Resume and Cover Letter Tips for UX Jobs
Landing a UX job isn’t just about having a great portfolio—your resume and cover letter need to tell the right story, too. Here’s how to craft a strong application that highlights your UX skills, experience, and impact while standing out from the crowd.
UX Resume Tips: How to Make an Impact
1. Keep it short and focused
- Stick to one page if possible (two max if you have extensive experience).
- Prioritise relevant UX experience—leave out unrelated jobs unless they show transferable skills.
- Format it cleanly and make it easy to scan (clear headings, bullet points, consistent font).
2. Use UX keywords to beat ATS filters
Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To get past them, include UX-related keywords from the job description. Examples:
- User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, Interaction Design, Accessibility, Usability Testing, Design Thinking, Information Architecture.
3. Showcase measurable impact
Hiring managers want to see how your work made a difference. Instead of listing tasks, focus on results:❌ "Created wireframes for mobile app."
✅ "Designed wireframes for a mobile app that increased conversions by 25%."
4. Add your portfolio & relevant links
- Include a direct link to your UX portfolio (Behance, Dribbble, personal website). Make sure it works!
- Add LinkedIn (ensure your profile is optimized for UX jobs).
- If applicable, include links to case studies, blog posts, or side projects.
5. Optimize for readability
- Use a professional layout (avoid over-designing your resume).
- Save and submit it as a PDF (to maintain formatting).
- Name the file properly: YourName_UX_Resume.pdf.
UX Cover letter tips: Stand out in a crowded market
Your cover letter is your chance to tell a brief but compelling story about why you're the right fit.
1. Make it personal
- Skip generic intros ("I’m excited to apply…"). Instead, start with something unique.
- Show you researched the company (mention a product or UX challenge they face).
- Address it to a specific person if possible (“Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”).
Example:
- ❌ "I’m excited to apply for this UX role."
- ✅ "When I first used [Company’s Product], I noticed a small UX flaw that could impact user retention. That’s what excites me about this role—I’d love to help improve the experience."
2. Tell a short story
Don’t just repeat your resume—share a real example of how you solved a UX problem:
- ❌ "I have experience in usability testing."
- ✅ "At [Company], I led usability tests that uncovered a major friction point, leading to a 15% drop in user churn."
3. Explain Why you’re a good fit
- Show how your skills align with the role.
- Highlight how you can solve their UX challenges.
- Keep it concise (3-4 short paragraphs, max one page).
4. End with a clear call-to-action
Instead of a generic closing, make it engaging and proactive:
- ❌ "I look forward to your response."
- ✅ "I’d love to discuss how my UX skills can improve [Company’s Product]. Let’s connect!"
Bonus: Tools & templates to make your application stand out
✅Best resume builders for UX Designers:
- Zety – ATS-friendly templates.
- Resume.io – Great for UX/UI-focused layouts.
- Canva – More creative options.
✅Top resume templates:
- Creative Market (affiliate link) – Stylish, designer-friendly templates.
- Etsy – Affordable, customizable resume bundles.
✅Where to apply for UX jobs:
- UX Remote Talent – Curated remote UX/UI jobs.
- Toptal – High-paying freelance UX gigs.
- Upwork – UX/UI freelance jobs for designers worldwide.
