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.

A design research grad works on a large screen developing a research plan.

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 2025 program open on 18 March and close on 12 April 2024.

Locations

For 2025, 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 2024. You will 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 2023 through to February 2024.

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 2024. You will 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 2023 through to February 2024.

You’ll be invited to complete behavioural cognitive and, for some roles, technical assessments. For roles in the technical program (except for IT support grads), you’ll need to complete a HackerRank test, which you can practise beforehand, as it helps us understand what level and range of skills you currently have. For the design program, there’s a multiple-choice skills test to help us understand your level of technical knowledge.

Practise the HackerRank test

You’ll be invited to complete behavioural cognitive and, for some roles, technical assessments. For roles in the technical program (except for IT support grads), you’ll need to complete a HackerRank test, which you can practise beforehand, as it helps us understand what level and range of skills you currently have. For the design program, there’s a multiple-choice skills test to help us understand your level of technical knowledge.

Practise the HackerRank test

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 us by early September.

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 us by early September.

The grad day is a half-day virtual event where you’ll be assessed across different activities. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about Xero and the grad program. These days will be held at the end of September 2023

The grad day is a half-day virtual event where you’ll be assessed across different activities. You’ll also have an opportunity to learn more about Xero and the grad program. These days will be held at the end of September 2023

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