In a portfolio designed to attract hiring managers, prioritizing examples of your previous work is critical because it showcases your actual skills and capabilities in the field. Hiring managers are primarily interested in seeing how you approach design problems, your creative process, and the end results of your work. Well-documented case studies, project breakdowns, and visual samples allow them to assess your design thinking, your understanding of user-centered design, and your ability to solve real-world problems.
Demonstrating your work effectively can also highlight your ability to communicate design decisions and the rationale behind your choices, which is crucial in a collaborative environment. These examples serve as tangible proof of what you can achieve as a designer, illustrating both your technical skills and your creative approach to UX design.
While education history, certifications, and personal interests can add context to your background, they do not showcase your practical abilities and real-world application in the same way that a portfolio filled with work samples does.