What are the most important skills to highlight in a UX research resume?

1 User Research Methods

One of the core skills of a UX researcher is to know how to apply different user research methods to different situations and goals. You should be able to explain what methods you have used, why you chose them, and how you executed them. For example, you can mention how you conducted interviews, surveys, usability tests, card sorting, or other techniques to understand user needs, behaviors, preferences, and pain points. You should also show how you adapted to changing circumstances, such as remote research, limited resources, or tight deadlines.

2 Data Analysis and Synthesis

Another essential skill of a UX researcher is to be able to analyze and synthesize data from various sources and present them in a meaningful way. You should be able to demonstrate how you used quantitative and qualitative data analysis tools, such as spreadsheets, statistics, coding, or affinity diagrams, to identify patterns, trends, and insights. You should also show how you communicated your findings to different audiences, such as stakeholders, designers, developers, or users. For example, you can mention how you created reports, personas, journey maps, or other artifacts to convey your research results and recommendations.

3 Collaboration and Communication

A UX researcher is not a lone wolf, but a team player who collaborates and communicates with various people throughout the research process. You should be able to show how you worked with others, such as clients, managers, colleagues, or users, to plan, conduct, and share your research. You should also show how you used soft skills, such as empathy, listening, feedback, or persuasion, to build rapport, trust, and alignment. For example, you can mention how you involved stakeholders in defining research goals and questions, how you recruited and engaged participants in your research activities, or how you delivered impactful presentations and stories based on your research.

4 Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

A UX researcher is not a mere data collector, but a critical thinker and problem solver who uses research to inform design decisions and improve user experiences. You should be able to show how you used logical reasoning, creativity, and curiosity to explore problems, generate hypotheses, test assumptions, and validate solutions. You should also show how you used ethical principles, best practices, and standards to conduct your research in a responsible and professional manner. For example, you can mention how you framed research problems and questions, how you designed and conducted experiments, or how you evaluated and iterated on design solutions based on your research.

5 Learning and Growth

A UX researcher is not a static expert, but a lifelong learner and grower who constantly updates and expands their knowledge and skills. You should be able to show how you keep up with the latest trends, tools, and methods in the field of UX research and how you apply them to your projects. You should also show how you seek and act on feedback, reflect on your own performance, and identify areas for improvement. For example, you can mention how you read books, articles, or blogs, how you attend courses, workshops, or conferences, or how you participate in communities, networks, or mentorships related to UX research.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?