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Dr. Katharina Grimm

UX writing is the verbal user communication within digital interfaces. It appears in apps, websites, and all other kinds of digital products that users interact with – and, as such, it is an integral part of the user experience. For writers and designers, however, UX writing is much more than that: Since big tech companies have become increasingly aware of the importance of UX writing, the young discipline offers promising job opportunities, exciting tasks, and a great career outlook.

But what does it take to become a UX writer and what do aspiring UX writers need to know about the job?

Read more

UX writing is the verbal user communication within digital interfaces. It appears in apps, websites, and all other kinds of digital products that users interact with – and, as such, it is an integral part of the user experience. For writers and designers, however, UX writing is much more than that: Since big tech companies have become increasingly aware of the importance of UX writing, the young discipline offers promising job opportunities, exciting tasks, and a great career outlook.

But what does it take to become a UX writer and what do aspiring UX writers need to know about the job?

One thing is certain: For those who want to break into UX writing, the first steps often seem the hardest: How do I apply, what can I expect the application process to look like, and how do I create a portfolio when I haven't done any projects yet? If you ask yourself these and other questions and have not yet found an answer to them, this course is the right choice for you.

Who should join

This course is the perfect match for everybody who considers breaking into UX writing and is interested in learning more about the tasks to do, the skills to learn, and the steps to take in order to start a career in UX writing. It is also helpful for everybody who plans to apply for a UX writing role and is about to enter the application process.

Please note that if you want to learn about how to actually do UX writing, my course "Introduction to UX Writing: How to Write Great Microcopy" is probably a better choice for you.

What you will learn

In the first part of this course, you will learn about

  • the everyday tasks of a UX writer

  • the skills a UX writer needs

  • the difficult parts and challenges of the job

  • valuable resources to dive into the field of UX writing

  • the first steps to start a career as a UX writer

Now that’s it for the basics. In the second part of this course, you will learn about

  • what the usual application process for UX writers looks like

  • how to build a UX writing portfolio to apply with

  • how to tackle UX writing job interviews

  • how to do typical home assignments in the application process

Sounds good? Then join this class and be perfectly prepared to start your career as a UX writer.

If you want to take all of my UX Writing courses, here is the order recommend:

1 Introduction To UX Writing

2 Transitioning To UX Writing

3 Accessible UX Writing

4 UX Writing: Finding Your Voice and Tone

5 UX Writing in Practice: Documentation & Processes

6 User Research And Testing For UX Writing

7 Inclusive UX Writing: Physical Abilities & Neurodivergence

8 Inclusive UX Writing: Gender, Race & Age

9 Culture-Based UX Writing

10 Localization in UX Writing

11 Fighting „Dark“ UX Writing: How To Write Kind UX Copy

12 Building Your UX Writing Portfolio

13 Freelancing in UX Writing

Please note that all courses stand for themselves and that you don't need to take any course as a prerequisite for taking another one. You don’t have to follow this order. This is only my very own suggestion, which is especially helpful when you need guidance on which course to pick next.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Know about the everyday tasks of a ux writer
  • Know the skills a ux writer needs to have
  • Know about the challenges of working as a ux writer
  • Have a collection of valuable resources to dive into the field of ux writing
  • Know the first steps to starting a career as a ux writer
  • Know everything about the typical application process for ux writers
  • Know how to build a ux writing portfolio, even if you don't have any experience in ux writing
  • Know how to tackle ux writing job interviews
  • Know how to do typical home assignments in the application process
  • Meet some helpful tools and platforms that will support you in the application process
  • Know the most important communities and job boards for ux writers
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Welcome!

Welcome to this course! In the introduction, I will give you a brief overview of what you'll learn in this two-course series, who this double course is best suited for, and how you can best benefit from it. Sounds good? Then let's go!

Read more

UX writing is an exciting, new field that offers great opportunities for professionals of different backgrounds. However, to many people interested in transitioning into this field, the details of the job profile remain obscure. This is why in this first course of the two-course series, we will discuss the everyday tasks of a UX writer, the challenges of the job, and much more.

Let's kick off the first part of this course by discussing all the great reasons to become a UX writer – from a promising career outlook and a great salary to a large scope of exciting tasks. Need some motivation to finally transition into UX writing? This lesson has what you need.

