The UX research job market can feel like a maze—with seemingly more dead ends than finish lines—especially for user researchers navigating market shifts and layoffs. One of the most common challenges I see are researchers relying solely on perfecting their resumes and turning to cold outreach during the search process.
While this approach often works earlier on in your career and is important, it is NOT the key for more senior folks to land their dream role. The more experience you have, the more your network will help set you apart during your search.
Why Cold Applying to UXR Roles Falls Short
Cold applying—submitting your resume and cover letter to job postings without any prior connection to the company—is often a go-to strategy for many UXRs. While it’s pretty straightforward, it also can be incredibly limiting.
If you’ve been using this approach, you’ve likely been seeing a low response rate. I’ve seen some LinkedIn posts with UXRs stating they’ve been submitting anywhere between 200-500 applications with no responses. It makes sense, with market demand, recruiters and hiring managers receiving hundreds of applications for a single role. On average, hiring managers are spending 6-7 seconds reviewing resumes (source). This is simply not enough time to be able to share context around your skills and experience in a single document.
Another trend I’ve been noticing are “ghost postings,” or job postings from companies that aren’t actually available. In a recent study from the hiring platform Greenhouse, between 18-22% of jobs posted online fit this category.
Many companies are listing positions that may already be put on hold or they're simply not hiring for. They want to build out a strong pipeline of candidates if and when things change on their side.
The Power of Relationship Building in UXR
Estimates have shown that 70% of jobs are not published directly on job boards, but rather through personal connections. Personally, every full-time role that I’ve had in the last six years has been based on a referral.
The challenge is that networking can often feel intimidating. It’s because it requires vulnerability. You can’t control how others will respond—if they’ll read your message, let alone reply to it. Leading to thoughts like, “what is wrong with me?”
What I know to be true is that folks in the UX space are highly empathetic, care deeply, and are often willing to help others. More likely than not, you will receive some sort of response when you reach out to someone. Even if you don’t get a response, it often has nothing to do with you. Everyone is juggling their own set of circumstances. They might be overwhelmed at work, dealing with personal challenges, or simply not have the bandwidth at the moment.
Before you begin reaching out, get to the root of what you're hoping for during your search. I encourage you to reflect on questions like:
- What does relationship building mean to you?
- What type of energy do you want to bring to your relationships?
- What worked for you in the past?
- How do you want to build relationships moving forward?
This will help you shift from seeing networking as something you have to do or a numbers game and more about establishing genuine relationships. When you shift to this approach in your research job search, you may see some benefits like access to roles that haven’t been posted yet and referrals from a former teammate or connection who can vouch for you during your search.
Cold vs. Warm Relationships
As you start to reach out to your network, it's important to distinguish between cold and warm relationships.
Cold relationships are connections with folks you don’t know yet. This is what most people think about when they hear the word “networking.” It typically means putting yourself out there without knowing the outcome, you typically need to be extremely thoughtful and have a clear “why” behind your message.
I much prefer utilizing warm relationships. These are connecting with folks you already know like former colleagues, mentors, or peers in the field. They’re also more likely to offer immediate support, hop on a call to catch up, and share opportunities they're aware of.
Steps to Leverage Your Network
So far we’ve shared the benefits of relationship building, but what steps can you actually take to use your relationships to land your next research role?
Check out your existing network
Take some time to review your current network. This could mean former teammates, bosses, people you’ve met at UX conferences or workshops, or even folks from your university programs. Make a list of people who might be able to provide guidance or introductions.
Reframe your mindset
Throw out the term networking all together and thoughts like “what can this person do for me?” Instead consider “How can I build a meaningful relationship with this person?” I also think about what value I can provide this person when we connect. Is there a way that I can support them in some small way?
Start engaging
When you start to reach out, be sure to personalize your message. Show interest in the person’s work, explain your reaching out. This might look like:
- Complimenting a recent article they shared
- Mentioning a shared connection or interest
- Being specific about what you're asking for—whether an informational interview, asking about the culture of the research team, or advice about breaking into a specific company or industry
TIP: Use the templates below to help set yourself up for success
Come prepared to the conversation
If you end up meeting with the person on a call, you'll want to come prepared with questions. You don’t want to put together an entire interview guide as you would with a research study, but let yourself be more fluid and in the moment with the person.
Be sure to follow-up!
You may think it stops there, but this is just the beginning. After you connect, be sure to send a thank you note to keep the connection alive. You can also check in periodically, share updates about your search, or ask how things are going on their side.
If you’re worried about making an “ask” live on a call, the thank you message could be a great spot to ask the other person if they might be open to referring you for a role or if they know anyone hiring.
Putting it all together
Leveraging your UX network isn’t just about landing your next role, it's about building a community and surrounding yourself with others to support your long term career growth. By focusing on genuine relationship building rather than cold applying, you’ll set yourself up for success in the competitive job market.
Your network isn't just a numbers game—it’s a reflection of your journey, where you’ve been, what you care about, and where you're going. If you invest in these relationships today, opportunities are bound to come to you.
Templates for Reaching Out
Use the scripts below when connecting with folks in your network.
Learning about a company/team
Hey [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a researcher with [X years experience] who specializes in [your specialty]. I came across your profile while checking out [where you found them], and was impressed with your [project/role].
I’d love to learn more about the research culture at [company], and any advice you might have for someone looking to transition into a similar position. Would you be open to a 15 minute chat in the next 2 weeks?
Looking forward to connecting,
[Your Name]
Connecting with a former teammate
Hey [Name],
Happy New Year! How have things been going on your side?
I’m currently exploring a potential career transition. I know you’ve been working at [Company] for a while. I really admire their culture and was wondering if you might be open to a 15 minute chat in the next 2 weeks to chat about your experience on the team?
Looking forward to chatting soon,
[Name]
Follow-up Email
Hey [Name],
It was great to catch up with you at [event timing]. I’ve been reflecting on our conversation and wanted to follow-up. Since we chatted, I've been exploring opportunities in [focus area] and was wondering if you might have any insights into [company/role].
If there's anyone in your network who you think I should connect with, I’d appreciate an introduction. I’m also happy to support you in any way that I can as well.
Chat soon,
[Name]
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