UX Portfolio Improvement

I wrote my first resume with AI... It landed me 0 interviews. Then I rewrote it using this template and I landed 5 interviews every month! The problem with AI written resumes is that everyone is doing them. So while the resume sounds great, it actually blends in with everyone else's. Here are the 5 best ways I've found to stand out: 1️⃣ TARGET TITLE Write the title of the job you're applying to (use their exact verbiage) at the top of your resume. 💡This let's the recruiter know, "hey, I made this resume just for you." 2️⃣ RESUME SUMMARY Everyone writes a boring paragraph here. Instead, I went with a short, punchy sentence and constantly got compliments from recruiters on it. 💡Here's the formula I recommend: Target title + skill #1 + skill #2 + impressive accomplishment + fun fact 3️⃣ HIGHLIGHTED SKILLS This was a game changer. Use a "combinational" resume format where you create a highlighted skills section at the top. 💡Use the skills that are most relevant to the job here (this also makes tailoring your resume super fast) 4️⃣ COMPANY DESCRIPTIONS I learned this one directly from a recruiter. Recruiters hate having to look up what each company does to see if its relevant. 💡Make it easy on them. Add a RELEVANT description below each company. 5️⃣ BALANCED BULLET POINTS Keep your resume concise! There are a few ways to do this. Here are two options: 💡4-3-1 rule (best for entry level) ↳ 4 bullet points per job ↳ 3 jobs per resume ↳ 1 line per bullet point 💡4-4-2 rule (for 15+ years experience) ↳ 4 bullet points per job ↳ 4 jobs per resume ↳ 2 lines per bullet point Doing these changes landed me 3x more interviews than any AI "hack" I've come across. Remember, in this market it's not about being the "best" it's about standing out from the rest. You're already qualified, you just need someone to see it! __________ P.S. If you like this "combinational resume" template I'm happy to share it just give my profile a follow and I'll share the template as soon as it's ready. _ #resume #hiring

I've been writing resumes for over 15 years. A long time. After all these years, there is still one widespread mistake I see in these files that is easy to fix: Heavy emphasis on day-to-day tasks with minimal results. If you want your resume to stand out and be noticed, it must share value. Value is best demonstrated through results. Fill your resume with specifics, metrics, and personal initiatives, and aim to create results-rich resume statements like the samples below. Examples of helping a business do things faster, better, or smarter: 🔹 Lowered customer complaints 60% by launching a formal feedback system. 🔹 Improved product delivery time 23% after assigning clarified monthly job tasks to the entire team. Examples of making money, saving money, or increasing efficiency: 🔹 Grew revenue 44% and improved gross margin 25% in 1 year by standardizing business operating procedures. 🔹 Produced $2.5M in cost savings after renegotiating all supply and service contracts. Examples of personal success: 🔹 Built sustainable technical sales organizations from the ground up within 3 global organizations. 🔹 Generated over $4M in new revenue after identifying, pursuing, and securing 2 new international client contracts. The above statements can be further detailed for more significant impact with added context, but hopefully, you get the idea: * Focus heavily on results, not tasks. * Share metrics and measurements. * Be specific, not vague. * Focus on details unique to you that align with the target audience's requirements. If you don't think you have any results, check out the comments for a link to a free guide to help you better identify and track your achievements. Every person has done something well in their work, and these things can be measured more often than not. The key is to start identifying them and writing them down!

