An Unexpected Opportunity

Navigating the excitement and nerves of a virtual job interview with a promising startup, discussing UX design and the future of vendor management tools. Ready to bring my expertise to the table!

Today, I want to share an exciting experience that recently happened. As many of you know, I use AI tools to document my journey into UX design, and this has once again proven invaluable.

A few days ago, I was approached by a startup called Wreno.io through my profile on UpWork. The company’s founder, Mark, reached out to me with an intriguing offer to discuss a potential role as a fractional UX designer. What made this even more exciting was that Mark wanted to schedule an interview the very same day!

Preparing for the Interview

Knowing the fast-paced nature of startups, I quickly prepared for the interview. Here are some key points I noted down during our conversation:

• Company Stage: Early-stage, venture-backed B2B startup.
• Product: Vendor management tool connecting vendors with apartment management.
• Current Situation: Their current designer is leaving soon, creating an urgent need for a replacement.
• Role Requirements:
• 20 hours per week.
• 10 hours of incremental work driven by user and customer feedback.
• 10 hours of exploratory work to address future problems.
• Ability to work independently and deliver quickly.
• Experience with early-stage companies and translating business problems into design solutions.

Mark shared that they were looking for someone who could hit the ground running, given the urgency of their current designer’s departure. He emphasized the need for quick turnaround times and responsiveness, qualities that I knew I could bring to the table.

Using AI to Organize My Thoughts

After the interview, I turned to my trusty AI assistant to help organize my notes and draft a follow-up email. Here’s how our conversation went and the steps I took:

1. Initial Notes and Impressions:

• I started by detailing the key points of the interview, making sure to capture the urgency and specific requirements of the role. This included the hours needed, the type of work expected, and the importance of a seamless transition.

1. Crafting the Follow-Up Email:

• I discussed with my AI assistant the best way to convey my fit for the role. We decided to highlight my efficiency and experience with early-stage companies. The AI helped me structure the email, ensuring it was concise yet comprehensive.

Subject: Follow-Up on Our Interview

Hi Mark,

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview with Wreno.io. I enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the exciting work your team is doing.

I wanted to highlight that I deliver design solutions efficiently and effectively, which is crucial in a fast-paced startup environment. My experience working with early-stage companies and translating business problems into effective design solutions aligns well with the needs of Wreno.io.

You can read more details about my process by visiting my portfolio item for the Community feature on 1st90: 1st90 Community Feature.

I believe my skills and approach would be a great fit for your team, especially in ensuring a smooth transition with the outgoing designer. I am eager to contribute to the success of your projects and help address both immediate and future design challenges.

Please let me know if you need any further information or if there are additional steps to proceed.

Looking forward to the possibility of working together.

Best regards,

Brady Starr

Reflecting on the Outcome

After waiting all weekend, fairly confident that I would receive an offer, I received the following message from Mark today:

Mark Barton 2:30 PM

Brady,

After careful consideration, we have decided to move forward with another candidate for the fractional designer opening. However, we were very impressed with your work and would like to keep you top of mind for any future opportunities that may arise.

We sincerely appreciate your interest in collaborating with us and the professionalism you demonstrated throughout the process.

Mark

Brady Starr 2:37 PM

Hi Mark,

Thank you for informing me about your decision. While I’m disappointed not to join your team this time, I genuinely appreciate the positive feedback and the consideration of my work.

I would be glad to stay connected and remain in your thoughts for future roles that align with my skills and experience. Additionally, as your team scales its design operations, I invite you to explore how my agency, Brady UX, can support your needs. You can learn more about our services and portfolio here: Brady UX Upwork Profile.

Please feel free to reach out if anything suitable comes up.

Thanks again for the professional and thoughtful communication throughout the process.

Best regards,

Brady Starr

Renewed Sense of Hope

While I am undoubtedly disappointed by the outcome, I find a renewed sense of hope and determination. The positive feedback from Mark and the recognition of my work have only strengthened my resolve to keep pushing forward. I am confident that the next big opportunity is just around the corner.

This experience reinforced a few key lessons for me:

1. Always Be Prepared: Opportunities can arise unexpectedly. Keeping your portfolio updated and being ready to showcase your skills at a moment’s notice is crucial.
2. Leverage Technology: Using AI to organize my thoughts and draft professional communications saved me valuable time and ensured I responded quickly and effectively.
3. Embrace Change: Working with early-stage startups can be fast-paced and unpredictable, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It pushes you to be agile and innovative.

I’m excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to sharing more of my journey with you all. Stay tuned for more updates, and remember, the next big fish is always out there waiting!

Thank you for reading, and as always, feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Best,

Brady Starr