Advice About Hiring A Helpful Genealogist

Finding and hiring a professional genealogist is about the same as hiring other professionals, like a tax consultant or a mechanic. You want to work with someone who understands you and your needs, understands your expectations, can meet deadlines and budgets, and have the experience and knowledge to help you achieve your goals. We are here to help you get your needs met and your goals accomplished.

Define your needs, as clear goals and expectations are the keys to successful results. Whether you are looking for someone to help you find a grandparent, talk to the local community, write your family history, or help you with your curriculum, it's essential to be exact. Be clear about what you hope to achieve. Not sure what professionals consider a clear and realistic goal? Let us help you make goals that a professional genealogist finds specific and achievable by reaching out to us today!

Consider searching for a professional by specialization, geographic location, and name at the Professional Genealogy Association or other regional genealogical associations to identify members who may meet your needs. Some genealogists have extensive knowledge of places and periods, which can help you find people who have studied your family for generations. However, others specialize in a particular field, period of study, or field of study (e.g., India, DNA, home history) that is important to your specific project. We find and vet the specialists, so you do not have to. Great professionals know what another good professional looks like or even know the right professional for your needs personally.

Professional genealogists can demonstrate their knowledge and experience in various ways. How much professional experience do they have? How much education do they have? Are they credentialed or recognized as having qualifications in genealogy or another relevant field? Do they have experience in an area, time frame, or topic (e.g., DNA, language skills, southern colonial studies) related to your research objectives? Do they study or publish in your area of ​​interest? Do their catalogs, flyers, or websites contain clear text and a passion for family history and customer engagement? We do this, so you do not have to- let an expert help you find the right expert for your project by contacting us today!

Find out about fees. Most professional genealogists charge an hourly fee for research or similar work. Hourly rates can range from $30- $40 an hour to more than $50 an hour, depending on experience, location, type of project and purpose, needs, time constraints, and other factors. We structure our services into economically priced service packages with clear terms of service and deliverable expectations.

Most genealogical services also come with some extra-hourly costs, including copying, some travel, and shipping. For some well-defined projects, a professional genealogist may set a standard hourly rate. A flat fee is also typical for speaking exercises and some types of writing and publishing projects. In most cases, you have to pay a retainer.

Check availability. Many specialists require several months' notice in advance of a needs filling. Some projects can take months or longer to complete depending on travel, documentation, and other factors. If you need work within a specific time frame, ask before you finish ordering. Some genealogists offer emergency services - especially when it comes to transcription - for a higher fee. Don't be afraid to ask for directions if you have questions or concerns; we are here to serve you!

When deciding who to hire, do you think the experts understand your mission and research goals? Can they meet your budget and schedule? Do they have professional experience in projects like yours, and are they aware of the required subscriptions or access to the collections needed to complete your project? Are you satisfied with their experience, skills, and level of education? Are they willing to cooperate to achieve the desired level of communication and commitment? We do this, so you do not have to- let an expert help you find the right expert for your project by contacting us today!

Set expectations before signing contracts or providing a retainer. Ensure you and your professional are on the same side regarding project goals, hours, fees, deadlines, end product, authorization—Agreeing on licensing, publishing, and communication expectations are essential to be on the same page with your professional. Get your project details in writing. A professional genealogist needs written consent before performing research services for their clients. Ensure your goals, tasks, and other expectations are clearly stated; this could be an email, contract, formal contract, or other documents. A written agreement setting out expectations and prior consultation in case of questions or doubts during the project implementation is necessary.

Through clear communication between the customer and the expert, most problems and false expectations can be avoided. If you have any questions or concerns during the project, don't be afraid to talk to your expert. If there is a problem that you cannot resolve directly with your specialist, go to the professional associations they are members of, and file a complaint.

Hiring the right genealogist or putting a team of genealogists together is no walk in the park for non-professional genealogists, whether they be experienced, novice, or just curious about their family of the past. We follow all of the advice you have read above, so all you have to do is contact us and purchase a package, and we will do the rest. We know how professionals tick because we are professional genealogists. Start your journey of discovery by contacting us today.