If I had to build my portfolio from scratch today, I’d do it very differently than my first one. The goal wouldn’t be “show everything I made” it would be show how I think, and why it worked. 1️⃣ I’d build it with Base44 AI-powered way to spin up a clean, responsive portfolio that doesn’t use the same template as everyone else And it gives you a structure so it forces you to think about the narrative over the layout Most designers spend 80% of their time fighting with portfolio layouts. Base44 flips that, it handles the structure so you can invest in the thinking, not the plumbing. 2️⃣ Your portfolio is not a UI slideshow It should feel like a narrative with stakes, not a project scrapbook. The structure I’d use: Problem → Why it mattered → What I did → Why it worked. When someone scrolls your case study, they should understand: The context The tension Your decision-making logic The outcome 3️⃣ “Improved the experience” is a sentence anyone can write. Show the change. Metrics I’d focus on: 7 clicks → 4 30s faster onboarding (better guidance) less drop-off on step 2 (stronger UX pattern) These numbers tell a human story, someone’s workflow got easier, faster, clearer. You didn’t just design screens, you solved a problem. 4️⃣ A case study is not a journal entry. You don’t need: 15 photos of sticky notes Every wireframe variation Step-by-step screenshots of the UI changing Instead, highlight the why moments: The decision that shifted the direction The insight that unlocked the solution The trade-off you made and why This is what interviewers will ask about. Make it clear right there in the story. 5️⃣ If your portfolio isn’t usable, it undercuts your message. I’d build it like any product: Test the navigation Pay attention to what people click Look for drop-offs Iterate in public A portfolio that proves your UX thinking is stronger than one that only shows your UI skills. Portfolios aren’t about being “visually impressive.” They’re about being strategically interesting. When someone finishes reading, they shouldn’t be thinking: “Nice UI.” They should be thinking: “I understand how they think.”

Plenty of portfolios are good. A few really stand out. Most just don’t leave a lasting impression. They blur together. Not because the work isn’t good, but because it doesn’t tell a story. Same structure. Same tone. Same safe ideas. No clear point of view. No story. Just a list of projects trying to tick boxes. Your portfolio shouldn’t just show what you’ve done. It should show what you believe, how you think and where you’re going. Building a standout portfolio is hard work. You’ve already started. Now shape it with intent. Start with a strong structure for each project. Set the scene, the challenge and how did your idea solve it? Make it clear, fast. Nail the idea in a single, strong image or slide. Draw people in. What makes it original? Lead with that. Show it holds up. Prove the idea works in gnarly situations, not just the best-case one. Show it flex. Demonstrate how the idea works in new or unexpected contexts. Make it matter. Why does this connect with the people it’s for? Show what’s next. Could it grow? Evolve? Where could it go? Keep it tight. Cut anything that doesn’t help. Less, but better. Name it well. A strong name for ideas gives character and makes it sticky. Be honest. Lead with work you believe in. End with something clear. Finish each project with a simple insight. Why it mattered. What changed. What you learned. Each project tells its own story. Now connect them. Your portfolio should guide people through your work clearly and intentionally. Use everyday language. Not design terms. Would someone outside your industry understand it? Don’t just show final results. Show how you got there. Let people see your process, your thinking and your contribution. If the work made an impact, show that too. Be clear about collaboration. What was your role? What did you bring? Get the basics right. Make sure your site is fast, easy to navigate and works well on mobile. No broken links. No confusing formats. No distractions from the work. If time’s been tight, prioritise what matters most. Create the kind of work you want to be hired for. Work that shows your intent, not just your output. If you haven’t made the kind of work you love yet, start now. Don’t wait for permission. Make it yourself. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. Remember, your portfolio is a work in progress. Keep refining it as you grow. Look at what others are doing. Spot what works and what fades into the background. Learn from both. Then find your own approach. What would make someone choose you? Be honest about what you’re showing and proud of what you choose to share. That’s your real brief. 🤝

