7 Tips to Write a Perfect Case Study
Hiring managers are busy. They skim through your case study looking for Clarity, Results, and Relevance. If your portfolio doesn’t deliver quickly, it might not get a second glance.
This means:
Your portfolio will fail unless…
⏱️ You grab a hiring manager’s attention in the first 5 seconds.
But it’s not just about first impressions. A great case study showcases your skills, thought process, and impact—wrapped in a story that’s authentic and engaging.
7 Tips to Write a Perfect Case Study
1️⃣ Curate the Right Work
Your portfolio isn’t about showcasing everything you’ve done—it’s about presenting the work that hiring managers care about most.
💡 Tip:
- Tailor your portfolio to the industry or company you’re targeting.
- Include brief context, such as the problem you were solving or the audience the design was for.
2️⃣ Prove Your Impact
Hiring managers want to see tangible results, not just beautiful designs. Show how your work made a difference.
💡 Examples:
- “Reduced checkout time by 15%, increasing conversions.”
- “Improved user retention by 20% after redesigning the onboarding flow.”
⚠️ Important: Never invent numbers. Dig into real data and back up your claims. If metrics aren’t available, focus on qualitative outcomes like user feedback or internal team alignment.
💡 Bonus: Include learnings—this is your opportunity to reflect on the project, address what went wrong, and demonstrate how you fixed it. Highlighting your growth and adaptability is just as valuable as showcasing success.
3️⃣ Tell a Great Story
A portfolio is more than a showcase; it’s a narrative. Case studies help hiring managers understand your problem-solving approach and decision-making process.
💡 Case Study Structure:
- The Challenge: What was the problem or goal?
- The Approach: What did you do, and why?
- The Outcome: What was the impact?
- The Learnings: How did this project make you a better designer?
4️⃣ Show You’re Collaborative
Hiring managers value team players who can work well across disciplines and handle feedback constructively.
💡 Prove It:
Include evidence like:
- A design-to-dev handover document to show how you facilitated smooth collaboration.
- Testimonials from colleagues.
- Examples of cross-functional workshops or initiatives you led.
5️⃣ Keep It Simple
Focus on clarity and usability. Your portfolio should be easy to navigate and read.
💡 Tip:
- Stick to a clean layout: title, 3-4 lines of text, image.
- Avoid excessive design flourishes. The goal is to showcase your problem-solving skills, not distract with over-the-top visuals.
6️⃣ Include a Touch of Personality
Hiring managers want to know you’re not just a skilled designer but also someone they’d enjoy working with.
💡 How to Add Personality:
- Use a tone that feels authentic to you. Avoid sounding robotic or overly polished.
- Share a personal anecdote or fun fact that makes you memorable.
- Avoid relying on AI tools to write your text—this is your chance to let your voice shine.
A Final Challenge for You
Imagine you’re a hiring manager with 15 minutes and a stack of portfolios. Would yours stand out?
If you’re unsure, it’s time to refine. Design your portfolio like you’d design for a user:
- Prioritize clarity.
- Solve for their pain points.
- Leave them with a lasting impression.
Your portfolio isn’t just a showcase of your work—it’s a demonstration of your skills, thought process, and potential. Treat it as such, and you’ll stand out in a sea of sameness.
Valentina
Valentina is the founder of UX Tree and a Design Manager at Vhi, with over 10 years of experience in UX. She completed her master's degree in UX at IADT in 2020. Valentina is deeply passionate about mentoring, helping junior designers grow, and is especially keen on strategy and UI design.