Free Entry-level ux designer CV (2026)

This CV approach focuses on relevant experience rather than job titles. UK recruiters often prioritise demonstrable process, tools, and outcomes over years on the job.

Highlight projects and skills to show you can contribute from day one. You'll learn how to structure each section for quick 6 to 10 second scans, then invite recruiters to your portfolio for more detail.

Turn coursework, placements, volunteering, and side projects into evidence of your capability.

Keep the header compact and clear with your full name, city and country, email, mobile number, and a link to your portfolio. Use a short URL for your portfolio that points to case studies, not just thumbnails.

Add a link to your LinkedIn and to your design portfolio or to a single-case-study CV if the job asks for attachments. Do not include full postal address or unrelated links.

Include eligibility to work in the UK where relevant.

Write a 2-3 line professional summary that frames your UK-focused background and the roles you want. Start with your target role and experience type, for example: 'Junior UX designer with internship and academic project experience in user research and prototyping, seeking junior UX roles in the UK.' Mention one or two tools you use regularly, such as Figma or Sketch, and a core strength like research or interaction design.

Keep this focused on what you can contribute to the team, not an objective about what you want.

List 6 to 10 specific skills mixing hard and soft skills, for example research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, Figma, HTML/CSS basics, accessibility (WCAG), information architecture, and collaboration. Place the most relevant skills near the top and avoid generic terms without context.

Group related skills on one line when possible to save space, such as 'Design tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD' and 'Research: interviews, usability testing, survey design.' This helps UK applicant tracking systems and human readers quickly match your CV to the job.

Treat academic projects, placements, internships, volunteering, and side projects as you would paid work. List roles in reverse-chronological order, including organisation, city, and dates in DD/MM/YYYY format.

Describe the problem you faced, your approach, the methods and tools you used, and the outcomes (including metrics where possible). For work you cannot publicly share, provide redacted case studies that explain the process without exposing sensitive data.

Include links to public case studies or portfolio entries where available. Mention right-to-work status if requested.

Show 2-4 notable projects with a short description of the problem, your role, the methods and tools used, and measurable outcomes. For projects you cannot publish publicly, provide redacted case studies that emphasise your design thinking and problem-solving process.

Include links to live prototypes, assets, or case-study PDFs where allowed. Ensure each entry demonstrates end-to-end thinking: discovery, ideation, iteration, testing, and final results.

List your UK education history in reverse chronological order. Include GCSEs and A-levels or equivalents if relevant, UCAS-registered degrees, and the awarding universities (preferably recognised in the UK, including Russell Group where applicable).

Mention any relevant postgraduate study, bootcamps, or credentials (e.g. human-computer interaction, information architecture, or accessibility). Include dates in DD/MM/YYYY format and highlight honours or notable achievements where appropriate.

Add ongoing training or certifications and any professional memberships.

Add a short section for right-to-work status, languages, and interests if they reinforce your design profile. Include links to your LinkedIn, portfolio, and any public design work.

If you are asked for references, state that they are available on request. Ensure the CV is accessible (legible fonts, clear headings, and descriptive link text).