Before You Interview a Single User, Read This! đź‘€


Hey there! 👋🏾

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You wouldn’t run a usability test without a plan—so why wing it with user interviews?

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Before you hop on that call with a participant, make sure you’ve got your bases covered.

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Preparation isn’t just about having a list of questions—it’s about setting yourself up to listen deeply, adapt in the moment, and uncover real insights (not just polite feedback).

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Here’s a quick Pre-Interview Checklist that you can keep in your back pocket for the next time you have a user interview to do:

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  • Align on Your Goals
    • What are you trying to learn?
    • What decisions will this research inform?
    • Are your stakeholders aligned on the outcomes?

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  • Define Your Audience
    • Who are you talking to—and why them?
    • Have they been properly screened and confirmed?
    • Are logistics clear and consent secured?

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  • Build a Clear, Flexible Interview Guide
    • Open with light rapport-builders
    • Start broad, then go deep
    • Avoid leading or yes/no questions
    • Leave room to probe into the unexpected

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  • Test Your Tech
    • Is your recording tool working?
    • Got a backup plan?
    • Do you need a notetaker or observer in the room?

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  • Prep Your Mindset
    • Approach the session with curiosity, not rigidity
    • Don’t be afraid to go off-script
    • Remember: it’s a conversation, not an interrogation
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These steps may seem simple, but skipping just one can make the difference between a session that’s “fine” and one that delivers clarity, confidence, and impact.

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✨ Save this email for your next round of interviews

📩 Forward it to a teammate or fellow UXR—sharing is caring

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This is part of the Developing Hard Skills series from UX Outloud—practical, career-building tips designed for researchers like you.

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Got a hard skill you wish you had learned earlier?

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Reply and tell me. I just might cover it in the next edition.

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Keep showing up sharp,

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Eniola Abioye
​UXR Career Coach and Professional

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Eniola Abioye, UXR Career Coach | UX Outloud

YOU'RE A PROFESSIONAL OR ACADEMIC RESEARCHER who has experience in people-focused work that you'd like to apply to a career in UX Research; however you don't know how to stand out and successfully pivot. You've come to the right place! My name is Eniola Abioye; I am a UXR Career Coach and I help customer-centered professionals position their current skills to transition into tech UXR roles. I founded UX Outloud to work directly with people who have experience doing user research but have never had the title on their resume. I guide researchers in building a strong narrative and employing an 8-step strategy in starting their UXR careers. My speciality is constructing tailored transition strategies taking into account the experience you have to leverage and the niche that are targeting for your next role. I take a hands-on approach to revamping your professional materials including: 📢 A resume that emphasizes your work and organizational impact 📢 A LinkedIn profile that demonstrates your value to UX hiring managers and recruiters 📢 A UXR portfolio that details your strategic research approach and case studies that showcase your experience I also work as a Lead UX Researcher and UXR Manager at Meta - and my background happens to be in biology and healthcare. Take it from me, someone who doesn't have the most "traditional" UXR background, you can apply people research skills from any and every industry and niche to UX. It all comes down to creating a strong narrative and making your skillset crystal clear. If you're ready to stop applying to UXR roles endlessly online and actually gain traction landing interviews and job offers, apply to work with me at bit.ly/uxrcareeraccelerator! Tell me about your background and what you're looking for in your next career move. I'm happy to answer any questions you have and figure out if we're a good fit on a free consultation call. 💚 Tap the "subscribe" button to hear tips and strategies for pivoting into UXR! On a personal tip, I was born, raised and educated in the Bay Area. I absolutely love traveling and adventures of any kind. Luckily UX Research has taken me all around the world and I'm documenting my journey as I go!

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