Writing a great resumé can be a pain, but will help you stand out to recruiters and get that job you’ve been eyeing!
Your resumé is the first thing that a potential employer will see when you apply for a UX designer position. So naturally, it is crucial that you create a compelling and well-structured document that efficiently and effectively showcases your skills and experience. Below are some essential tips for creating a resumé that will help you stand out from other UX applicants!
Treat your resumé like a UX project
Cater to your user! Who is going to be reading this? What do they hope to gain from it? How can you make that experience as streamlined and enjoyable as possible for them? Design your resumé so that it helps your user (likely a recruiter) accomplish their goals, just like you’d design a website or product for a user. This is the best way to not only subtly showcase your UX skills but to delight your recruiter and get your resumé on the top of their pile.
Start with a strong headline
I recommend using a headline, rather than an intro/objective paragraph, to introduce yourself and provide a brief glimpse into your personality. Your headline should catch your employer’s attention and be a clear and concise statement that summarises your key skills and experience. For example, “Experienced UX Designer with Expertise in User Research and Prototyping.” Don’t be afraid to add a little fun or humor into it if that’s your style!
Highlight your relevant experience
The experience section of your resume should highlight your relevantexperience as a UX designer. Start by listing your previous job titles, companies, and employment dates. Then, provide details on your responsibilities, accomplishments, and projects. Focus on the most recent and relevant experience and use bullet points to make it easy to read.
This is your chance to clean up your resume — it’s time to nix that barista job in college and focus on your UX skills. If you don’t have any UX positions yet, use the bullet points under each job to highlight the way the skills you picked up there are transferrable to UX, rather than just listing your responsibilities.
Emphasize your UX design skills
The skills section of your resume should highlight your UX design skills. Start by listing the core UX design skills, such as user research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and visual design. Then, provide more details on your proficiency in each of these skills. Highlight any specific tools, methodologies, or software you are proficient in.
Showcase your UX design portfolio
A UX design portfolio is an essential part of a your application and, unlike your resumé, showcases your design process, problem-solving abilities, and UX abilities. So, always include a link to your portfolio in your resume. Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-structured, and showcases your best work.
Keep it concise
Your resumé should be easy to read, and the information should be presented concisely. Avoid using long paragraphs or unnecessary information that doesn’t add value to your application. Keep it to one or two pages maximum. I firmly believe that a solid, well-constructed resumé can be two pages and that’s a hill I’m willing to die on. Don’t pull out relevant experience just to get down to one page.
Tailor your resume to the job
One of the most important tips for creating a resumé is to tailor it to the specific job you are applying for. Use keywords and phrases from the job description to help your resume stand out from other applicants. Ensure that your skills and experience match the requirements of the job.
In conclusion, a well-crafted resume is crucial to securing a UX designer position. Design it for your user, and make sure your headline, experience, skills, portfolio, and overall presentation are tailored to the job you are applying for. Remember to keep it concise, easy to read and emphasize your unique skills and experience and always, always proofread. Good luck!
Check out my ebook How to Become a UX Designer for more tips and information on getting your first UX job!