This is what a UX writer job description looks like—and how you can match it

As a UX writer looking to break into the field, or a seasoned pro in search of your next role, it’s important to understand what employers are looking for when hiring UX writers, also known as content designers. 

To help you navigate the job market, we’re here to break down the UX writer job description—and show you how you can qualify for such roles. 

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

Let’s get started!

What does a UX writer do?

The role of a UX writer or content designer is relatively new compared to the broader field of UX design. They specialise in writing the copy that users see or hear when they use a digital product. But this isn’t copywriting. Instead, the goal of UX writing is to enhance the user experience as users navigate through the product. These concise, precise messages are known as microcopy, and UX writers craft them based on the user’s needs—not on marketing goals. You can learn more about the difference between UX writing and copywriting in this guide.

In addition to crafting microcopy, UX writers also conduct UX research, ensure the copy fits with the overall user experience, and conduct A/B tests to ensure they’ve created the best possible microcopy for users. In all, UX writers are valuable members of the design team that collaborate with project managers, researchers, designers, and developers to craft the best possible UX writing for the project.

You can learn more about the role of a UX writer in this post: What does a UX writer do?

What does a UX writer job description look like?

There is no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to UX writer job descriptions. Every employer has their own interpretation of the role, and it can vary based on the type and size of the company, the setup of the design team, and the company’s UX maturity. 

However, most—if not all—UX writer job descriptions position the UX writer as a core member of the design team and emphasise the UX writer’s main purpose: to plan, create, and implement any and all written content that appears throughout a product in order to enhance the user experience. 

Let’s break down the UX writer job description even further, starting with the main tasks and responsibilities you can expect to find. 

What are the main tasks and responsibilities listed in a UX writer job description?

The main tasks that most UX writer job descriptions list first centre on writing, especially creating written content for websites, apps, or other digital products. Brands usually list content design or UX writing as the main responsibility with other things coming second.

Another key task includes collaborating with team members; primarily designers, product managers, developers, and other key stakeholders who are involved in the project. This tends to be a major responsibility as well.

The final task that UX writer job descriptions often list, but not always, is helping with user research. This could be a major focus of the job, especially if A/B tests are used, or just on an as-needed basis if the team is bigger and has a dedicated user researcher. While this is often a part of a UX writer’s job, many companies don’t account for it in their job descriptions.

What are the most important UX writing skills that employers look for?

Most UX writer roles require a combination of solid UX writing skills, a thorough understanding of UX design principles and the product design process, the ability to balance user needs with business goals, plus a range of essential soft skills.

Here are the skills that tend to take priority in UX writer job descriptions:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• The ability to conduct and analyse research
• Exceptional UX writing skills—i.e. the ability to create concise, user-friendly copy
• Thorough knowledge of user experience design
• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Figma and Adobe XD
• Strong attention to detail

Do UX writer job descriptions include any specific education and training requirements?

While a lot of UX writer job descriptions require a professional qualification or a Bachelor’s degree, it doesn’t necessarily have to be in communication, journalism, or a writing-related field; degrees in English, business, or related areas are often acceptable. Additionally, many companies recognise the value of practical experience and specialised training, often listing a certain number of years of work experience or a UX writing certification as an alternative to a Bachelor’s degree. In some cases, job ads state that while a Bachelor’s degree is preferred, it is not essential, highlighting the growing acceptance and importance of professional certifications in lieu of traditional educational paths.

UX writer job description examples

Now that we have the basics out of the way, let’s explore some specific job descriptions. 

(Please note that these are a few samples to showcase the key skills and requirements. UX writing (content design) is an evolving field. Kindly do a thorough role and industry specific research while working on your resume and applying for a role. Also, with the introduction of AI, while many job descriptions may not state it explicitly, your comfort in using AI tools will work to your advantage.)

Job 1: UX writer/editor at Cedars-Sinai

Cedars-Sinai is a medical centre based in California. Here’s an excerpt from their job ad for a UX writer/editor:

This is a great introduction to what’s expected of the UX writer. The job description continues with the following tasks:

Last but not least, the ad highlights the key requirements for the role:

These are fairly straighforward experience requirements, except how do you meet them if you’re a newbie? Well luckily it seems that the requirement of 3 years is more a suggestion than a requirement. 

If you can prove you’re serious about UX writing by showing your passion and unique perspective, you’ll have a shot at this and other UX writing jobs. Find a way to explain your individual perspective on UX writing and have your career story ready and make it relevant to your new role. That along with a great portfolio will give you a leg up on getting the job no matter how many years of experience the job description says the company wants.

Job 2: UX writer at Pinnacle Group 

Next, we have a job posting for a  mid-level UX writer role at Pinnacle Group, an IT services company. Here’s how they define the role of the UX writer:

The main responsibilities included in the job description are:

Finally, the job description calls for the following qualifications. Notice the ask for a portfolio of relevant work in UX writing.

Job 3: UX writer at Booking.com

Our last UX writer job description was posted by Booking.com. Here’s how they describe the role: 

This comprehensive description is broken down into the following tasks and responsibilities:

Ultimately, the UX writer is responsible for the copy across Booking.com’s channels, and is expected to take on additional duties besides writing, including using quantitative and qualitative data to measure the impact of their work and collaborating with other UX writers as well as designers, researchers, and others.

Last but not least, the UX writer should possess the following:

Unlike the other job descriptions we’ve looked at, this one has a large group of role qualifications, many of which are about soft skills, like having a can-do attitude and working with people of diverse backgrounds. One thing they don’t have, however, is a degree requirement. 

This UX writer job description emphasises experience in UX writing, with less focus on how you got that experience. Great news for UX writers who have transitioned from another field and don’t have a degree. This job description also highlights the importance of having a relevant UX writing portfolio.

How to meet the requirements of a UX writer job description and qualify for UX writing roles

The demand for UX writing roles is projected to grow significantly in the coming years as more companies are scaling their digital presence and prioritising user experience and design skills. As per the World Economic Forum, design and UX are one of the top 10 skill priorities for businesses globally between 2023 to 2027. UX writing or content design is at the core of engaging user experience and critical in guiding online customer journeys. To explore more hiring trends and industry expectations, check out our State of UX Hiring Report 2024.

To meet the requirements of UX writer jobs, use job descriptions as your secret weapon. Carefully review the ads to identify areas where your experience and qualification align with their needs, and highlight these points in your cover letter and resume. Also, make sure you use transferable skills and previous professional background to your advantage.

But don’t get too hung up on the number of years of experience they require. Instead, form your cover letter, resume, and portfolio to put your best foot forward. Especially concentrate on your portfolio to establish your expertise in UX writing, even if you’ve been doing it for far less than the time they ask for.

If you don’t yet have any experience in UX writing, you might want to start small by looking at UX writers books (check out UX Planet’s list of six books) or blogs (UX Content Collective is great). You can also invest in a university-credit rated, industry approved professional certificate, like UX Design Institute’s Professional Certificate in Content Design, if you really want to cement your UX writing skills and build a professional UX writing portfolio to impress hiring managers.

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Cynthia Vinney • Writer for the UX Design Institute Blog

Cynthia Vinney is a freelance writer and former UX designer with a PhD in media psychology. She has worked in UX for several top interactive firms and advertising agencies performing research and creating designs for major brands.