  - Tools to handle / Design methods / Platforms to handle (mobile, web design, etc.)

👋 No clues on how to create a winning CV/ Resume? I’ve put together the ultimate All-in-one CV/Resume kit for UX/UI, Product designers. This includes 6 fully customisable templates, 10 practical tips and tricks, 50 powerful verbs, and 25 useful metrics to create a stunning resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light. Check it out here!

4. Write a compelling cover letter

Overseas cover letters can be vague and lack a set format, leaving applicants unsure about what to include. However, it’s important to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase yourself as best as possible. A well-prepared cover letter can significantly improve your chances of being selected for the position.

When design team members aren’t involved in the hiring process, recruiters often prioritise candidates based on their CVs or cover letters. Therefore, it’s crucial to make sure your cover letter is concise, informative, and tailored to the company’s product characteristics and job description. By doing so, you’ll stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired.

To create an effective cover letter, keep in mind the following tips.

1. Keep it to one page and limit it to four or five paragraphs.
   Your cover letter should be able to summarize your entire career in a concise and engaging way, capturing the recruiter’s attention from the first paragraph.
2. In paragraphs two and three, summarize your previous roles and work experience.
   Make sure to tailor your experience to the specific job and company by using keywords related to their 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 even received thanks from a recruiter for organizing my work in an easy-to-see format. Just make sure to use links strategically and only include those that are relevant and add value to your application.
4. In the last paragraph, make a compelling case for why you want to join the team.
   This is your chance to express your enthusiasm and show the recruiter that you’re the perfect fit for the job.

A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant difference in your job search. By following these tips and adapting them to your unique situation, you’ll be able to create a cover letter that stands out and increases your chances of landing your dream job.

5. Optimise your LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job seekers, so it’s essential to optimize your profile to make it stand out. Use a professional headshot and a concise, attention-grabbing headline. Make sure your experience and skills are up-to-date, and ask for recommendations from colleagues and clients to boost your credibility.

To create a compelling profile, keep in mind the following tips.

1. Define your personal brand
   A great LinkedIn profile is essential for job seekers, and it starts with a professional profile photo and headline. Your profile summary should be concise and attention-grabbing, clearly defining your goals and unique strengths.
2. Engage with people and get connected
   Engaging with others on LinkedIn can increase your visibility and establish your expertise in your field. Participating in industry-related groups and sharing insightful articles can demonstrate your passion for your work and help you connect with like-minded professionals, leading to valuable networking opportunities.
3. Show your work
   LinkedIn allows you to showcase your best work, so take advantage of this feature by uploading examples of your portfolio and providing 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
   Recommendations from former colleagues and clients can boost your credibility and provide valuable insights into your work style and accomplishments. Ask for recommendations from people who can speak to your strengths and skills, and post them on your profile to showcase your expertise and build trust with potential employers.

6. Master the art of cold messaging

Cold messaging can be a powerful tool to land your dream job if used correctly. Essentially, it involves sending a message to someone you don’t know or who isn’t expecting to hear from you. However, how you approach this can make all the difference between it being an effective strategy or just spamming.

I first learned about this strategy from a product designer in Australia who advised me to reach out to the designer of a company I applied to. While I initially tried LinkedIn Premium’s Inmail function, it didn’t yield great results.

Instead, I found that a more direct approach, such as sending a short and friendly message to the senior product designer or lead, often works best. I made sure to mention something positive about their portfolio and keep the message concise yet attention-grabbing.

My previous manager actually stumbled upon my portfolio through a message I sent, even after almost getting overlooked by a recruiter and missing out on the first phone screening. I can confidently say that this strategy helped me stand out from the crowd during the hiring process and ultimately landed me the job. While cold messaging isn’t always the answer, it can certainly be a useful tactic to consider in certain situations.

👋 Feeling clueless about crafting the perfect cold message? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Click here to check out the step-by-step guidance and the exact message that landed me a full-time job offer!

7. Keep track of your job search with a job hunt tracker

Creating and using a job search table can be a game-changer in your job hunt. Customize your table to fit your needs and track important elements like agency contact, position title, company name, application deadlines, application links, submitted cover letter, follow-up emails, and more. By keeping track of this information, you can quickly apply to positions and experiment with improved strategies for each application and interview.

However, it’s important to remember that simply applying to a large number of companies isn’t the goal. Rather, focus on finding companies with products you’re passionate about designing for, and tailor your approach to each application accordingly. By using a job hunt tracker, you can stay organised, track your progress, and increase your chances of finding a job that’s the perfect fit for you.

👋 Lost in the job hunt maze? Got you covered too. I’ve created a job hunt tracker ($0+ ✨) using Notion that you can easily customize to fit your needs. Check it out and start simplifying your job search today!

☕️ Need some one-on-one guidance?

Get ready to level up your career or personal development with my one-on-one mentoring program. As your personal guide, I’ll help you navigate the ups and downs of your journey towards success.

Check out more details about my mentoring program and reviews from satisfied mentees, here.

• Feeling stuck in your career?
  My tailored coffee chats are designed to support your specific goals and get you where you want to go. Book now (30 mins)
• New to building your website portfolio or need your portfolio review?
  Take my Portfolio A to Z program which covers everything about portfolios. We start with a 30-minute coffee chat to understand your career goals and current situation, followed by two 60-minute chats for a more in-depth review. Book now (150 mins)
  This service is for:
  - Those who are building their website portfolio for the first time or need a personal branding strategy.
  - Those who already have a portfolio but need a review on how to make it more unique.
  - Those who need help target overseas job opportunities by accurately building an international-style portfolio and minimising time wastage.
  * A portfolio is a weapon for overseas job hunting. I will share my practical know-how to help you create an impressive portfolio and become a candidate that companies do not want to miss.

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🙋 Have any questions or inquiries?

Reach out to me at [email protected] or Follow me on IG @hello.vivishin & feel free to DM me