Preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of academic rigor and business pragmatism. You must be able to explain the "why" behind your research methods and clearly articulate the impact of your work on product outcomes.

Methodological Rigor – You should be prepared to defend your choice of research methods. Interviewers look for your ability to select the right tool for the job, whether it is qualitative user testing, A/B testing, or generative research.

Product Strategy – At Seatgeek, research is a driver of product strategy. You must demonstrate that you understand the business context, including how users perceive value and convenience in a marketplace model.

Collaborative Influence – Your ability to work across functions is essential. You will be evaluated on your skill in communicating findings to non-researchers and your ability to build consensus within a cross-functional team.

The interview process at Seatgeek is designed to evaluate both your tactical research skills and your cultural fit within a highly collaborative team. Typically, you will begin with a recruiter screen, followed by an in-depth conversation with a hiring manager. Final rounds often involve a portfolio presentation of your previous work and a series of technical and behavioral interviews with potential peers.

This timeline outlines the progression from initial screening to final team evaluation. You should use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have a strong project presentation ready for the final stage, as this is often the most heavily weighted component of the process.

Research Portfolio and Presentation

• This is your opportunity to showcase a deep-dive into a past project. Strong candidates show a clear "problem-to-impact" narrative, detailing the research questions, methodology, and the ultimate product changes that resulted from their work.

Be ready to go over:

• The specific research questions you aimed to answer.
• How you balanced qualitative insights with quantitative data.
• The outcome of the project and how you measured success.
• Advanced concepts: Discussing how you socialized findings across the organization to drive buy-in.

Product Critique

• You will likely be asked to evaluate Seatgeek’s products. Do not just list features; demonstrate an understanding of the user journey, the competitive landscape, and the business constraints.

Be ready to go over:

• Identifying friction points in the purchasing or ticket-management process.
• Suggesting improvements that align with Seatgeek’s brand and user base.
• Advanced concepts: Proposing a testing plan to validate your critique.

As a User Experience Researcher, your primary deliverable is actionable insight. You will spend your time conducting user interviews, running usability tests, and synthesizing these findings into reports that inform the product roadmap.

You will work as a bridge between the user and the product team. This involves:

• Translating complex business goals into clear research objectives.
• Partnering with designers to test prototypes before they reach development.
• Analyzing post-launch data to identify areas for iterative improvement.
• Maintaining a repository of user insights that the entire product organization can reference.

A competitive candidate for this role possesses a strong foundation in human-computer interaction or a related field, combined with experience in a product-led organization.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, strong communication skills, and experience working in an agile development environment.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with e-commerce or marketplace products, and knowledge of data visualization tools to present research findings effectively.

Q: How difficult are the interviews? A: Experiences vary, but the process is generally considered rigorous. Expect to be challenged on your research methodology and your ability to think critically about the Seatgeek product.

Q: Should I be prepared to critique the app? A: Yes. You should spend time using the Seatgeek app and website before your interviews. Note what works well, what feels clunky, and how you would improve it.

Q: How do I stand out? A: The most successful candidates are those who show a deep curiosity about the ticketing market and demonstrate that they can influence product decisions through data, not just opinion.

Q: What is the team culture like? A: The team is collaborative and values direct communication. Prepare to discuss how you navigate feedback and work with cross-functional partners.

• Research the market: Understand the challenges of the ticketing industry, such as price transparency and fraud prevention.
• Practice your "why": For every research method you mention, be ready to explain why it was the best choice over alternatives.
• Be prepared for the recruiter screen: While some recruiters may be brief, treat the initial call as a vital step where you can establish your competence and curiosity.

The User Experience Researcher role at Seatgeek is an opportunity to shape the future of live events for millions of fans. By focusing on your research methodology, your ability to provide deep product critiques, and your capacity to act as a bridge between users and product teams, you can significantly improve your standing.

Review your past work, sharpen your product insights, and approach your interviews with the confidence that your expertise is exactly what the team needs. Use the resources here to structure your thoughts, and remember that thorough preparation is the most effective way to navigate the interview process at Seatgeek. Success is within reach—start your preparation today.

The salary data provided represents general market expectations for this role and location. Use this to ensure your expectations are aligned with the company’s compensation structure as you move into the final stages of the interview process.