UX Researcher Cover Letter: Examples & Templates
If you’re hoping to break into the field of UX research, or are already working in the industry and are looking for a new role, then crafting the perfect UX researcher cover letter is essential.
In this guide, we’ll provide some top tips on how to write a great cover letter for a UX researcher role, as well as some examples and templates of user research cover letters to help you get started.
What makes a good UX researcher?
The most successful UX researchers are curious individuals who engage in design thinking, rather than traditional business thinking. According to the more traditional approach, design occurs in a well-defined sequence of processes. Once that sequence ends, it’s time to move on to something else. Design thinking views design as an iterative process that needs to evolve based on the end user’s changing needs. If you view design this way, you may excel at UX research.
A successful UX researcher must also possess the following skills and attributes:
- Problem-solving skills: One of the main goals of a UX designer is to solve a problem for the end user. As a UX researcher, you also need to be able to solve problems effectively. Good problem-solving skills will help you overcome a wide range of challenges, such as difficulty using analytical tools to interpret data.
- Communication skills: You must be able to communicate effectively with product teams and end users. Depending on your role, you may need to produce written reports or give presentations to team members. It’s also important to communicate effectively via email messages and during meetings.
- Empathy: The first step in understanding the end user’s needs is to empathize with the user. Empathy helps you understand a user’s motivations, goals, and frustrations.
- Research skills: UX researchers use a variety of research methods to accomplish their goals. You should be familiar with surveys, diary studies, questionnaires, A/B testing, card sorting, and other methods for gathering and analyzing data.
- Collaboration: A UX researcher is an important part of the product development team. Therefore, you must be able to collaborate effectively with the people responsible for wireframing, prototyping, web design, software development, and other important tasks. You should be able to deliver critical feedback in a professional tone, accept feedback from other team members, and help other team members achieve their goals.
The goal of a UX design cover letter
Each time you apply for a UX researcher or UX designer job, you need to convince a potential employer that you meet the basic requirements outlined in the job posting. The ultimate goal of a cover letter is to persuade the hiring manager to invite you in for a job interview. If you don’t have the opportunity to interview for the job, you won’t be able to tell the hiring manager more about your experience with user research, usability testing, or UX design.
What to include in a user research cover letter
Your UX researcher cover letter should include the following basic components:
- An address block with your contact information, the company name, and the hiring manager’s name
- An explanation of how your skills and work experience match the requirements outlined in the job description
- A sign-off that asks the hiring manager to contact you for an interview and thanks them for their time
- A link to your UX portfolio, if you have one
5 steps to a great UX Researcher cover letter
One of the most common mistakes people make when writing a cover letter is summarizing the information from their resume or job application. Recruiters are busy people; they don’t want to spend time reading the same information over and over again. Your UX research resume is simply a summary of your qualifications, while a cover letter is a detailed document that explains why you’re the ideal candidate for a job opening.
Follow these steps to ensure your cover letter is as persuasive as possible.
1. Keep the design simple
If you’re applying for a UX research job, it’s important to show the hiring manager that you understand the principles of good design. Choose a professional typeface, and make sure your cover letter has just the right balance of text, graphics, and white space. You don’t have to create a colorful cover letter, but if you do, be sure to choose a professional color scheme that portrays you in a positive light.
2. Write a strong opening paragraph
You only get one chance to make a good impression on a hiring manager. The beginning of your cover letter is where you need to show recruiters that you have what it takes to succeed. Write a paragraph that explains why you’re interested in the job and lists at least one of your previous accomplishments. Including a professional accomplishment shows the hiring manager that you know how to do the job.
If you don’t have much experience, explain why the job appeals to you and summarize your most recent experience as a UX designer or researcher. For entry-level roles, be sure to mention any internships or relevant courses you’ve completed.
3. Match the language from the job description
When a hiring manager reads your cover letter, they shouldn’t have to wonder how your skills and work experience relate to the job. You need to tell them directly. The best way to do this is to review the job description for relevant keywords and then incorporate those keywords into your cover letter. Look for phrases such as “user experience,” “functionality,” “user interface,” and “research process.” You should be able to explain how your previous work relates to these keywords or how your previous roles have prepared you to take on a new job with more responsibility.
4. Provide examples of past successes
A good cover letter should include at least one example of your past successes. Phrases such as “Increased product success rate to 97% within 6 months of hire” show recruiters that you understand the importance of the UX research role and know how to use your knowledge and skills to benefit stakeholders.
5. Ask for the interview
The best cover letter examples ask for an interview right in the closing paragraph. Before you make the request, sum up your cover letter with a succinct explanation of why you’re the best candidate for the job. Then let the hiring manager know you would like to discuss how their organization might benefit from your skills and work experience
UX Research Cover Letter Examples
If you need a little inspiration, use these cover lettertemplates to guide you through the process of creating a UX researchcover letter. There’s one template for entry-level applicants and one template for applicants looking for mid-level or senior-level positions.
✏️ Entry-Level UX Designer Cover Letter Example
To [Hiring manager name]
I’m incredibly excited to express my interest in the UX researcher role at ABC company! While completing a UX design internship at a local agency, I realized that I excel at the user research phase of the design process. I’ve also completed several courses in research methods, so I’m comfortable with A/B testing, field studies, surveys, questionnaires, and other tools used to gather user requirements.
As a student in the UX design program at Smithfield University, I’ve completed several courses that are highly relevant to this role. For example, the Principles of UX Design course helped me understand how the phases of the design process work together. I also developed a new appreciation for the collaboration that must take place between UX design professionals and other members of the product team.
Recently, I published a LinkedIn article explaining how UX researchers can help companies save money and better meet the needs of their audience members. The article demonstrates my knowledge of UX principles and shows that I have excellent written communication abilities, both of which are important for success in the role of an entry-level UX researcher.
I’d appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this role in more detail. Thank you for taking the time to review my application!
Michael Dribbble
✏️ Mid to senior-level UX designer cover letter example
To [Hiring manager name]
I’m writing to express my interest in the Senior UX Researcher role at ABC company. After 7 years of experience in the industry, I’m confident that your team would benefit from my UX research skills, ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders, and knowledge of advanced research methods. Over the past year, I’ve reduced my current employer’s product failure rate to just 2%, demonstrating my ability to identify users’ needs with a high level of accuracy.
In my current role, I conduct user research for a team dedicated to mobile application development. This role has given me the opportunity to develop advanced skills in A/B testing, card sorting, conducting surveys, developing questionnaires, and using other research methods to gather data. I’m also skilled at analyzing data and determining how industry trends are likely to affect the needs of end users.
I’d appreciate the opportunity to share more information about my experience as a UX researcher and explain how your organization can benefit from my knowledge and skills.
I look forward to learning more about ABC Company and explaining how I can help the firm minimize its product development costs.
Jane Dribbble
📝 UX Researcher Cover Letter Template
To [Hiring Manager Name]
[Opening paragraph about why you’re a great candidate for the role. If you have several years of experience, mention one of your past accomplishments.]
[Include more detail about how your knowledge, skills, and abilities are a good fit for the job opening. Include words and phrases from the job description, so the interviewer doesn’t have to guess at why you’re an excellent candidate. Write one or two additional paragraphs if you have extensive experience.]
[Close with a request for an interview and a quick summary of why you’re a good fit for the job and why you’re eager to join the company mission. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.]
[Your Name]
Find your next UX job on Dribbble
If you’re ready for your next UX adventure, find your next UX job on Dribbble. Top employers use Dribbble to find skilled designers for hire, making it an excellent place to find job opportunities!