UX (user experience) design is all about controlling how users interact with digital products and services. Most often, this means things like websites and mobile apps, but UX design is used in everything that has a digital interface, including next-generation smart appliances. In 2023, with the rise of ecommerce and increasing demand for online capability, UX designers can expect to focus on building remote collaboration software, personalizing user experiences, simplifying micro-interactions, and moving into the realm of augmented reality.
A recent report from LinkedIn named UX design as one of the top 5 in-demand hard skills. While salaries vary according to years of experience, company, and location, the median salary for UX designers in the U.S. is between $85,000-$100,000, while entry-level UX designers can expect to earn upwards of $75,000. The good news is, you don’t need a specific background to become a UX designer — by learning key UX principles, completing a few projects or short online courses, and building a portfolio, you’ll be well-placed to land a position.
Template 5 of 10: Entry Level UX Designer Resume Example
As an entry-level UX designer, you're starting your journey in creating seamless and intuitive experiences for users. The demand for UX designers has been on the rise, especially with the expansion of mobile and web applications. You'll want your resume to showcase your passion for user-centered design and your ability to think critically about the user experience. Employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of UX principles, and are eager to learn and grow in the field.
When crafting your resume, it's essential to keep in mind that employers in the UX industry are often looking for candidates who can creatively and effectively communicate complex information. Your resume should reflect your ability to do so, both through your content and the layout of the resume itself. Think of your resume as a UX project where the user is the hiring manager— make it visually appealing, easy to navigate, and informative.
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Tips to help you write your Entry Level UX Designer resume in 2024
Highlight relevant projects and skills
As an entry-level candidate, you might not have extensive professional experience, so it's important to highlight your projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of UX design principles. Include the tools and software you used, such as Sketch or Adobe XD, as well as any collaboration experiences with cross-functional team members.
Showcase your design process
Your resume should tell the story of how you approach design challenges, and showcase your problem-solving abilities. Detail the steps you took in a particular project, such as user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, to help potential employers understand your design process and how you prioritize the user experience.
Skills you can include on your Entry Level UX Designer resume
Axure RP
Rapid Prototyping
Usability Testing
Prototyping
Adobe Creative Suite
UX Research
Graphic Design
Adobe Illustrator
Wireframing
Template 6 of 10: Entry Level UX Designer Resume Example
UX (user experience) design is an emerging industry that relies more heavily on demonstrable skills than extensive experience, so entry level UX designers are very much in demand. Highlighting your UX design experience through projects, internships, and formal certifications is key to landing an entry level UX design role.
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Tips to help you write your Entry Level UX Designer resume in 2024
Emphasize UX design internships (or freelance or volunteering experience)
When you don’t have a lot of work experience in the field you’re trying to break into, internships are the perfect way to show your UX design skills in action. List these like you would any work experience, starting each bullet point with an action verb and using numbers and metrics to highlight what you accomplished.
Also see: The Proper Way To Include an Internship on a Resume
University projects relevant to UX design
If you’re applying to an entry level position, use university projects and coursework to your advantage. Recent graduates should lead with your education section and include whatever relevant experience you can. Volunteer work, additional qualifications, and even extracurricular activities can all highlight your relevant skills and work ethic.
Also see: How to List Projects on a Resume
Skills you can include on your Entry Level UX Designer resume
User Interface Design
Prototyping
Design Thinking
Adobe Creative Suite
Interaction Design
Graphic Design
Usability
User Experience (UX)
Web Design
UX Designer Resume Tips
As a hiring manager who has reviewed countless UX designer resumes at top companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon, I've seen firsthand what makes a resume stand out. The following tips will help you create a strong UX designer resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.
Highlight your UX design process
Hiring managers want to see that you have a clear understanding of the UX design process and how you apply it in your work. In your resume, include specific examples of how you:
- Conducted user research and analyzed data to inform design decisions
- Created user personas, user flows, and wireframes to guide the design process
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to iterate on designs based on feedback
- Conducted usability testing to validate design solutions
By providing concrete examples of how you approach the UX design process, you demonstrate your expertise and ability to deliver results.
Showcase your design skills with a portfolio
As a UX designer, your portfolio is just as important as your resume. Make sure to include a link to your portfolio on your resume, and ensure that it showcases your best work. Your portfolio should:
- Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your range of skills
- Provide context for each project, including the problem you were trying to solve and your design process
- Showcase your ability to create user-centered designs that are visually appealing and easy to use
Remember, your portfolio is your chance to show hiring managers what you can do, so make sure it represents your best work.
Tailor your resume to the job description
One of the biggest mistakes I see on UX designer resumes is a lack of tailoring to the specific job description. Hiring managers want to see that you have the skills and experience that match their needs. To tailor your resume:
- Read the job description carefully and identify the key skills and experience they are looking for
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience in your resume, using similar language to the job description
- Provide specific examples of how you have used those skills in your past work
By tailoring your resume to the job description, you show the hiring manager that you are a strong fit for the role and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Use metrics to quantify your impact
Whenever possible, use metrics to quantify the impact of your work. This helps hiring managers understand the value you can bring to their team. For example:
- Increased user engagement by 25% through redesign of mobile app
- Reduced user drop-off rate by 15% by simplifying checkout process
- Conducted usability testing with 50+ users to validate design decisions
By using metrics, you provide concrete evidence of your ability to drive results and make a positive impact on the business.
Highlight your collaboration skills
UX design is a highly collaborative field, and hiring managers want to see that you can work effectively with cross-functional teams. In your resume, highlight your collaboration skills by:
- Providing examples of how you have worked with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to deliver successful projects
- Showcasing your ability to communicate complex design concepts to non-designers
- Demonstrating your ability to give and receive feedback constructively
By highlighting your collaboration skills, you show hiring managers that you can be a valuable member of their team and contribute to the success of the organization.
Show your passion for UX design
Finally, hiring managers want to see that you are passionate about UX design and committed to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices. You can show your passion by:
- Highlighting any relevant coursework, certifications, or training you have completed
- Showcasing any side projects or volunteer work you have done related to UX design
- Including any publications, speaking engagements, or other thought leadership activities you have participated in
By showing your passion for UX design, you demonstrate to hiring managers that you are dedicated to your craft and committed to delivering high-quality work.
