Maximizing Your Glassdoor Search for the Perfect UX Research Position

By Philip Burgess | UX Research Leader

Finding the right UX research role can feel overwhelming. The job market is crowded, and not every listing tells the full story about the company or the position. When I was searching for my last UX research job, I quickly realized that Glassdoor was more than just a place to read reviews—it became a powerful tool to guide my search and make informed decisions. Here’s how I used Glassdoor to find a role that truly fit my skills and career goals, and how you can do the same.

Searching UX research jobs on Glassdoor

Use Reviews to Understand Company Culture and UX Team Dynamics

Glassdoor’s company reviews gave me insights beyond the job description. I looked for comments from current and former employees about the UX team specifically. Some companies had glowing reviews about their user-centered design culture, while others mentioned a lack of support for research initiatives.

When reading reviews, I focused on:

• Mentions of UX research or design teams

• How leadership supports or values research

• Work-life balance and team collaboration

• Opportunities for growth and learning

  
  

For example, one company I considered had several reviews praising their UX team’s autonomy and access to users for testing. That was a strong signal they valued research. Another company had many comments about unclear roles and poor communication, which made me cautious.

Filter Job Listings with Specific Keywords

Glassdoor’s search filters helped me narrow down roles that matched my expertise. I used keywords like “user research,” “qualitative research,” and “usability testing” to find positions that aligned with my skills. I also filtered by location, company size, and job type to focus on roles that fit my lifestyle and career stage.

I recommend saving your searches and setting up alerts for new UX research roles. This way, you get notified when relevant jobs appear, saving time and keeping you ahead of the competition.

Analyze Salary Data to Set Realistic Expectations

Salary information on Glassdoor helped me understand the market rate for UX research roles in different regions and industries. I compared salaries for entry-level, mid-level, and senior positions to set realistic expectations for my next role.

Keep in mind that salary data on Glassdoor comes from employee reports, so it’s a good idea to look at the range rather than a single number. For example, I found that UX research salaries varied widely between tech startups and established companies, which helped me decide where to focus my applications.

Read Interview Experiences to Prepare Confidently

One of the most valuable features I found was the interview reviews. Candidates shared the types of questions asked, the interview format, and even the tone of the process. This information helped me prepare specific examples and practice relevant skills.

For instance, some companies emphasized behavioral questions about teamwork and problem-solving, while others focused on technical skills like data analysis or research methods. Knowing this in advance made me feel more confident and less anxious during interviews.

Use Company Photos and Insights to Visualize Your Work Environment

Glassdoor also offers photos of company offices and workspaces. While this might seem minor, it helped me imagine myself in the environment. I looked for spaces that seemed collaborative and user-focused, which are important for UX research roles.

Modern UX research workspace with collaborative seating

Combine Glassdoor Insights with Your Network

While Glassdoor is a great resource, I combined what I learned there with conversations from my professional network. I reached out to UX researchers on LinkedIn and asked about their experiences at companies I was interested in. This gave me a more complete picture and sometimes even led to referrals.

Final Thoughts on Using Glassdoor for Your UX Research Job Search

Glassdoor helped me move beyond generic job listings and gave me a clearer picture of potential employers. By reading reviews, analyzing salaries, preparing for interviews, and visualizing workspaces, I found a role that matched my skills and values.

If you’re looking for your next UX research position, start by exploring Glassdoor with a clear plan:

• Focus on company culture and UX team feedback

• Use targeted keywords and filters for job searches

• Review salary ranges to understand market standards

• Prepare for interviews using shared candidate experiences

• Visualize your potential work environment through photos