UX portfolio teardown: Real portfolio example that secured internships at Google and Microsoft


You may have seen a number of UX portfolio examples online but you are still not sure what makes them work.

Is it the colors, the layout or the type of projects?

I am starting a series on UX and UI portfolio teardowns on the blog that you might benefit from in order to ultimately get a job. Will take guessing out of the way and focus in on what really works to land a job.

UX portfolio Cedric
UX portfolio Cedric

Today I look at Cedric Ith’s UX portfolio by quickly exploring his website, a single project and resume, to tease out the portfolio elements that helped him secure internships at Google and Microsoft. You might not be targeting these companies (You don’t really rate them ;)) but there is still alot you can learn from how his portfolio is structured and translate that to your portfolio.

 

UX Engineer and Interaction Prototyper. Exploring VR/AR/MR.

This is not a comprehensive teardown but structured in such a way as to simulate a recruiter, potential team lead or creative director who have to go through a 50 resumes a day.

Ready?

Let’s begin!!

Portfolio Website

http://cedricith.com/

UX portfolio example_img1
UX portfolio example_img1

 

 

Let’s dive into a project

Since the first one has a high likelihood of being selected. Will go for that one.

ux portfolio example_img2
ux portfolio example_img2
ux portfolio example_img3
ux portfolio example_img3

 

ux portfolio example_img4
ux portfolio example_img4

 

And lastly for the resume.

ux portfolio example_resume

 

We’re product designers so don’t get too flashy with your portfolio website. The focus should be on the work you’ve done in its purest form, not the packaging around it. I’ve gotten links to some pretty “unique” websites where I couldn’t for the life of me figure out how to view the individual projects. If I don’t know where to find your resume and clear examples of your work in that initial few seconds of landing on your site then I’m probably bouncing. I am impressed with websites that can clearly mix style with utility.
James Cabrera
Senior Product Designer  - Refinery29

Takeaways

So what lessons should you take away from this UX portfolio example?

  • Recruiters don’t have a lot of time to read through your portfolio. Ensure your best and most relevant work is the first one listed.
  • Have a download link to your resume.
  • Use testimonials as powerful social proof.
  • Use language that is understandable for your headings.
  • 2–3 really good portfolio projects are enough to get you an interview and possibly the job
  • Between you LinkedIn, portfolio website and resume, ensure you use a consistent and relevant job role throughout.
  • Identify job keywords and ensure your resume has them.
  • List your experience first as this is what is most relevant to a recruiter or employer.

 

If you really liked this post and want to see more of these, drop me a comment or just share this page.

Cheers!!


Calvin Pedzai

Analytical problem solver who enjoys crafting experiences and currently is the Senior UX designer at an awarding winning agency.