How to Prepare for a UX Researcher Interview

A Comprehensive Guide

This article is part of an ongoing series that provides practical guidance on preparing for various tech roles. This edition focuses on UX researcher interviews.

1. Understand the Role of a UX Researcher

UX Researchers are essential for collecting insights into user needs, preferences, and behaviours that guide design choices.

Before your interview, familiarize yourself with the main responsibilities of the role, which include:

• Conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability tests.
• Analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Working closely with designers, developers, and product managers.
• Presenting research findings to stakeholders.

Pro Tip: Review the job description closely to understand the research methods and tools that the company prioritizes.

2. Master Research Methods

A solid grasp of research methods is crucial. Concentrate on the following:

Generative Research (Understanding User Needs)

• Methods: User interviews, contextual inquiries, and surveys.
• Purpose: To uncover user goals, pain points, and unmet needs.

Evaluative Research (Testing Solutions)

• Methods: Usability testing, A/B testing, heuristic evaluation.
• Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of design solutions.

Mixed Methods

• Integrating qualitative insights (like interviews) with quantitative data (such as analytics) for a well-rounded analysis.

Pro Tip: Be ready to explain which method you would choose in various situations and the reasoning behind your choice.

3. Develop Strong Storytelling Skills

As a UX Researcher, effectively communicating your insights is as crucial as the research process itself.

Focus on:

• Summarizing findings using data visualizations like charts, heatmaps, or journey maps.