At a Glance
- Tasks: Connect with sources and conduct insightful interviews to gather investment intelligence.
- Company: Blue Heron Research, a dynamic firm founded by journalists with a focus on business intelligence.
- Benefits: Freelance pay per interview, competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and vacation time.
- Other info: Work remotely and collaborate online with a global team.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make an impact in the world of investment research.
- Qualifications: Motivated journalists with strong interviewing skills and a knack for persistence.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking for very motivated, very persistent journalists who have a good understanding of corporations and are excellent interviewers to join a business intelligence firm that is expanding in Europe with freelancers and full-time hires. We are also looking for freelance researchers in China and Japan.
We are Blue Heron Research Partners, a research firm founded 10 years ago by journalists who have found a niche in investment intelligence. Several Reuters alums now work at Blue Heron, and they like our Reuters background. One of our project managers has relocated to Florence, Italy from New York, and is leading our expansion in Europe. Asia projects are run from New York.
We do custom research for institutional investors, using old-fashioned shoe leather and journalistic initiatives. The primary role for researchers is to connect to sources who can provide first-hand perspectives about the subject of a project - very often management teams at public or private companies. We want to understand what influences their decision-making, their personalities as executives, how they manage up and down, how they handle adversity, and their prospects for growth. We talk to former colleagues, competitors, customers and other relevant sources.
The job usually starts out on a freelance basis to give researchers a chance to see how Blue Heron operates and to assess the interest, curiosity and tenacity of freelancers to succeed in obtaining and carrying out high quality interviews. Those who do not do well in this environment typically do not display initiative or may be easily dissuaded from the “pleasant persistence” sometimes required to obtain an interview.
Freelancers are paid per completed interview. Once hired full time, Blue Heron pays a competitive base salary, along with a substantial quarterly bonus based on the number of calls completed. In addition, the company has standard benefits, including health insurance, vacation time, and US 401k retirement programmes.
Blue Heron's office is in New York, but researchers can work from their home and collaborate online. Expertise in a particular industry is very helpful, as well as a background in a particular region of the world and language skills. But most important is a drive and willingness to chase after sources and dig deep into the subject matter on calls.
Blue Heron Research seeks journalist researchers in Europe, China and Japan employer: THE BARON
Blue Heron Research is an exceptional employer for motivated journalists seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of business intelligence. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and flexibility, our team enjoys the freedom to work remotely while engaging in high-quality research that drives investment decisions. We offer competitive compensation, including substantial bonuses and comprehensive benefits, alongside a supportive culture that values persistence and initiative, making it an ideal environment for professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Blue Heron Research seeks journalist researchers in Europe, China and Japan
✨Showcase Your Best Work
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✨Network with Peers and Editors
Get involved in online journalism communities and forums. Join Facebook groups or Twitter chats where journalists hang out—this is where you can learn about confidential job leads and get personal referrals from fellow freelancers!
✨Pitch, Pitch, Pitch!
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We think you need these skills to ace Blue Heron Research seeks journalist researchers in Europe, China and Japan
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:As a freelance journalist, your portfolio is everything! Curate a selection of your best articles, blog posts, or multimedia projects that showcase your writing flair and versatility. Make sure to include a variety of topics and styles, and consider linking them directly in your application for easy access!
Tailor Your Pitch:When applying for a freelance role like this one with THE BARON, don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your pitch to resonate with THE BARON’s values and areas of focus. Mention specific articles or projects from them that inspire you and explain how your skills align with their mission — this shows you’ve done your homework!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Got experience in journalism or media? Make sure you highlight it! Whether it's internships, previous freelance gigs, or even writing for your uni paper, detail what you did and how it’s relevant to the role at THE BARON. Specific achievements, like awards or recognitions, can also give you that extra edge!
Flexibility & Availability:Since you're freelancing, mentioning your availability is key! Being flexible can make you more attractive to THE BARON. In your application, clearly outline your current workload and when you can take on new projects, so they can see you're ready to jump in when needed!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE BARON
✨Showcase Your Unique Voice
As freelancers in journalism and media, it's crucial to highlight your unique storytelling style. Share examples of your work that demonstrate your voice and perspective – whether that’s through articles, videos, or podcasts. This helps THE BARON see what you can bring to the table!
✨Pitch Stories Like a Pro
Freelancing often means you're selling your ideas just as much as your skills. Prepare a few story pitches that align with THE BARON’s focus and ethos, showing them you understand their audience and what they value. This will make you stand out as a proactive candidate who’s already thinking about content for them.
✨Be Ready for Technical Know-How
Expect technical questions related to the media tools and software you're familiar with — whether it’s editing software like Adobe Premiere or content management systems. Brush up on these tools, as being able to confidently discuss your tech skills could clinch your position!
✨Focus on Flexibility and Networking
As a freelancer, flexibility can be your ace in the hole. During your interview, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and juggle multiple projects. Plus, if you have a network of contacts or collaborators, mention that too – it shows you're connected and can produce engaging content reliably.
