UX Designer Resume Examples with No Experience

UX Designer No Experience Resume Overview

While the pandemic has impacted many other industries, the tech industry is still booming. As people look for new ways to work, communicate and share their lives with others, employees with the skills required to build and implement new technologies have thrived. If you have the skills to make digital products and services accessible and enjoyable to use, you could have a bright future as a UX designer.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics offers an amazing outlook for web developers and digital designers—a category that includes UX designers. The median salary for this group of roles reached nearly $80,000 in 2021, and the rate of job growth hit over 20%—much higher than the average growth rate for other industries.

Of course, the promising state of UX design means that everyone wants to get involved! Despite the field’s impressive job growth, you could find that the hiring process—particularly at larger firms with higher-profile names—is intensely competitive. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to constructing a resume for your first job in UX design.

We’ve written up example resume segments, advice on what to do (and on what to avoid!), and suggestions for how to make your resume even stronger. Read on, and you’ll be building your first resume in no time!

What is UX Design?

UX designers (short for user experience designers) work across every facet of a digital product to create a seamless experience for end users. They are involved with the look, the design, the usability, and even the branding of the eventual digital product. This involves a certain amount of research into user needs and expectations, as well as competition within the client’s field, to ensure that the product is as carefully targeted as possible.

A good UX designer should understand the principles of visual communication and design, as well as user psychology and marketing. They’ll need to be able to construct prototypes of their final product, carry out in-depth customer and market research, and collaborate closely with colleagues and clients alike. They’ll also have some involvement in testing and iteration as their final product develops.

Obviously these roles require a highly specific set of skills! But they don’t always require a relevant degree. While many companies prefer that their employees have a bachelor-level qualification of some kind, they’re much more likely to focus on skills and experience when hiring UX designers.

How to Write a UX Designer Resume with No Experience

If you want to work in UX design, but you don’t have any past experience, your resume needs to cover two very important bases. The first is that you have the qualifications required for the role you want. The second is that you have all the skills you will need to succeed in the role.

Of course, writing a resume when you don’t have much relevant work experience can be intimidating. But in many tech roles—UX design roles included—your professional experience may actually be less important than your skills. Companies like Google and Meta have stated in the past that they are more interested in your ability to do the work than in your work history—and they’re some of the biggest names in the industry!

In general, this means you should make sure that your skills and qualifications are at the heart of your resume. But remember that there are other ways to acquire experience than getting a job. In a field like UX design, developing and building your own personal projects can count as relevant experience. It shows that you’re able to execute a project from beginning to end, and that you can take the initiative to produce something of your own.

As a rule, a UX design resume written by someone with limited work experience should contain the following:

• A summary
• Your education
• Any experience you have, including any personal projects you’ve worked on

Your skills, including any certifications or licenses you have

The Best Format for a UX Designer Resume

Your format dictates what hiring managers will notice first when they look at your resume. When choosing your professionally-designed UX design resume template from our selection, keep that in mind, and think about what your potential employer needs to see from you. UX design, as a field, is driven by your skills—like the coding languages and software packages you know how to use. As such, you may wish to consider a format that leads with your skills.

This is particularly true for people with limited work experience in the field, since the section detailing your experience may not be the strongest. Later in your career, once you’ve worked more extensively in UX design, you may benefit from choosing a format that balances your skills with your past work experience.

You should also remember that many hiring managers use an applicant tracking system (or ATS) to sort through the resumes they receive for each position. This helps companies streamline the hiring process—but it means that if your resume doesn’t get past the ATS software, it may never be seen by a real person. The software looks for specific keywords based on the job description, so if you don’t keep that in mind, you run the risk of losing the role before the hiring process has even begun.

ATS software may also be confused by overly-intricate resume formats. Thankfully, all of VisualCV’s resume templates are built to beat ATS software. When you use one of our templates, you can be confident that your resume’s layout won’t confuse the software and undermine your chances of success.

3 UX Design Resume Examples

Your summary is usually what opens your resume, and it’s one of the first things a recruiter will see about you. It’s a short and concise summation of your strongest qualities. It should reflect the requirements set out in the job description, too—which means you can’t get away with using the same summary for every job application!

If you don’t have much work experience, your summary should focus on your skills and your educational achievements. Later in your career, you can refocus your summary on your past experience—and, of course, the skills and qualities that experience proves that you have. 3 summary examples:

• Aspiring UX designer with a BEng in Marketing from University College, London. Skilled in visual communication, wireframing and prototyping. Looking to take the first step into a career in software design.
• UX designer with a 3.8 GPA from Stanford University. Professional, dynamic, and driven to achieve the highest standards. Deep understanding of design theory combined with in-depth programming knowledge.
• Newly-graduated UX designer with a 3.7 GPA. Extensive personal experience in designing and building mobile and web-based apps. Proficient in Python, HTML/CSS, Kotlin and JavaScript.

