3 to 5 case studies that show your process from discovery to delivery. Each case study should state the problem, your role and contribution, your research and design process, the solution you built, and the outcome or impact. Screenshots of finished screens alone make a gallery. The process is the portfolio.
No. The field has well-established alternative pathways including bootcamps, self-directed learning, and portfolio development. Hiring decisions in UX are almost entirely portfolio-led. A strong portfolio demonstrating process, research capability, and design quality is more persuasive than a degree in most hiring contexts. Degrees in related fields (psychology, HCI, communication design) are valued at some companies, particularly in enterprise and research-heavy roles, but they are not a requirement at most product companies and agencies.
UX (user experience) design focuses on the end-to-end experience of using a product: research, information architecture, user flows, wireframing, and usability. UI (user interface) design focuses on the visual layer: typography, color, components, and the look and feel of the interface. In practice, many roles and practitioners work across both. The important distinction for a CV is being honest about where your strongest skills lie, as some hiring managers care deeply about the separation while others do not.
One page for early-career designers. Two pages for senior designers and design leads with 7 or more years of experience. The CV is a summary that leads to the portfolio; it should not attempt to replicate the portfolio. Keep the experience section concise: one to three bullet points per role, focused on what you owned and what the outcome was.
In some European markets, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, a professional photo is still common on a CV; in many others it is optional. In the UK and US, it is generally omitted. Design is a sector where visual presentation matters, so if you include a photo, ensure it is professionally taken, professionally cropped, and reflects the same level of care as your portfolio.