091: No, you don't need 3 - 5 projects in your UX portfolio before you apply

Do you really need 3 to 5 projects in your portfolio before applying for jobs? Could focusing on quantity be a mistake? In today’s episode of the Career Strategy Podcast, Sarah explores why the quality of how you discuss your projects outweighs the sheer number of them. 

In this episode, we'll discuss:

- Why “3 to 5 projects” is a myth

- Importance of storytelling in your portfolio

- How to highlight your thought process and impact

- Applying with just one strong project

- Actionable steps to strengthen your portfolio

Tune in to unlock strategies to boost your career and ensure your portfolio stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.

Timestamps

00:49 Quality over quantity matters in portfolios greatly.

05:20 Demonstrate your detailed thought process and decisions clearly.

09:09 Frame your portfolio as an engaging narrative.

10:44 Emphasize storytelling in your portfolio to stand out.

14:21 Prioritize quality over quantity; resources and templates available.

🎬 Watch our free UX Job Search Workshop and learn how to stand out in 2025

👉 Join Career Strategy Lab, a UX job search accelerator for UX and Product people.

👋 Say hi and follow our host, Sarah Doody, on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.