Time for some myth-busting! Did you know, that writing is only a very small part of a UX writer's job? But what's the rest of it? In this lesson, we will take a closer look at the daily tasks of a UX writer, so you will get a better idea of what to expect from working as a UX writer.

While writing and language will be your main tools, “writing is not the make or break” in UX writing. In this lesson, we’ll discuss all the other hard and soft skills that you need to have as a UX writer, and why it’s important to have them.

Maroon 5 said it right: "It's not always rainbows and butterflies": Just like in any other job, working as a UX writer might come with some challenges to tackle. In this lesson, we will discuss the most common ones to give you a clearer image of the job profile.

From getting in touch with UX writing for the first time to landing a job in UX writing – this lesson summarizes the major steps to becoming a UX writer.

Are you ready to fully dive into UX writing and enhance your knowledge about the field? This final lesson of the first part of the course will show you all the blogs, podcasts, job boards, and communities to follow, and many other valuable resources.

So much for the first part of this two-course series! Let's wrap it up by summarizing the most important insights and findings we learned throughout the previous lessons.

Congratulations for completing the first part of this class! Now, after having learned about the details of the job profile of a UX writer, it's time to get practical: We will be talking about how to tackle each step of the application process – even if you have experience in UX writing. Want to know how? In this introductory lesson, I'll let you know.

Let's start the second part of this series with repeating what we've learned in the first part: Why should you become a UX writer, and what are the major obstacles to starting a career in UX writing?

The second part of this course is all about the application process that you typically have to go through when applying for a job in UX writing. From writing your resume to creating your portfolio and completing a home assignment – this lesson gives you a brief overview of all these single steps.

Let's talk about the first part of the application process: preparing your resume! In this lesson, we'll discuss how to highlight the right skills and experiences in your resume, as well as how to layout and style your resume when applying for a job in UX, and: we'll also take a closer look at some UX writers' resumes for inspiration.

Let's tackle one of the most feared parts of the application process: preparing your portfolio! In this lesson, we quickly talk about why providing a portfolio is important, before we discuss what to include in your portfolio and how to present your work in your portfolio, as well as how to create content for your portfolio if you have no experience in UX writing.

Ready to take this one step further? Let's find out what you can expect to happen in the interview(s) of your application process – from the attendees to the most common questions that will be asked, and the things you should carefully prepare to leave a good impression on your future boss and colleagues.

Ok, time to show 'em what you got! Home assignments are an essential part of the UX writing application process. This is why, in this lesson, I'll show you some examples for such home assignments, we'll discuss what you should keep in mind when you work on your home assignment, and I'll introduce you to two tools that will help you with putting you writing into design context.

We're almost done! Let's complete this course with some general tips and tricks that will help you to succeed with your application.

Let's briefly summarize what we've learned about how to prepare for the application process.

Never leave a course without some warm, encouraging words! Let's come together one last time to say goodbye to each other.

