Are you curious about the life of a Research writer? Well, here's an in-depth guide to becoming one!
Who is a research writer?
For anyone who needs content for their website, writing articles can be a great way to get them. However, it can sometimes be difficult to come up with original ideas. This is where research writers come in. They are responsible for coming up with the main body of the article and ensuring all facts are correct.
The best part about being a research writer is that you get paid for your creativity! Being able to combine your interest in writing with your desire to learn new things every day make this profession perfect for many people.
What does the job involve?
The role of a research writer can vary depending on where you work. However, there are some common tasks that you can expect to undertake. These may include:
- Conducting research - You will need to conduct research into your chosen subject area and gather information from a variety of sources.
- Writing articles - Once you have gathered all the relevant information, it's time to start writing! You will need to produce well-written, informative articles that are engaging and easy to read.
- Editing and proofreading - It's important that all information is accurate and presented in a clear way. As such, you may need to spend some time editing your work as well as proofreading too.
Where can you work?
There are a variety of places where you can work as a research writer. These include:
- Solo-Practitioner/Freelance Writer - A common route for many people to take is freelancing from home. However, there's always the possibility that you won't get paid when working independently.
- University or College Researcher - If you have a degree in a relevant subject and love doing research, then this could be a great option for you! You will gain valuable experience writing within academic contexts and also get paid for your efforts too.
- Journalist - Working as a journalist is an exciting but challenging role in which you report news stories based on facts rather than opinions. In order to become one, it would help if you already have a degree, experience in the field, and a deep understanding of your subject area.
Requirements
In order to become a research writer, you don't necessarily need a degree. However, it is often helpful to have one as it demonstrates your ability to conduct research and write in an academic context. Many employers also look for experience in the field, so having some previous writing experience will give you a head start.
What skills do you need?
In order to become a successful research writer, there are certain skills that you will need. These include:
- Journalistic writing - In order to write for newspapers or magazines, you should be able to use journalistic language and present facts without bias. In addition to this, attention to detail is also important so that readers can trust the information they read is accurate.
- Creativity - The life of a research writer means coming up with new and exciting ideas every day! You will need an interest in learning about different subjects and possessing great imagination too. If you love thinking outside the box then this could be the job for you!
- Research skills - As a research writer, you will be expected to conduct accurate research and present your findings in an articulate way. This involves having excellent writing and organizational skills.
- Critical thinking - In order to weigh up the pros and cons of different arguments, you need to be able to think critically. This skill is essential for anyone who wants to work as a research writer or journalist.
- Computer skills - In order to write for the web, you will need to be competent in using computers. This includes being able to use different software programs and understand basic coding too.
What tools and software do research writers use?
In order to conduct research and write effectively, you will need a computer. Many people prefer laptops as they are more portable and convenient for working on the go. In addition, many research writers also make use of different software programs such as:
Microsoft Word - is a common writing program that enables you to quickly type up documents and create various styles too.
Google Docs - This helps you work collaboratively with colleagues from anywhere in the world using just your internet connection! It's a very useful tool if you plan on doing collaborating or working in teams.
Adobe Acrobat - This is a popular choice among researchers due to its ability to combine PDF documents together, convert them into editable text files and so much more!
SPSS - This software is used for statistical analysis and can be very helpful when carrying out research for reports or articles.
What can a company offer you?
Your employer can offer you a number of benefits, including:
- Flexible working hours - This is ideal for those with other commitments outside of work or for those who want to avoid the rush hour traffic!
- Paid vacation days - All full-time employees are usually entitled to a certain number of paid vacation days each year.
- Medical and dental insurance - In order to ensure you stay healthy both physically and mentally, many companies offer their employees medical and dental insurance as part of their benefits package.
- 401k Plan - A 401k plan is an excellent way to save for your retirement. Many employers will match your contributions, making it a very beneficial deal for you.
- Employee assistance program - If ever find yourself struggling with personal issues or just need someone to talk to, your company's employee assistance program will be there to help.
- Tuition reimbursement - If you wish to continue learning and develop your skills, many employers offer their employees tuition reimbursement programs. This means you can study for a degree or take professional development courses at your own pace and expense!
How can you apply for this position?
You can apply for research writer jobs online either through your own social media accounts or by creating a professional profile on sites such as:
- LinkedIn - is a popular option for those who prefer networking with others and want to find out more about the industry they're interested in.
- Indeed - Indeed is an excellent tool that keeps you up-to-date with all the latest job postings and hiring trends. You can also determine how much you should be getting paid depending on your location, experience and so much more!
