At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct in-depth investigations and produce clear, accurate reports on complex issues.
- Company: Join a leading investigative research firm with a team of former journalists.
- Benefits: Fully remote work, substantial responsibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work on diverse international assignments in a fast-growing specialist firm.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by uncovering hidden information and providing strategic insights.
- Qualifications: Strong investigative skills, interviewing experience, and a background in journalism preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Hartford Advisers
Hartford Advisers is a specialist strategic intelligence and investigative research firm. Our team is primarily made up of former investigative journalists, and we work with leading private equity firms, institutional investors, corporates and advisers on complex investigations and intelligence assignments around the world.
We are looking for a talented Senior Associate – Investigative Researcher to join our growing team. We are particularly interested in hearing from journalists and former journalists. Candidates with experience in investigative journalism, business or financial journalism, data journalism or other research-intensive reporting roles are strongly encouraged to apply.
The role is particularly well suited to journalists who enjoy the investigative side of reporting: finding information that is difficult to access, developing and interviewing sources, interrogating public records and data, substantiating allegations and turning complex evidence into clear, accurate written findings.
The Role
- Investigative due diligence on companies, management teams and counterparties
- Investigations into allegations of fraud, misconduct, corruption, governance failures and other potential concerns
- Strategic and market intelligence for investors, including investment thesis testing and competitive intelligence
- Detailed assessments of senior executives and management teams
- Public-record and data-led investigations across multiple jurisdictions
- Extensive interviews with former employees, competitors, customers, industry participants and other knowledgeable sources
You will take significant responsibility for assignments, from developing an investigative approach and identifying and developing sources through to conducting interviews, analysing findings and producing detailed written reports. This is not a conventional desk-research role. We are looking for someone who is naturally investigative: able to take a difficult question, work out how to answer it, identify the right sources and evidence, follow up on interesting leads and obtain information that the client could not readily have obtained themselves.
About You
- Excellent investigative and research skills
- Strong interviewing experience and the confidence to develop, question and follow up with sources
- The ability to find information that is difficult to locate through conventional research
- Experience substantiating and corroborating findings across multiple sources
- Excellent judgement when assessing the reliability, credibility and significance of information
- Exceptional written English and the ability to explain complex findings clearly and precisely
- Strong attention to detail and a rigorous approach to factual accuracy
- The ability to work independently and manage several fast-moving investigations simultaneously
- A curious, sceptical and persistent approach to research
- Experience using corporate records, financial filings, litigation records, regulatory databases, public datasets or other investigative research tools would be particularly useful.
Professional journalism experience is strongly preferred, particularly within investigative, business, financial or data journalism. We will also consider exceptional candidates from corporate intelligence or other investigative research backgrounds who can demonstrate similarly strong investigative, interviewing and writing skills.
Working at Hartford
Hartford is a fully remote UK business. We offer substantial responsibility, exposure to complex international assignments and the opportunity to develop within a fast-growing specialist investigative firm.
Senior Associate – Investigative Research in Belfast employer: Hartford Advisers
Hartford Advisers is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and entrepreneurial work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the field of digital marketing and operations. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to continuous learning opportunities and the chance to lead innovative projects that drive revenue. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate – Investigative Research in Belfast
✨Get Involved in Local Journalism
Join local journalism groups or community events to meet industry folks and make connections. Try volunteering for community newspapers or online platforms – it's a great way to get your foot in the door and show your commitment to the craft.
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Create a personal website or a blog to showcase your best articles, videos, or multimedia projects. This not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your passion for journalism and helps establish your personal brand in the media landscape.
✨Stay Updated on the Industry Trends
Follow industry leaders on social media and stay updated on the latest trends in journalism. Engage with them by sharing your thoughts or asking questions – you never know when an informative tweet might catch the eye of a recruiter or journalist at Hartford Advisers!
✨Explore Internships for Full-Time Opportunities
Don’t shy away from internships, even if you’re looking for full-time roles. Many journalism companies, like Hartford Advisers, often hire from their intern pool, so using these as stepping stones can really pay off. Keep an eye on their career page for any openings!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate – Investigative Research in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills:In journalism and media, your ability to write well is essential, so make sure your CV and cover letter reflect that. Include diverse writing samples, whether they’re articles, blog posts, or reports, that showcase your style and versatility. We want to see your voice and ability to engage an audience from the get-go!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've interned at a media outlet or contributed to any publications—whether student-run or professional—don't keep it a secret! We love seeing real-world experience, so clearly detail your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify your impact where possible, like mentioning audience growth or story reach.
Tailor Your Application for Hartford Advisers:When applying for the Senior Associate – Investigative Research role at Hartford Advisers, really dig into what makes their content stand out. Reference their tone, style, or any recent articles that resonated with you in your cover letter. This shows we you’re not just sending out generic applications—you’re genuinely interested in what we do!
Prepare for a Portfolio Spotlight:Since you're applying for a full-time role, you're likely expected to have a portfolio ready to go. Make sure to curate a selection of your best work that aligns with what Hartford Advisers produces. Provide a link to your online portfolio in your CV and be prepared to discuss your favourite pieces in interviews—this is your chance to shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hartford Advisers
✨Show Off Your Writing Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best writing samples. This is crucial in journalism as hiring managers want to see your voice and style. Make sure to include a variety of pieces, like news articles, features, and opinion pieces, showing your versatility.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
During the interview, be ready to discuss how you approach storytelling. You might be asked to outline a story you reported on, your process for gathering information, and how you engage your audience. Practice telling a couple of your best stories concisely and compellingly.
✨Know the Current Media Landscape
Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they affect journalism today. Familiarise yourself with key developments in media, and have opinions ready for discussions about digital versus traditional platforms, as well as ethical considerations in reporting.
✨Convey Your Passion and Drive
As you’re applying for a full-time role, they’ll want to know about your long-term commitment to journalism. Share your aspirations for future projects, any internships or freelance work, and how you see yourself growing within Hartford Advisers. Show that you’re not just looking for a job, but a career in journalism.