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Career center

Learners who complete Transitioning Into UX Writing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
UX Writer
The UX Writer crafts the verbal user communication within digital interfaces, ensuring clarity, conciseness, and user-friendliness across apps, websites, and digital products. This course is an ideal match for anyone aspiring to this role, as it focuses entirely on the transition process. It illuminates the everyday tasks, essential skills, and common challenges of the job. Importantly, it provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the application process, from building a compelling portfolio even without prior experience, to tackling job interviews and home assignments, making it an indispensable resource for launching a career as a UX Writer.
Content Designer
A Content Designer shapes the overall content experience within a product, often encompassing UX writing, content strategy, and information architecture. This role is deeply intertwined with the verbal user communication within digital interfaces. This course is highly relevant for breaking into Content Design because it extensively covers the practical steps to start a career in a content-focused product role. Learners will understand the daily tasks and skills required, and gain specific insights into building a portfolio, preparing for interviews, and successfully completing application home assignments, which are critical for entering this dynamic field.
Content Strategist
A Content Strategist plans the creation, delivery, and governance of useful and usable content. UX writing is a critical component of a broader content strategy. This course can help someone transition into or advance within Content Strategy by providing a deep understanding of the practicalities and challenges of verbal user communication in digital interfaces. It delves into the everyday tasks and skills required for crafting impactful content, offering insights crucial for developing overarching content plans. Additionally, the course's focus on career readiness, including portfolio creation and application processes, may be useful. This role often benefits from an advanced degree.
User Experience Designer
The User Experience Designer focuses on enhancing user satisfaction by improving the usability, accessibility, and pleasure provided in the interaction with a product. While primarily visual and interaction-focused, understanding the text in an interface is crucial. This course provides valuable context for a UX Designer, detailing the everyday tasks, skills, and challenges of a UX writer—an integral part of the design team. Knowing how UX writing contributes to the user experience helps in effective collaboration and can inform design decisions, fostering a holistic approach to digital product development and showcasing the importance of verbal communication.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer communicates complex information clearly and concisely, often for user manuals, help guides, or product documentation. While distinct from microcopy, the core principles of user-centric communication and clarity in digital products are shared. This course, 'Transitioning Into UX Writing,' may be useful by providing a structured approach to entering a specialized writing career in the tech industry. It covers vital aspects like understanding the daily tasks, required skills, and the application process, including portfolio development and interview preparation, which are highly transferable skills for aspiring Technical Writers seeking to break into a similar digital writing domain.
Digital Copywriter
The Digital Copywriter creates persuasive text for online platforms, often focused on marketing, advertising, and brand communication. While UX writing focuses on in-product text, both roles demand a keen understanding of audience, effective phrasing, and digital context. This course may be useful for a Digital Copywriter by enhancing their understanding of how verbal communication functions within digital interfaces, particularly in guiding users. The course's practical guidance on career transition, including portfolio building and interview strategies for digital writing roles, can be broadly beneficial for those looking to advance or pivot into various forms of digital copywriting.
Information Architect
An Information Architect organizes and structures content to enhance usability and findability within digital products. Although not a writing role, the clear presentation of verbal user communication is fundamental to effective information architecture. This course, by detailing the tasks of a UX writer and the importance of text in digital interfaces, may be useful for an Information Architect. It helps build a foundation in understanding how words guide users, inform navigation, and contribute to overall user experience. This insight is critical for designing intuitive structures that directly support the content crafted by UX writers. This role can benefit from an advanced degree.
Product Manager