- Glassdoor - Having access to company reviews written by former employees will help you better understand what working at different companies is like before applying. Searching 'Research Writer' on this site will provide you with some useful results!
Once you have found a research writing job that you are interested in, the application process will usually involve the following steps:
Submitting your resume and cover letter - Your resume should highlight all of your relevant skills and experience as it pertains to the position you are applying for. Make sure to tailor your cover letter to each job you apply to - this will show that you have taken the time to read and understand the job posting fully.
Interviewing - if your resume and cover letter have caught the employer's attention, they may invite you for an interview. This is your opportunity to sell yourself and discuss why you would be the perfect candidate for the job!
Reference checks - after an offer to the successful candidate, many companies will conduct reference checks with their previous employers. This is to ensure that they are hiring someone who can be trusted and can perform at the best of their abilities.
What questions should you ask during the interview?
Some questions you may want to ask during the interview process include:
What would be my main responsibilities?
Am I required to work overtime?
What is the company culture like?
Do you offer training and development opportunities?
Is travel required for this position?
Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?
These are just some examples - feel free to ask whatever you like in order to gain a better understanding of what the job would entail and if it's the right fit for you.
If you want to pass the interview successfully, it is also important to research the company you are interviewing with. This will show that you are interested in the role and have taken the time to learn about the company's history, values, and goals. Some companies may also require a writing test as part of the application process. If this is the case, make sure to practice beforehand so that you can showcase your best work!
How much money will you make as a research writer?
There are many factors that determine how much money you can make as a research writer. These include:
Where you work - Working independently means that you will be able to set your own rates and decide on what projects you take on. As such, there is more opportunity for flexibility in the amount of money that you can earn. However, it's unlikely that you will find consistent paid work this way.
Working at universities or colleges - This involves teaching students about researched topics as well as conducting your own research too. You may also have to supervise postgraduate research from time to time which offers additional opportunities for payment. In addition to this, they often pay a good salary, especially if you're working as a tenured professor!
Working for a publishing company - If you work for a publishing company, you may be paid an hourly wage or receive a set fee for each article that you write. This can be a more reliable form of income, but the rates may not be as high as those offered by universities or colleges.
Freelance writing - As a freelance writer, you will generally be paid per article. Rates vary depending on the publication and your level of experience. However, it's important to remember that there is no guarantee of consistent work.
Do you need special courses to become a research writer?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to become a research writer is to gain experience in the field. However, there are some courses which can help you to develop your skills and knowledge in this area.
How do I know if I am a good research writer?
The best way to determine if you have the skills required for a research writer position is to ask yourself the following questions: Can I synthesize information from a variety of sources? Can I write clearly and concisely? Can I think critically and problem solve?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you may have what it takes to be a successful research writer!
Internship
An internship at a publishing company can offer you valuable experience, competitive pay, and the chance to network with professionals in your field. A research writing course might be appreciated by some employers, but it's important to remember that there is no set route into this area of work. On the other hand, you can also gain experience as a research writer by volunteering for charities and non-profit organizations.
What are the prospects of a research writer?
The prospects of a research writer vary depending on their chosen field. For example, freelance writers may have more opportunities to work from home, but may not always receive regular payment. Journalists often have to work long hours and may experience periods of unemployment.
However, with hard work and dedication, the career prospects for both roles are generally good. Many employers look for individuals with writing skills, critical thinking abilities, and research experience so having these qualities will give you an advantage when looking for jobs.
Career paths
There are many job opportunities available for research writers. They include:
- Research assistants - these researchers work either independently or as part of a team to conduct extensive research on behalf of other people. For example, they may work within companies, government departments, and charities.
- Freelance writing - As a freelance writer, you can write for publications both online and offline depending on your preferences. You will generally be paid per article which is usually dependent on the size of the publication that you're writing for.
- Journalism - If you want to report news stories in an innovative way, then journalism could be the perfect career choice for you! Research skills are essential in this role journalists need to find creative ways that will make their stories stand out from the rest.
- Academic writing - If you're interested in working as a professor or tenured academic, then you will need to have excellent research and writing skills. This area of work can be both challenging and rewarding, and it often offers great opportunities for career growth.
Final thoughts
A career as a research writer can be rewarding, challenging, and exciting. The best route into this field is to gain practical experience or complete research writing courses to increase your knowledge of the industry. There are many job roles within this area of work that vary depending on what you want to do and where you want to do it!