Summary of "If I wanted to land my first UX job in 2026, I'd do this."
Landing Your First UX Design Job in 2026: A Modern Approach
The video presents a fresh strategy for securing a first UX design role in 2026, highlighting that traditional methods like polishing portfolios or resumes alone are no longer enough. Instead, standing out requires demonstrating tangible results through what the speaker calls the “proof stack strategy.”
The Proof Stack Strategy
This strategy consists of three essential types of proof:
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Proof of Skill Demonstrate hard design skills such as proficiency in Figma, UI design, and visual composition.
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Proof of Thinking Clearly explain design decisions, showing the rationale behind choices and how research or user feedback influenced the work.
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Proof of Adaptability Reflect on what went well, what didn’t, lessons learned, and how you would improve next time.
The Challenge: Fierce Competition
- Competition is intense and includes not only entry-level designers but also those with several years of experience.
- Recruiters often overlook traditional portfolios due to limited time spent reviewing them.
Recommended Approach: Loom Video Walkthrough
The speaker suggests creating a Loom video walkthrough of a single project that:
- Communicates all three proofs effectively.
- Showcases personality and communication skills.
- Can be shared on LinkedIn, portfolios, or social media to increase discoverability and build trust.
Maintaining Visibility: The Visibility Loop
To stay visible without burning out, the speaker advises adopting a visibility loop system:
- Post consistently but meaningfully, focusing on quality over quantity.
- Each piece of content should generate:
- Signal: Sending out your work.
- Discovery: Engagement from others.
- Trust: Building belief in your abilities.
- Opportunity: Job offers or freelance gigs.
This loop builds momentum over time, leading to organic opportunities rather than chasing them.
Optimizing Opportunities: Treat Them as Funnels
When opportunities arise (interviews or freelance gigs), candidates should optimize each stage:
- If recruiters request portfolios but don’t progress candidates, it signals the need to improve the portfolio.
- If candidates reach interviews but don’t get offers, focus on presentation and interview skills.
About the Speaker
The speaker draws from nine years of experience working at startups and companies such as:
- Deliveroo
- Monzo Bank
- Coinbase
- Expedia
They also mention an upcoming self-paced course launching in February 2026, which will cover:
- Portfolio walkthroughs
- Interview preparation
- Strategies to convert interviews into job offers
Speakers in the Video
- Main Speaker/Presenter: The UX designer sharing advice and personal experience