A Product Manager guides the development and strategy of a product, overseeing its entire lifecycle. Understanding every facet of user experience, including verbal interactions, is paramount. This course, 'Transitioning Into UX Writing,' may be useful for a Product Manager as it offers deep insights into the UX writer's daily tasks, skills, and unique challenges. Comprehending the critical role of microcopy in user interaction and product success enables better team collaboration, informed decision-making, and more effective product leadership. It helps build a comprehensive perspective on all components that shape a user's journey through a digital product.
Accessibility Specialist
An Accessibility Specialist ensures digital products are usable by individuals with diverse abilities, creating inclusive experiences. Verbal user communication is a key aspect of accessibility, as clear, well-written text is crucial for screen readers and cognitive accessibility. This course, by focusing on the fundamentals of UX writing and its role in digital interfaces, may be useful for an Accessibility Specialist. It helps build an understanding of how language choice and presentation impact accessibility, providing context for evaluating and improving the inclusivity of product content. The course illuminates the specific demands of crafting effective interface text.
Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist
A Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist aims to increase the percentage of website visitors who complete a desired action, such as a purchase or sign-up. The verbal communication within digital interfaces, or UX writing, directly influences user behavior and decision-making throughout the conversion funnel. This course, focusing on the impact of microcopy, may be useful for a Conversion Rate Optimization Specialist. It helps build an understanding of how carefully crafted words guide users, alleviate friction, and encourage actions, providing valuable insights for optimizing digital content to achieve business goals and improve user flows effectively.
Localization Specialist
A Localization Specialist adapts digital products, including their content, to meet the linguistic and cultural requirements of specific target markets. Effective localization hinges on a deep understanding of the original content's intent and user experience. This course, by detailing the everyday tasks and importance of UX writing in digital interfaces, may be useful for a Localization Specialist. It helps build a foundational understanding of how verbal user communication is crafted for different digital products, which is crucial for accurately translating and culturally adapting microcopy while maintaining its original purpose and user-centricity in new contexts.
User Researcher
A User Researcher investigates user behaviors, needs, and motivations through various methodologies to inform product design and development. Understanding the role of content, particularly UX writing, in shaping user perception and interaction is vital. This course, by outlining the daily tasks and challenges of a UX writer, may be useful for a User Researcher. It helps build a foundation for understanding the specific impact of verbal user communication in digital interfaces, informing research design, content testing strategies, and the interpretation of user feedback related to textual elements within a product. This role often benefits from an advanced degree.
Content Marketing Manager
A Content Marketing Manager develops and implements strategies for creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience. While distinct from in-product UX writing, both roles require strong writing, audience understanding, and digital channel expertise. This course may be useful for a Content Marketing Manager by enhancing their understanding of effective verbal communication within digital interfaces and user-centric content approaches. The focus on career transition within a digital writing field, including portfolio development and interview preparation, can offer transferable skills for advancing in content marketing.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates engaging and effective learning experiences, translating complex information into easily digestible content. This role shares common ground with UX writing in its emphasis on clear, concise, and user-friendly communication within structured digital environments. This course, by exploring the principles of verbal user communication in digital interfaces and the skills needed for crafting efficient messages, may be useful for an Instructional Designer. It helps build a foundation in user-centered content practices that can be applied to educational materials, ensuring maximum clarity and comprehension for learners in various digital learning platforms.
Editor
An Editor reviews and refines written material to ensure clarity, accuracy, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines. In the digital product space, an Editor specializing in UX content is invaluable. This course, by detailing the everyday tasks, unique challenges, and specific demands of UX writing as a discipline, may be useful for an Editor. It helps build a specialized understanding of how verbal user communication functions within digital interfaces, providing the specific context needed to effectively polish microcopy for optimal user experience and digital product success, going beyond general grammatical correctness.

