PHILIP BURGESS

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Applying for UX research roles can feel like sending your resume into a black hole. You spend hours tailoring your application, only to hear nothing back. This silence can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you believe you have the right skills and experience. Understanding why you’re not getting responses is the first step to improving your chances and landing interviews. A laptop screen displaying a UX research job listing,

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Starting a new UX research role often feels like stepping into a dream job. But what happens when the role isn’t quite what you imagined? Maybe the company culture isn’t ideal, the project scope is limited, or the resources are tight. I’ve faced this dilemma myself, and I want to share when it makes sense to accept a UX research position even if it’s not perfect—and how to make the most of it. A UX researcher’s workspace filled with note

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader When the job market for UX research tightens, standing out becomes more challenging but also more critical. I’ve been through periods when opportunities seemed scarce, and the competition felt overwhelming. What helped me was shifting how I positioned myself—not just as a UX researcher, but as a problem solver with unique value. If you’re navigating a crowded market, this post shares practical steps to help you get noticed and land the r

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Landing a UX research role starts with a resume that not only highlights your skills but also passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems scan resumes for keywords and formatting before a human ever sees them. Many qualified candidates miss out simply because their resumes don’t make it past this first hurdle. This guide explains how to write a UX research resume that clears ATS filters and grabs the attention of hirin

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader When applying for a UX research position, one question often arises: how long should your resume be? The answer varies depending on your experience level. Entry-level candidates and senior professionals have different stories to tell, and their resumes should reflect that. This post explores how to tailor your UX research resume length effectively, helping you present your skills and achievements clearly without overwhelming recruiters.

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Landing your first UX research role or moving up in your career depends heavily on how well your resume communicates your skills and experience. Many new researchers struggle with common resume mistakes that can cost them interviews. This post highlights those mistakes and shows you how to fix them with clear before-and-after examples. By learning from these examples, you can create a resume that stands out for the right reasons. Common

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Breaking into the UX research field can feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to landing a junior UX researcher role. These positions often seem scarce and highly competitive, leaving many hopeful candidates wondering what it really takes to stand out. This post uncovers the realities behind junior UX researcher jobs and offers practical advice on how to compete effectively. A UX researcher reviewing user feedback notes o

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Starting a career in UX research can feel like stepping into a vast, exciting world where your background in psychology, sociology, or human-computer interaction (HCI) becomes a powerful tool. I remember when I first explored this path, unsure how my degree would translate into the tech-driven field of user experience. Over time, I discovered how these disciplines provide a strong foundation for understanding users deeply and shaping pro

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Landing a UX research role depends heavily on how well your resume speaks the language of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS). Many candidates struggle to get noticed because their resumes lack the right keywords that highlight their skills and experience. This post breaks down the most effective UX research resume keywords that can help your application stand out and get you closer to your next job. A UX research noteb

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Understanding a UX research job description can feel like deciphering a complex code. For candidates, it’s not just about spotting keywords but grasping what hiring managers truly seek. This post breaks down how to read these descriptions with the insight of someone who hires UX researchers, helping you identify what matters most and how to tailor your application effectively. A UX research workspace showing notes and sketches on a table

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Finding a UX research role quickly can feel like navigating a maze. Many professionals wonder whether contract or full-time positions offer a faster route to employment. Both paths have unique advantages and challenges that affect how soon you land a job. This post breaks down the key differences to help you decide which option might get you hired faster. UX research project dashboard on laptop screen Understanding Contract UX Research R

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Entering the field of UX research can feel like navigating a maze of options. Should you invest time and money in certifications, enroll in a bootcamp, or rely on self-teaching? Hiring managers often face the same question when reviewing candidates. This post breaks down what really matters when companies hire UX researchers, helping both job seekers and recruiters understand the value of different learning paths. A UX researcher reviewi

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Landing a UX research role depends heavily on how well your resume communicates your skills and achievements. Hiring managers often skim resumes quickly, so your bullet points need to stand out with clear, impactful statements. This post shares practical examples of UX research resume bullets that grab attention and help you showcase your value effectively. Clear UX research data analysis on laptop screen What Makes a UX Research Resume

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader When you see a job listing for a UX research role that says “experience required,” what does that really mean? For many candidates, this phrase can feel vague or intimidating. Does it mean years of formal work in UX research? Or could it include other types of relevant experience? Understanding what employers look for under this label can help you better prepare your application and career path. This post breaks down what “experience re

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Writing UX research case studies is a key skill for any designer or researcher. They showcase your problem-solving abilities, your process, and your impact. But what happens when your work is protected by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)? Sharing details can feel impossible, yet you still want to demonstrate your expertise. I’ve faced this challenge many times, and I’ll share practical ways to create compelling case studies without break

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Landing a UX research role depends heavily on how well your resume communicates your skills and experience. Many talented UX researchers miss out on opportunities because their resumes contain avoidable errors. These mistakes can make your application blend into the crowd or confuse hiring managers about your true capabilities. This post highlights common UX research resume mistakes and offers practical tips to fix them, helping you stan

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Breaking into UX research can feel like a challenge, especially if you don’t come from a design or tech background. Yet, the field is growing fast and welcomes diverse skills and perspectives. If you want to build a career in UX research in 2025, you don’t need a traditional design degree. Instead, focus on developing the right mindset, skills, and experience to understand users and improve products. User interview session in progress Un

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Starting a career in UX research can feel challenging when you don’t have client projects to showcase. A strong portfolio is essential to demonstrate your skills, thinking process, and impact. But what if you haven’t worked with clients yet? This post offers practical steps to build a compelling UX research portfolio without relying on paid or freelance client work. A UX research project outline displayed on a laptop screen UX Research P

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader Finding the right job website can make a big difference when starting a career in UX research. The field is competitive, and knowing where to look for quality opportunities helps you stand out and find roles that match your skills and interests. This post highlights some of the best job websites tailored for UX research careers, offering practical tips on how to use them effectively. UX research job listing on laptop screen Why Choosing

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader When I first started interviewing for UX research roles, I quickly realized that the interview is not just about answering questions. It’s also a chance to learn if the company and the role fit my goals and values. Asking the right questions helps me understand the team, the projects, and the company culture. It also shows interviewers that I am thoughtful and serious about the position. If you want to make the most of your UX research i