What Recruiters Look for in a UX Resume (and Portfolio)
The first pass is brutally short. Recruiters check whether your resume parses cleanly, whether your bullets show decision-making and outcomes, and whether your portfolio URL is easy to find. Our Honest ATS Scanner mirrors that pass: it flags parser risks, weak headings, vague verbs, and keyword gaps (Figma, research, testing, accessibility, design systems).
Role-True UX Keywords (Use Them Naturally)
Include the skills the job expects—then tie them to decisions and results:
- Figma, components, Auto Layout, prototyping, design tokens
- User interviews, surveys, JTBD, diary studies, synthesis
- Usability testing, heuristics, accessibility (WCAG), screen reader checks
- User flows, IA, wireframes, content design, UX writing
- Design systems, guidelines, cross-platform parity
- Experiments & A/B tests, funnel analysis, product metrics
Keywords help parsing; outcomes get callbacks. See how to rewrite bullets as outcomes and How WisGrowth Works.
Common UX Resume Mistakes (We’ll Flag Them)
- Pretty but unparseable: multi-column templates, heavy icons, image text.
- Tool lists with no impact: “Figma • Sketch • XD” with zero outcomes.
- Case study links missing or private: no quick access for reviewers.
- Process over result: “did research” with no change in KPIs or decisions.
- No scope: platform, users, markets, or constraints not mentioned.
Outcome-Driven Bullet Examples (Steal These Shapes)
- Redesigned onboarding flow; task success +18 pts, drop-off −12% across iOS/Android.
- Built component library in Figma; sped up delivery −30% across 3 product squads.
- Moderated usability tests (n=12); resolved nav confusion → time-on-task −32%.
- Partnered with PM/Eng; checkout tweaks A/B → conversion +2.5 pts (p<.05).
Lead with impact, then provide the method and tool as the enabler. If numbers are sensitive, use relative deltas or ranges.
Portfolio Tweaks That Lift Replies
- One memorable URL in your resume header; no multiple links.
- Show decision moments: tradeoffs, constraints, why you picked option B.
- Open with an impact snapshot: KPI, user problem, and before/after screens.
- Reduce scrolling: a concise overview page + 2 standout studies is plenty.
- Accessibility proof: small checks (contrast, labels) win quick trust.
ATS & Parsing: Keep the Structure Clean
One column, real text, standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills), and readable fonts. Our scan grades parseability, structure, and keywords, then gives specific edits so you can fix the top blockers in minutes.
7-Day Plan to Lift Your UX Signal
- Run a free scan to baseline ATS and find the top three issues.
- Rewrite three bullets with problem → method → impact (task success, time, tickets, revenue).
- Ship a small case refresh: add one “Decision & Tradeoff” callout to your best study.
- Add an Accessibility checklist to a case—contrast, labels, focus order.
- Refresh LinkedIn headline: “UX Designer • Research → Decisions • task success +18 pts”.
- Apply to three roles in your lane (consumer app, B2B SaaS, or platform) and message two humans.
Breaking Into UX (or Back After a Break)
Coming from support, marketing, teaching, or QA? Translate your work into UX problems: understanding users, reducing friction, clarifying information, increasing completion rates. Build one tight case study, then align your resume with an ATS scan. If you’re unsure of your lane (research-heavy vs. product UI vs. content design), take the Clarity Quiz.
Junior vs. Senior UX: What Changes
Junior: highlight learning velocity, grasp of heuristics, and collaboration with PM/Eng; show one or two strong cases. Senior: emphasize scope (multi-platform, markets), leadership, design system influence, and repeatable decision frameworks.
Keep Going
When your resume and portfolio speak the language of decisions and outcomes, interviews get easier. Improve one bullet, one case section, and one calibrated application each week. Not sure where to focus? Try the 60-sec Career Health Check for three tailored fixes, then read How WisGrowth Works.