Most data portfolios don’t get you hired and here’s why. They don’t reflect thinking.
They just show tools. Too many aspiring analysts or even data enthusiasts are focused on datasets and dashboards, not decisions.
And that’s the problem. You see, a portfolio that simply says: “Here’s a sales dashboard I built with a bar chart and a pie chart” …isn’t a project. It’s a template with a title. In the real world, businesses aren’t impressed by decoration.
They care about depth. Clarity. Outcomes. 📍Let me walk you through what a standout portfolio actually does differently: 1. It Starts With a Real Business Problem Not just: “Here’s some customer data.”
Instead: “This project investigates why 32% of customers churn after 60 days and explores what can be done to reduce that.” Great portfolios begin with intent. They explore meaningful problems, the kind hiring managers care about. 2. It Asks the Right Business Questions Before any analysis starts, you need to ask:
→ Where are we losing money?
→ Which customers are driving the most value?
→ What product lines are underperforming and why? These questions create focus. They guide your insights. And they show that you’re not just technical, you’re strategic. 3. It Doesn’t Just Describe, It Recommends Saying “Revenue declined in Q3” is a report.
Saying “Revenue declined due to customer churn in the Lagos region — here are three ways to reverse it”?
That’s analysis. That’s business impact. Always connect your findings to decisions. 4. It Tells a Story - Not Just a Summary Dashboards should inform. But more than that, they should tell a story. → What was the problem?
→ What did you find?
→ What should the business do next? This is how analysts stand out, not with “cool” charts, but with clear thinking and compelling narratives. 5. It Shows Depth, Not Just Volume You don’t need 10 surface-level projects.
You need 1 or 2 strong case studies that showcase: ✅ Business alignment
✅ Analytical thinking
✅ Strategic recommendations
✅ Communication clarity 
A portfolio is not a tool showcase.
It’s a thinking showcase. It’s not just about proving you can use SQL or Power BI.
It’s about showing how you apply those tools to solve real problems. So before you download your next dataset, pause and ask. → What business scenario could this represent?
→ What questions are worth answering?
→ What action should a decision-maker take based on this? If you start there, you won’t just end up with a nice looking project, you’ll end up with one that actually gets you noticed. 📍Great data projects don’t fail because of tools. They fail because they solve nothing. Let’s change that. 📍Need a Portfolio or Résumé Review? DM me “PORTFOLIO” or “RÉSUMÉ” — I’m reviewing a few this week. ⚡️The first 5 people get mentorship access at a discounted rate. Let’s turn that dashboard and CV into a case study that actually gets you hired. ♻️ Repost to educate your network

How I plan my content week without overthinking Most people pick content ideas randomly. I used to too. But I noticed something: when your content has no direction, people don’t remember it. So I started thinking in themes, not topics. Themes give your content identity. Here’s what I do now: First, I decide the energy of the week. Do I want people to feel clearer? Smarter? More confident? More aware? Every post carries that feeling - and it makes the week feel cohesive. Next, I pick just two core ideas I want to repeat. Not ten topics. Not a dozen angles. Just two ideas I want people to remember by Friday. Then I decide the angle, not the content. Will I tell a story? Share a framework? Bust a myth? This keeps things fresh, but still consistent. Finally, I ask myself the golden question: “Would someone understand my brand if they read only ONE post this week?” If yes - I’m done. Strong themes make you look consistent, even when your posts are different. They give your audience something to hold on to. Something to remember. Here’s the truth: posting without a theme is noise. Posting with a theme is identity. So tell me - what’s your theme for the next seven days? Plan it. Post it. Own it.

Creating a portfolio is hard. Showing your uniqueness is even harder. Hear me out. Imagine this: You've spent countless hours perfecting your portfolio, selecting your best projects, and polishing every pixel. Yet, when hiring managers review it, your application blends in with dozens of others. Your unique personality, problem-solving skills, and work ethic remain hidden behind a wall of sleek designs and brief descriptions. As a result, you miss out on opportunities where you could have been the perfect fit, because your portfolio fails to tell your whole story. That was my situation back when I worked on my first portfolio, too. It doesn't have to be that way. Here's how you can transform your portfolio into a powerful narrative that showcases your true value: 1. Use case studies, not just galleries 2. Craft your case studies like engaging stories 3. Write authentically, as if you're speaking to the reader 4. Highlight your design process, not just the end results 5. Include success metrics to demonstrate impact 6. Be honest about struggles and how you overcame them 7. Showcase side projects that reflect your passions 8. Feature testimonials and references to build credibility By implementing these strategies, you'll create a portfolio that goes beyond surface-level aesthetics. You'll give hiring managers and potential colleagues a chance to understand your thought process, problem-solving skills, and unique approach to design. Remember, most designers are hired by other designers. By sharing your true story, you allow them to relate to your journey, struggles, and successes. This personal connection can make all the difference in landing your dream job or project. P.S. Always maintain professional relationships! You never know when a past connection might lead to a future opportunity. P.P.S. If you found this tip helpful, don't forget to share it with others in the design community!