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Transitioning Into UX Writing.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the career transition process, from assessing your skills and interests to networking and finding a new job.
This classic book explores the principles of human-centered design and how they can be applied to everyday objects. It must-read for anyone interested in UX design, as it provides a deep understanding of the psychological and cognitive factors that influence user behavior.
A timeless classic on interpersonal skills, this book offers practical advice for building relationships, communicating effectively, and influencing others positively. These skills are fundamental to professional networking, collaboration, and leadership. It remains a highly relevant resource for anyone looking to improve their social skills in a professional context.
This recent and highly relevant book examines the economic and social consequences of the data-driven digital economy. It dives into contemporary issues surrounding privacy, data collection, and the power of tech giants. It must-read for anyone wanting to understand the current landscape and future of digital communication and its societal impact.
Effective communication, especially during difficult or high-stakes situations, is vital for professional success. provides a step-by-step guide to handling crucial conversations constructively and achieving positive outcomes. It's a practical reference for improving interpersonal communication skills.
Emotional intelligence critical skill for navigating workplace relationships, leadership, and overall career success. Goleman's foundational book provides a comprehensive understanding of emotional intelligence and its importance. This classic text that offers essential background knowledge for effective professional interactions.
Offers a practical guide to giving and receiving feedback effectively, a crucial skill for managers and individuals alike. It emphasizes the importance of caring personally while challenging directly to foster growth and improve performance. This valuable resource for enhancing communication and feedback processes in the workplace.
Helps UX writers to develop a strategic approach to their work. It covers topics such as user research, content strategy, and writing for different platforms.
Classic in the field of usability engineering. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of usability engineering, with a focus on quantitative methods for evaluating usability.
Provides practical advice on content design, the process of creating content that is clear, concise, and user-friendly. It covers topics such as user research, content strategy, and writing for different platforms.
Teaches the fundamentals of UX design with a focus on usability and user-centered design. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a quick refresher.
This comprehensive book provides a detailed overview of the UX design process, from user research to evaluation. It valuable resource for UX designers of all levels, as it provides practical guidance and best practices.
Argues that UX writing is not just about writing words, but about designing the entire user experience. It covers topics such as information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.
Focused on system design interviews, a common technical interview format in the tech industry. provides frameworks and examples for tackling system design problems. It's a crucial resource for those preparing for these specific technical assessments.
A widely used and highly regarded textbook in digital communications, this book provides comprehensive coverage of the theoretical and practical aspects of the field. It is known for its rigorous approach and is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses.
Introduces the powerful concept of the growth mindset, which is fundamental for continuous professional development and adaptability in a changing world. It provides a strong foundation for understanding how beliefs about ability impact learning and success. This is particularly useful for individuals at any stage of their career looking to enhance their learning capacity.
Building on his 'Start with Why' concept, Sinek explores the importance of creating a 'Circle of Safety' within organizations, where trust and cooperation are paramount. is highly relevant for leaders seeking to build strong, cohesive, and high-performing teams.
Focuses specifically on the STAR method for behavioral interviews. It provides a step-by-step approach to crafting compelling stories that highlight relevant skills and experiences. It is particularly useful for mastering a common and often challenging interview format.
Essential for those pursuing consulting roles, this book demystifies the case interview process and provides frameworks for tackling complex business problems. It highly regarded resource for a specific type of technical interview.
Delves into the pervasive collection and use of data in the digital age, examining the implications for privacy, security, and control. It is highly relevant to digital communication as it highlights the underlying data infrastructure and the power dynamics associated with it. This book is important for anyone concerned about privacy and security in the digital world.
Covers a range of technical interview topics, including data structures, algorithms, and other computer science concepts. It provides explanations and practice problems to help candidates prepare for technical assessments.
Understanding the principles of persuasion is beneficial for sales, marketing, leadership, and general professional interactions. Cialdini's classic book outlines key psychological triggers that influence decision-making. provides valuable insights for effective communication and negotiation.
Angela Duckworth's research highlights the importance of grit and perseverance for achieving long-term goals. is highly relevant for professional development, emphasizing the value of sustained effort and passion in overcoming challenges and achieving success.
A widely recognized book covering a broad range of interview questions, including behavioral ones. It offers practical advice and sample answers to help candidates effectively address difficult questions. This valuable reference for general interview preparation.
Considered a classic in the field, this book provides a rigorous and comprehensive treatment of information theory. It is essential for anyone seeking a deep theoretical understanding of the limits and possibilities of communication. is highly mathematical and best suited for graduate students and researchers.
This classic guide offers a holistic approach to job hunting, including valuable sections on interviewing. It helps readers identify their skills and interests to better articulate them during interviews. While not solely focused on interviewing, its comprehensive career advice makes it a strong foundational text.
Exposes the gender bias embedded in data and algorithms that shape our world, including digital technologies and communication platforms. Understanding data bias is crucial for developing more equitable and inclusive digital communication systems and content. This book is highly relevant for contemporary discussions on ethics and fairness in the digital realm.
Focuses on the importance of soft skills in today's job market. It provides practical advice and strategies for developing and improving skills such as communication, interpersonal relationships, and emotional intelligence.
Is essential for anyone transitioning into a new role, whether it's a promotion or a move to a new company. It provides a roadmap for successfully navigating the critical initial period, focusing on accelerating learning and achieving early wins. This highly practical guide for career transitions.
Offers a broad and deep dive into information theory and its applications, including coding theory and machine learning. It valuable resource for those looking to go beyond the fundamentals and explore related advanced topics. This book is best suited for graduate students and researchers.
Drawing on their experiences as Navy SEALs, the authors translate military leadership principles into powerful lessons for business and professional life. emphasizes taking responsibility and leading with discipline, offering a rigorous perspective on leadership development.
Focusing on crafting effective answers, this book helps job seekers understand the interviewer's mindset. It provides practical tips for responding to various question types, including behavioral questions. useful reference for refining communication skills in an interview setting.
This guide offers practical advice and sample answers for common interview questions. It helps candidates articulate their qualifications confidently and effectively. It's a useful resource for structuring responses and building confidence.
Provides numerous well-crafted answers to a variety of interview questions, including behavioral ones. It offers insights on highlighting strengths and avoiding common mistakes. It serves as a useful resource for developing strong responses.
Practical guide to career exploration and decision-making. It includes exercises and worksheets to help you clarify your values, interests, and skills.
This guide offers strategies for handling challenging interview questions. It emphasizes tailoring responses to the specific role and company culture. It's a valuable resource for developing thoughtful and effective responses.
Provides a step-by-step guide to prototyping, a key aspect of UX design. It covers different types of prototypes, how to create them, and how to use them to test and refine your designs.
Explores the role of emotions in UX design. It provides guidance on how to design products and services that are both emotionally appealing and usable.
Explores the principles of adaptive web design, a technique for designing websites that are responsive to different devices and screen sizes. It valuable resource for UX designers who want to create websites that are accessible and usable for all users.

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