How Not to Write a UX Designer Resume Summary

Your summary needs to be clear and direct, with a focus on what you have to offer in the role you want. It should show a recruiter at a glance why you meet the requirements for the job. Don’t get too wordy or too personal—if you want to tell the story of why you want the job, you can do it in your cover letter.

You should also keep in mind that some recruiters disagree that you need to have a summary on your resume. If you’re having a hard time nailing this section, it’s okay to leave it out.

Do You Need a Resume Objective?

For non-entry-level positions, you won’t usually need a resume objective. But if you don’t have much work experience, you should consider including an objective to accompany your summary.

Not sure what the difference is? As we’ve discussed, a summary is a brief description of the qualities and skills that make you the right choice for the job you want. An objective is an even briefer statement about your career goals, like the industry or type of role you want to work in.

UX Designer Resume No Experience Objective Example:

• UX designer with a BEng in Computing, seeking to build a new career in mobile app design.

How to Describe Your Experience on Your UX Designer Resume

If you don’t have much past work experience, this section of your resume might feel daunting. But remember, experience doesn’t always come from paid work! If you’ve ever volunteered, interned, or worked on digital design projects in your own time, you may have acquired some relevant experience for a UX designer job.

You can and should include any non-work experience on your resume, provided it’s relevant to the job. If in doubt, double-check the job description. Does your experience prove that you have any of the skills or qualities the role requires?

Describe Your Experience Effectively

When writing about your experience, make sure you write about it in a way that reflects the work you put into getting it. Write about what you accomplished while carrying out each task. Wherever possible, think about the results you got, and make sure you point them out.

This is because recruiters will be looking for hard facts about your past successes. If you can show evidence that your work got results in the past, recruiters will be more ready to believe that you can get those results again. UX Designer Resume Experience Example: Volunteer Web Designer, Rainbow Grove Daycare | 2020

• Liaised with the client to identify their needs; carried out research of competitor websites to further establish the requirements of the project
• Applied knowledge of visual communication and branding to design a website that met the brief, targeted specifically to the client’s user base
• Produced a functional and well-branded website using HTML/CSS, within the deadline established by the client

How Not to Describe Your Experience

It’s the single biggest red flag when describing your experience on your resume: don’t just write a list of the tasks you performed! The point is to show hiring managers that you were able to do those things well. If you just give them a list of your responsibilities, they won’t learn anything new about you as a candidate.

How to List Skills on Your UX Designer Resume

Usually, when you’re listing your skills on your resume, the job description for the role you want will act as a useful guide. It will typically contain a list of the skills you’ll need to demonstrate. But it’s worth remembering that there are some skills that recruiters will expect you to have by default – and they may not be listed as part of the job posting.

For general information about skills on your resume, check out our resume skills guide here!

Top UX Designer Resume Skills in Demand

Hard Skills for UX Design	Soft Skills for UX Design
Information architecture	Communication
Wireframing	Creativity
Prototyping	Collaboration
Visual communication	Time management
Research	Organization
Coding skills	Willingness to learn
General computing skills	Leadership
Graphic design skills	Training and coaching skills

Professional Certifications in UX Design

The right certification can help your resume stand out. Certifications show hiring managers that you take your work seriously, and that you’re willing to put in extra effort to give your career a boost. They also act as proof of your skills, so if you don’t have much experience, they can give you a real edge.

Here are some of the most common computer science certifications!

Google UX Design Certificate

Google is one of the biggest names in tech, and they offer a wide range of relevant certificates and courses to help you refine your industry-critical skills. This course is highly affordable with a Coursera subscription, while still offering a recognized certificate from an industry leader. Plus, it’s geared toward total beginners, so you can get involved even with limited UX design experience!

CareerFoundry UX Design Program

This is a longer, more involved program, with a higher price tag to match. Still, it’s a course that will take you from absolute beginner to UX design expert, with the help of recognized experts and 1:1 tuition. You’ll come out of this course with a portfolio, plenty of experience, and all the tools you need to find work as a UX designer.

Springboard UX Career Track

If you’re hoping to make a career change into the world of UX design, this course could be the one for you! It’s pitched at career changers with some level of past design experience, so you can make the most of what you already know. Again, this course is more expensive—but it comes with a guarantee that you’ll find work within six months of graduating, or get your money back.

The Most Important Soft Skills for Your UX Designer Resume

Obviously, hard skills are vital in computer science – but hiring managers are likely to be interested in your soft skills, too. These skills will give you an advantage in every aspect of your working life. And if you don’t have much work experience, soft skills offer further proof that you’re equipped to take on the role you want.

