Graduate design researchers
Graduate design researchers support the planning, research, analysis and presentation of insights about Xero users.
The role
As a design research graduate, you’ll research, analyse and share insights about attitudes and behaviours of people who use Xero, as well as those who don’t yet but might in future.
You’ll learn about people’s lives outside of their interactions with Xero, and observe their experience using Xero. You’ll identify where people get stuck and why. You’ll help the wider business focus on the most critical user problems and opportunities that we can address, then help to inform the most delightful and effective experiences.
As a graduate design researcher, you’ll develop research plans, conduct studies, analyse results, and report back actionable findings. You’ll have the opportunity to broaden your skills in a wide range of research methods, including deep-dive interviews, concept and usability testing, surveys, and more. Throughout the research process, you’ll be working collaboratively with people from research, design, engineering and product in cross-functional teams.
What we’d like to see from you
You’ll be a great listener and able to put yourself in other people’s shoes. You’ll have an analytical side and a knack for crafting beautiful user experiences.
We’re looking for applicants with a degree in a relevant field such as design, anthropology, psychology or any field with a research focus.
Ideally you’ll:
- be an excellent communicator and team player
- be a problem solver who can take a logical, analytical approach while being user-focused
- be a creative, agile, motivated and passionate person
- like to question the status quo and take the initiative
If this sounds like you, get in touch! We’d love to hear from you.
Applications for the 2026 program open on 7 April and close on 20 April 2025.
Locations
For 2026, we’ll be hiring graduate design research grads in Wellington.
Grad and intern program application process
Applicants for the grad program must have fewer than 12 months professional working experience in relevant industries, either have the right to work full-time in New Zealand or will be eligible to work full-time after graduating, and be able to start full-time in February 2026. If you’re a current or past university student applying for a role in your field of study, you’ll need to provide a copy of your transcript. You’ll also need to send your CV but only so we can use it to verify your eligibility. If you’re applying for an internship, you must be in your penultimate year of study in your chosen field and be available for full-time work from November 2025 through to February 2026.
Applicants for the grad program must have fewer than 12 months professional working experience in relevant industries, either have the right to work full-time in New Zealand or will be eligible to work full-time after graduating, and be able to start full-time in February 2026. If you’re a current or past university student applying for a role in your field of study, you’ll need to provide a copy of your transcript. You’ll also need to send your CV but only so we can use it to verify your eligibility. If you’re applying for an internship, you must be in your penultimate year of study in your chosen field and be available for full-time work from November 2025 through to February 2026.
You’ll be invited to complete both a behavioural and a technical assessment. For roles in the technical program, the technical assessment is a HackerRank test which helps us understand your current range and level of skills – you can practise the test beforehand. For the design program, there’s a multiple-choice skills test to help us understand your level of technical knowledge.
Practise the HackerRank testYou’ll be invited to complete both a behavioural and a technical assessment. For roles in the technical program, the technical assessment is a HackerRank test which helps us understand your current range and level of skills – you can practise the test beforehand. For the design program, there’s a multiple-choice skills test to help us understand your level of technical knowledge.
Practise the HackerRank testNext, you’ll be invited to pre-record a video interview for our team. If your video interview is successful, you’ll be invited to attend a grad day. We’ll review all applications before making a decision, so you can expect to hear from by the end of May.
Next, you’ll be invited to pre-record a video interview for our team. If your video interview is successful, you’ll be invited to attend a grad day. We’ll review all applications before making a decision, so you can expect to hear from by the end of May.
The grad day is a half-day virtual event, held at the end of May or in early June 2025, where you’ll be assessed across different activities. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about Xero and the grad program.
The grad day is a half-day virtual event, held at the end of May or in early June 2025, where you’ll be assessed across different activities. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about Xero and the grad program.
Questions? Send us a message.
Keen to understand the program in more detail? Or have questions about the application process? Send us an email at gradcareers@xero.com and we'll get back to you to run through anything you need once applications open mid-July 2023