Time to get it right. Here’s a proper job description for a UX writer
Every so often, I see job postings for UX writers (aka ‘product writers’) pop up. Whilst I think that’s a great development, my heart often breaks a little when the description reveals the job is not actually UX writing. It turns out to be copywriting of some sort, basically ignoring the UX part.
To help organisations understand what UX writing is, and to create postings that make sense, I’ve written the description as it should be, as it would make sense to me and my fellow UX professionals.
Are you trying to write a job description for a UX writer? Please, feel free to copy and paste parts (or the whole thing) into your advert! Let me help you find the perfect candidate.
Role and responsibilities
You will join the UX team and work with usability experts, researchers, developers, UI designers and product owners. Together, you will work on (part of) our digital product and/or certain flows, making sure the content in the flows is clear and useful to the user, whilst also adhering to the brand and product voice. You’ll provide a human touch to the copy, making it feel more personal. In doing so you will focus on the words but also keep a close eye on other kinds of content.
We understand that your skills are of most value if you can be on board for the whole ride, therefore you will be involved in the design process from the very start. This means that the latest moment you will be involved is at the first project briefing.
You will also work on the (further) development of the content style guide and the pattern library.
About you
- Your mantra is ‘always put the needs of the user first’.
- You’re not afraid to ask lots of questions (about user needs, business goals, technical implications, the process, the flow, etc.)
- You enjoy taking the time to focus and find the right way to phrase helpful texts.
- You realise that your audience is diverse. That’s why your copy is inclusive, useful for all, and usable by all.
- You’re open to feedback and constructive criticism. You also provide feedback and constructive criticism to the team.
- You acknowledge the outcome of user tests and iterate until the content is useful to the user.
- You have a willingness to keep learning every day.
- You are fluent in the main language of the product we’re making.
- You are open, honest and transparent about your work and approach.
Nice to have
- Experience in the broad field of UX.
- Experience with content writing or editing.
What we can offer you
- A safe and pleasant environment to practice your craft, grow as a professional and as a person.
- Team members and PO’s who welcome curiosity and constructive feedback.
- A decent salary that is similar to what we pay our software engineers and UX designers.
We strongly encourage people of colour, LGBTQIA+ folks, and people with disabilities to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!
That’s it! I would love to see more job postings like this. Should you have any more questions about the job and tasks of a UX writer, let’s discuss in the comments or hit me up!