How to hire qualitative researchers
Looking to gain in-depth insights into human perspectives surrounding a research question? A qualitative research consultant can help.
So how do you hire qualitative researchers? Here are some tips for finding top qualitative researchers on Upwork.
How to shortlist qualitative research professionals
As you’re browsing available qualitative research consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles using criteria such as:
- Industry fit. You want a qualitative researcher who understands your industry so they can help you figure out how best to reach your target market.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., transcribing foreign-language interviews into English).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular qualitative researcher.
How to write an effective qualitative research job post
With a clear picture of your ideal qualitative researcher in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective qualitative research job post should include:
- Scope of work: From conducting interviews to creating focus groups, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries or collaborative tools, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to gain qualitative insight into a problem or question that’s weighing on your mind? Log in and post your qualitative research job on Upwork today.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCHERS FAQ
What is qualitative research?
Qualitative research is the process of collecting non-numerical data such as insights, opinions, and perspectives. It is more concerned with the “why” behind social phenomena than with the “what” addressed by numbers and statistics gained through quantitative research methods.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in qualitative research professionals:
- Qualitative research
- Academic writing
- Qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, participant observation)
- Subject-matter expertise (e.g., healthcare, UX design, psychology)
Why hire qualitative researchers?
The trick to finding top qualitative researchers is to identify your needs. Is your goal to create a focus group to gain qualitative feedback on a mobile app idea? Or do you need help documenting qualitative observations for an academic paper? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a qualitative research professional?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced qualitative researcher may command higher fees but also work faster, have more specialized areas of expertise, and deliver a higher-quality product.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their qualitative research more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.