Google has a simple rule, “Focus on the user, and all else will follow.” And this is exactly what UX researchers help them in achieving. In the UX researcher Google interview, your abilities to do this will be tested through a pretty long process. So brace yourself accordingly.
What you can expect, what type of questions you need to prepare for, and what skills you need to have — we’ve put together everything you’ll need to crack the Google UX researcher interview.
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In this article, we’ll be covering:
Google’s User Experience Department consists of multi-disciplinary teams such as UX designers, researchers, writers, program managers, content strategists, and engineers. It plays a crucial role in putting together information and getting insights into the users' needs.
Everyone works together closely and collaborates with engineering and product management to build the best products in the industry. These are just the things that drive users to Google and its businesses.
Now, the role of a UX researcher in the company is pretty diverse. You’ll be assisting your team of fellow researchers, product managers, and engineers in determining and gauging what exactly it is that the users need. You’ll be playing a critical role in coming up with useful and usable products.
You’ll also collaborate with stakeholders across various levels and functions in the organization and have a say in the different stages of product development. By studying user behaviors, needs, and motivations through practical research, you’ll effectively contribute to the team.
Before going in for the UX researcher Google interview, you’ll need to be absolutely clear about the responsibilities that come with the job. The primary ones have been given below:
As you prepare for the UX researcher Google interview, ensure that you have the following qualifications as well as skills:
Some preferred qualifications and skills (according to the level at which you’re applying):
As is the case with most major tech companies, the interview process is pretty complex and drawn out. It might be spread out over a few weeks or even a couple of months. Going into the UX researcher Google interview, you can expect:
The main purpose of this round is to determine what you’re looking for at this particular point in your career. The recruiter will ask you whether you’re interested in specific kinds of research, specific products, or if there’s a particular region you want to work in. If all goes well, you’ll be notified that you’ve made it to the next round.
Either a UXR or hiring manager will take this interview. Your research skills, as well as expertise, will be tested here. So be prepared for questions such as, “tell me a time when x happened” or “Elaborate upon a time when you did x.” The main purpose of this round is to determine whether you’re good enough to be brought in for the on-site interviews round.
Even reaching this round is considered quite a feat when it comes to Google. This is the crux of the entire process and to reach here is no easy thing to do. Your day will start with a research presentation followed by a number of one-on-one interviews with different employees. Here, you’ll also be given the opportunity to have lunch with an employee. This may or may not be a part of the actual interview process.
The on-site part of the UX researcher Google interview process will most probably take up your entire day. So ensure that you have a good breakfast before going into the interview. Also, a fun fact about Google is that none of the people who’ll be interviewing you will make the final call.
Not the hiring manager or any of the other interviewers. The final decision of whether you’ll become a part of the company will be made by the hiring committees consisting of senior Googlers.
Some questions you can expect in the UX researcher Google interview are:
Q1. How much do UX researchers make at Google?
On average, a Google UX researcher makes $139,508 per year, which is 10% more than the national average.
Q2. How to prepare for a UX researcher Google interview?
Be up-to-date with the latest UX trends and have ample knowledge of the different Google products and their user-base. Further, research the kind of Google UX research interview questions you can expect and prepare accordingly.
Q3. Which degree is required to become a UX researcher?
Having a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Sociology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is required to become a UX researcher. So even if you don’t have a degree in a UX-related field, it isn’t an issue.
Q4. What are some Google UX research interview questions?
Some important questions are: What is the most challenging part of your research projects? How would you improve the user experience of your favorite website? Tell me about the most challenging problem you had to solve and how did you solve it? Pitch a new product and how you would research it.
Q5. Is UX researcher a good career choice?
If you’re someone who has a curious mind and likes to learn about things in-depth, being a UX researcher might just be the perfect job for you. Further, it’s an in-demand job in a trendy industry.
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