Identifying Relevant Projects

1. Select Projects Aligned with Your Target Companies

Aim to choose projects that resonate with the industry you wish to enter. Applying methodologies similar to those used by your desired employers can be incredibly beneficial.

My initial design project was part of the Google UX Design Certificate program, where I had limited flexibility. However, I learned the importance of narrowing my focus early on. Initially, I took on various projects without much thought, which later proved to be a less strategic choice.

Interestingly, when I began job hunting, I noticed that only companies aligned with the projects in my portfolio reached out for interviews. While it may seem obvious now, I believed that having a diverse range of projects would be more appealing. If your goal is freelancing, consider starting with a niche and expanding later, as I found that specializing can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Aesthetic Appeal is Crucial

2. Prioritize Visual Appeal

I’ve previously noted the significance of aesthetics, but let’s examine this further. When I crafted my first portfolio, I consumed a plethora of resources, from YouTube tutorials to various portfolio examples.

I admired portfolios of established designers, assuming that their formats were ideal templates to emulate. However, it’s vital to recognize that a senior designer may not need to perfect their portfolio as a junior designer would.

For a junior UX designer like me, lacking notable titles, a minimalist approach didn't serve well. Instead, I needed to invest more effort to demonstrate my capabilities quickly.

Imagine a recruiter perusing your portfolio; they should feel relieved and excited to have found someone who fits their needs.

Monitoring Portfolio Performance

3. Track Your Portfolio Engagement

By monitoring my portfolio, I discovered that while companies were viewing my work, many chose not to follow up, likely due to a mismatch in niches. Tools like Google Analytics can provide insights into which projects attract attention and how long viewers engage with them.

Tracking engagement allows for informed adjustments to your portfolio. Feedback mechanisms can also enhance usability insights, showcasing your commitment to research and improvement.

Previewing Your Work

4. Provide Context for Your Projects

Before recruiters dive into a project, offer a brief overview. Avoid simply labeling projects with their titles unless they are widely recognized. Instead, give a snapshot of what they can expect to find, utilizing keywords commonly found in job descriptions.

Recognizing Your Position

5. Acknowledge Your Current Standing

To wrap up, it’s essential to stop emulating the portfolios of well-known designers. Many of them don’t even need portfolios due to their established reputations. Instead, focus on the recent success stories of individuals who have secured roles at the companies you aspire to work for.

Incorporating Valuable Insights from YouTube

This video outlines five critical mistakes that can jeopardize your UI/UX portfolio.

In this video, discover five design portfolio blunders that could hinder your chances of landing your dream job.