How to Write a UX Research Resume That Gets Past ATS Filters

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 hiring managers.

A clear UX research resume layout on a desk

UX Research Resume: Understand How ATS Works

ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords related to the job description. It also checks formatting to ensure the document is readable by the system. If your resume uses unusual fonts, graphics, or complex layouts, the ATS might reject it or misread important information.

To get past ATS:

• Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

• Avoid images, tables, and text boxes.

• Save your resume as a .docx or PDF file if the job posting allows.

• Use clear section headings such as “Experience,” “Skills,” and “Education.”

  
  

Use Keywords Strategically

Keywords are the terms ATS looks for to match your resume with the job. For UX research roles, these might include:

• User research

• Usability testing

• Qualitative analysis

• Quantitative analysis

• Personas

• Wireframes

• Data synthesis

• Research methodologies

  
  

Carefully read the job description and include relevant keywords naturally in your resume. For example, if the job emphasizes “usability testing,” mention your experience conducting usability tests in your work history or skills section.

Focus on Relevant Experience

ATS and hiring managers want to see experience that matches the role. Highlight projects and tasks that show your UX research skills clearly. Use bullet points to describe your contributions and results, such as:

• Conducted user interviews and surveys to gather qualitative data.

• Analyzed user behavior to improve product navigation, increasing user satisfaction by 15%.

• Collaborated with design teams to create personas and user journey maps.

  
  

Quantify your achievements when possible. Numbers help demonstrate impact and catch attention.

Keep Formatting Simple and Clear

Complex formatting can confuse ATS software. Stick to a clean, simple layout:

• Use standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”

• Avoid columns or tables.

• Use bullet points for lists.

• Keep margins consistent.

• Use bold or italics sparingly to emphasize key points.

  
  

A well-structured resume is easier for both ATS and recruiters to read.

Highlight Your Skills Section

A dedicated skills section helps ATS identify your core competencies quickly. List both hard and soft skills relevant to UX research. Examples include:

• User testing tools (e.g., Optimal Workshop, UserTesting)

• Data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Excel)

• Communication and presentation skills

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

  
  

Place this section near the top of your resume to ensure it gets noticed.

Editing a UX research resume with keywords highlighted on a laptop screen

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

No two UX research roles are exactly the same. Customize your resume for each application by:

• Matching keywords from the job description.

• Emphasizing the most relevant projects and skills.

• Adjusting your summary or objective statement to reflect the company’s focus.

  
  

This effort increases your chances of passing ATS and impressing hiring managers.

Use a Clear Summary Statement

Start your resume with a brief summary that highlights your UX research expertise and what you bring to the role. For example:

UX researcher with 5 years of experience conducting user interviews, usability testing, and data analysis to improve digital products. Skilled in qualitative and quantitative methods, with a strong focus on user-centered design.

This statement helps ATS and recruiters quickly understand your background.

Avoid Common ATS Pitfalls

• Don’t include headers or footers with important information; ATS may skip them.

• Avoid graphics, logos, or photos.

• Don’t use unusual section titles like “My Journey” instead of “Experience.”

• Use standard date formats (e.g., Jan 2020 – Dec 2022).

• Avoid spelling errors and inconsistent formatting.

  
  

Final Tips for Success

• Proofread carefully to avoid typos.

• Keep your resume to one or two pages.

• Use action verbs like “led,” “designed,” “analyzed,” and “collaborated.”

• Include links to your portfolio or LinkedIn profile if allowed.