Preparation for this role requires a blend of methodological rigor and strong communication skills. You should view your preparation as an exercise in storytelling: you must be able to articulate the business value of your research just as clearly as you explain the research design.

Research Methodology – You will be evaluated on your depth of knowledge regarding qualitative and quantitative research methods. Be prepared to explain not just how you conduct a study, but why you chose a specific approach over others and how you accounted for potential biases.

Strategic Influence – Wise. Energy values researchers who can move beyond reporting findings to actively shaping strategy. Demonstrate your ability to translate raw data into clear, prioritized recommendations that help product teams make informed decisions.

Cross-functional Collaboration – You will work with diverse teams, often under time pressure. Highlight your experience in translating complex technical concepts into language that non-researchers can understand and act upon.

The interview process at Wise. Energy is designed to be thorough yet respectful of your time. It typically begins with an initial screening with the Talent Acquisition team to establish your baseline experience and alignment with the company’s mission. If successful, you will move into a series of interviews that include a portfolio review and meetings with key stakeholders, such as product managers or engineering leads.

The process is highly focused on your practical application of research. You should expect a presentation component, which is a standard part of the process, allowing you to showcase a deep dive into a past project. The atmosphere is generally described as welcoming and professional, though you should be prepared for an in-person commitment as the company values the collaborative nature of face-to-face engagement.

This timeline illustrates the progression from initial screening to final team-based evaluations. Candidates should interpret this as a structured journey where each stage builds on the last, moving from general fit to specific technical and practical competency. Expect the process to move efficiently once you have passed the initial screening, so having your portfolio and key case studies ready in advance is essential.

Portfolio Review

This is the cornerstone of your evaluation. Interviewers are looking for clarity, structure, and evidence of impact. A strong performance involves clearly defining the problem, your role in the research, the methods used, and the ultimate outcome for the user and business.

Be ready to go over:

• The specific constraints of your past projects.
• How you recruited participants and handled data privacy.
• Your process for synthesizing findings into actionable insights.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "What was the most significant challenge in this project, and how did you overcome it?"
• "If you could redo this research today, what would you change?"

Stakeholder Management

The ability to influence without formal authority is vital. You will be evaluated on how you communicate difficult findings and how you build consensus within a team that may have conflicting priorities.

Be ready to go over:

• Managing expectations during a project.
• Turning negative research results into constructive product feedback.
• How you prioritize research tasks when resources are limited.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Tell me about a time you had to deliver bad news to a product lead."
• "How do you handle a situation where a stakeholder ignores your research findings?"

As a User Experience Researcher at Wise. Energy, your primary responsibility is to serve as the voice of the user throughout the development lifecycle. You will spend your time planning and executing studies, ranging from generative discovery research to evaluative usability testing. You will be the one in the room ensuring that the team understands the "why" behind user behaviors, rather than just the "what."

Collaboration is central to your day-to-day. You will work closely with Product Designers to iterate on wireframes and prototypes, and with Engineers to ensure that research findings are technically feasible to implement. You will also be responsible for maintaining a repository of research insights, ensuring that your team can access and build upon historical knowledge. This is a role for someone who is comfortable working in a dynamic environment where projects evolve rapidly and priorities can shift.

To be competitive for this role, you must demonstrate both deep research expertise and a pragmatic approach to product development.

• Must-have skills: Proficiency in a variety of qualitative methods (interviews, diary studies, usability testing), strong communication skills for reporting, and experience working in an agile, cross-functional environment.
• Nice-to-have skills: Experience with quantitative research (surveys, A/B testing analysis), knowledge of the energy or fintech sectors, and familiarity with collaborative design tools like Figma.
• Experience: Typically, 3+ years of professional experience in a dedicated User Experience Research role, though the ability to demonstrate high-level impact in your portfolio is more important than specific tenure.

Q: Is the interview process mostly remote or in-person? A: Wise. Energy typically conducts key parts of the interview process, including presentations, in-person at their office. You should be prepared to travel to the office for these stages.

Q: How long should I spend preparing my presentation? A: You will be given time to prepare, but start working on your core case studies now. Focus on a project that highlights both your methodology and your ability to influence product outcomes.

Q: What differentiates successful candidates? A: Successful candidates don't just show off their research; they show how that research directly led to a better user experience or a business win. Be clear about the impact of your work.

Q: How difficult is the interview? A: The difficulty is generally considered average, provided you are well-prepared. The challenge lies in the clarity of your communication and your ability to handle the specific, practical nature of the questions.

• Structure your answers: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep your answers focused and impactful.
• Know your audience: Remember that you are speaking to product and design partners, not just other researchers. Keep your language accessible.
• Be ready for the "pivot": Be prepared to discuss how you adapt when things go wrong—whether it's a participant no-show or a change in project scope.
• Focus on the "Why": Don't just list methods. Explain why you chose them and what they taught you about the user.

The User Experience Researcher role at Wise. Energy is an opportunity to shape the future of how people interact with energy technology. By focusing on your research methodology, your ability to influence cross-functional teams, and your capacity to turn data into meaningful product outcomes, you will position yourself as a strong candidate.

Preparation is your greatest advantage. Review your past projects through the lens of business impact, refine your presentation, and ensure you can clearly articulate your design philosophy. You have the tools to succeed, and with a focused, strategic approach to your interview preparation, you can confidently demonstrate the value you bring to the team. You can find more resources and insights to guide your journey on Dataford. Good luck with your preparation.