Here are some of the most important soft skills to include on your computer science resume!

Communication

Can you explain complex information in a way that people can understand? If so, you have a vital skill that will set you up for success in UX design. Whether you’re talking to clients or colleagues, you’ll need to distill complicated concepts into accessible explanations—strong communication skills will give you the edge you need.

Creativity

Tech isn’t just about hard numbers and code! In design-focused roles like yours, you’ll need to be able to think outside the box in order to produce your very best work. Plus, a little creativity can give you a big advantage when it comes to solving problems on the job.

Collaboration

UX design needs to be a collaboration between designer and client—as well as the client’s audience, who will be the primary users of whatever you make. And remember, you’ll also need to work closely with your colleagues to bring your product to life! To succeed as a UX designer, you’ll need to be able to work effectively with others—it’s a non-negotiable part of the role.

UX Designer Salaries

UX design is a booming field, and salaries tend to skew high. But how much can you actually expect to make in a UX designer role?

Obviously, your salary will vary depending on your experience level, the exact role you work in, and the amount of time you’ve worked in that role. Indeed reports salaries averaging $86,000 for UX designers with 1-2 years of experience—rising to over $100,000 for employees with 3-5 years behind them. So while you may have to take a lower salary early in your career, you can expect to be rewarded as you build experience and recognition in your field!

What should I include in my objective statement on a UX designer resume with no experience?

Your objective statement should focus on your passion for UX design and your eagerness to apply your skills in a professional setting. For example: "Enthusiastic and creative aspiring UX Designer with a strong foundation in user-centered design principles, seeking to leverage my design thinking skills and passion for improving user experiences at [Company Name]. Committed to creating intuitive and engaging user interfaces."

How can I highlight relevant skills on a UX designer resume if I have no direct experience?

If you lack direct experience, emphasize your technical skills in design software such as Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch, or other tools. Highlight any projects, whether academic, personal, or freelance, where you applied UX principles. Focus on your understanding of user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. Additionally, showcase your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and attention to detail.

Should I include volunteer work on my UX designer resume?

Yes, volunteer work can be valuable, especially if it involved designing websites, apps, or other user interfaces for non-profits or community projects. Volunteer experiences that demonstrate your ability to work on design projects, collaborate with teams, or conduct user research can strengthen your resume.

How can I demonstrate my knowledge of UX design on my resume?

To demonstrate your UX design knowledge, include details about any coursework, certifications, or bootcamps you’ve completed in UX design, human-computer interaction, or related fields. Highlight any personal projects where you applied UX principles, detailing your process from research to final design. Mention any UX-related events, webinars, or workshops you’ve attended as well.

What should I include in the education section of my UX designer resume?

Include your highest level of education, such as a Bachelor’s degree, and mention any specialized courses or certifications related to UX design, such as courses in human-computer interaction, design thinking, or digital media. If you’ve completed any relevant bootcamps or online courses, be sure to list those as well.

Can I include non-design work experience on my UX designer resume?

Absolutely. Non-design work experience can be valuable, especially if it demonstrates transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, project management, or an understanding of user needs. For example, experience in customer service, marketing, or any role that involved working with technology or user interfaces can be relevant to a UX design career.

How do I format a UX designer resume with no experience?

Use a clean, professional format with sections for your objective, skills, education, and experience. Start with a strong objective statement that emphasizes your enthusiasm for UX design. Then, list your skills and any relevant experience, including personal projects, internships, or volunteer work. Consider including a portfolio link in your resume to showcase your design work.

How important is a cover letter when applying for a UX designer position with no experience?

A cover letter is very important as it allows you to express your passion for UX design and explain why you’re a great fit for the role, even without direct experience. Use the cover letter to highlight your design skills, relevant projects, and your commitment to creating user-centered designs. Tailor your cover letter to the specific company and role to make a strong impression.

How can I make my UX designer resume stand out with no experience?

To make your resume stand out, focus on your design skills, any UX-related projects, and your ability to think creatively about user needs. Highlight your technical proficiency with design tools, your understanding of user research methods, and your commitment to continuous learning in the field of UX design. Including a portfolio link with your resume can also help you stand out by providing tangible examples of your work.

Final Thoughts

For an aspiring UX designer, it’s less about your experience than it is about your skills. If you can prove that you understand all the different elements of UX design, you won’t need a long and illustrious resume to stand a chance of finding work. In fact, with UX designers in higher demand than ever, there’s never been a better time to break into this incredible field—so what are you waiting for?

As always, VisualCV has your back from the beginning to the end of your application process. With a VisualCV Pro membership, you can customize every aspect of your resume and show the best version of yourself to recruiters. It’s a great way to give yourself the head start you deserve on your way to your career goals.