If I had to start my UX job search from scratch today… (experienced IC edition) Here’s exactly how I’d do it to land a role aligned with where I want to go (not just where I’ve been): (Save this ♻️ if you’re in the middle of a search) 1. I’d start by identifying my “career direction anchor” → Not the job title I can get. → The one I want next (and why I’m uniquely suited for it.) • A strength that sets me apart (e.g. systems thinking in complex tools) • A pattern in my wins (e.g. turning chaos into clarity) • A direction I can grow into (e.g. Principal IC, not UX Manager) This clarity keeps you from saying yes to the wrong roles out of panic. 2. I’d create a 1-pager that proves alignment. No fluff. Just evidence of how I solve the right problems. • A crisp “what I do best” section • 2-3 examples that back it up (+ optional) a career case study aligned with the type of role I want next It's not about showing everything, but about showing the right thing. 3. I’d build a simple content strategy to stay top of mind. Once a week on LinkedIn: • A post about how I approach real UX challenges • A story about something I learned the hard way • A breakdown of a strategy that helped a team move faster, smarter, or better This makes people remember me (so when an opportunity comes up, I’m on their list.) 4. I’d write my resume for one role only. Not a “catch-all.” A laser-targeted asset. Each bullet answers: How did this create value for the business or team? (that’s how resumes get read past line 1.) 5. I’d prep 5 crisp stories that show who I am in action. Every interview is just this: → "Can you solve our kind of problems?" → "Will we want to work with you?" Your job is to answer both, BEFORE they ask. 6. I’d share quick value in every recruiter screen. e.g. “Here’s how I helped speed up decision-making across 4 squads last year.” Make them want to put you in front of the hiring manager now. 7. I’d build a “value vault” for interviews. • 2-3 frameworks I lean on • A team ritual I introduced • A sticky insight I uncovered Bring real substance, and don’t wait to be asked. P.S. Let me know if you want a list of things I would do if I were looking for my first UX leadership role today…

Don't make these mistakes with your portfolio. 11 fixes that get you hired - or promoted: Your portfolio isn't just a gallery of work. It's how people experience you before they ever meet you. Or how you remind decision makers about the great work you've done. Messy portfolios don't just look bad - They make you look less trustworthy, less organized, less ready. That's why the best portfolios follow simple rules - Clean, structured, and easy to navigate. Here are 11 portfolio mistakes to avoid - And what to do instead: ❌ Avoid: Cluttered or missing intro ❔ Why: People can't anchor who you are ✅ Instead: Add a clean header with your name, a photo, and your story ❌ Avoid: Weak visuals or plain text links ❔ Why: Makes your work look smaller than it is ✅ Instead: Drop in thumbnails or screenshots as gallery cards ❌ Avoid: Hard-to-navigate pages ❔ Why: If they can't find it, they won't see it ✅ Instead: Use a simple page layout: About, Skills, Work, Contact ❌ Avoid: Inconsistent design and layout ❔ Why: Distracts from the work itself ✅ Instead: Stick to one font and one grid ❌ Avoid: Outdated work upfront ❔ Why: First impression is "stale" ✅ Instead: Sort projects by "most recent" ❌ Avoid: Skills buried in text or resume ❔ Why: Recruiters won't dig - they scan ✅ Instead: Create a simple skills & tools section ❌ Avoid: Unorganized project dump ❔ Why: Feels like a hard drive folder, not a portfolio ✅ Instead: Group projects into categories ❌ Avoid: Hidden contact info ❔ Why: Missed opportunities to connect ✅ Instead: Add a call-to-action button right in the header ❌ Avoid: Walls of text ❔ Why: Nobody reads case studies like essays ✅ Instead: Break your process into bullet points and visuals ❌ Avoid: Bland and impersonal tone ❔ Why: You blend into every other portfolio ✅ Instead: Use your own voice - even a 2-line intro makes the difference ❌ Avoid: Forgetting the mobile view ❔ Why: Half your audience is on a phone ✅ Instead: Preview your portfolio on mobile before sharing the link Strong portfolios build trust before you ever speak. They say: ↳I'm organized. ↳I care about details. ↳I'll make your life easier, not harder. That's the real shortcut - Get the structure right, so your work can shine. Which of these fixes would level up your portfolio right now? --- ♻️ Share this to help others improve their portfolio. And follow me George Stern for more employment tips.