If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about your family history, you may have considered hiring a professional genealogist. After all, researching your family tree can be a time-consuming and complex process. With the help of an experienced genealogist, you can unlock the secrets of your past and make exciting discoveries about your ancestors. Let’s explore how to find the right professional genealogist for your research needs.
Make Sure They Have Experience with Your Ancestral Group
One of the most important aspects of finding an experienced genealogist is making sure that they have knowledge about the specific country or region from which your ancestors came. Most professional genealogists specialize in certain areas, so make sure to ask them what their area of expertise is and if they have any experience with your ancestral group. It’s also important to ask other genealogy specialists if they know anyone who specializes in this area or if they have worked with anyone who does.
Check Their Credentials
Professional genealogists should always be able to provide credentials that demonstrate their experience and expertise in the field. It’s a good idea to look for credentials such as certifications from organizations like The Board for Certification of Genealogists or memberships in organizations like The Association of Professional Genealogists. Additionally, make sure that any potential hire has some sort of portfolio or samples of their work so you can get an idea of their skillset before hiring them.
Be Clear About Your Goals
Once you’ve found someone who meets all these criteria, it’s time to discuss your goals with them. Be sure to be very clear about what it is you want out of this project—do you want a comprehensive report on all known family members? Are you looking for information on specific surnames or individuals? Do you need access to records only available through paid services? Once both parties have established expectations and agreed on terms, then it’s time to move forward with the research project!
How many hours do genealogists work?
The Hours of a Professional Genealogist
Genealogists spend hours each week researching their family’s past. Some work part-time, while others are professional researchers who command an average of 35 to 45 daily hours depending on the project at hand and how much time is required for completion; however, this number can fluctuate greatly based on any new initiatives taken into account as well as other tasks added to your weekly workloads such as writing reports or attending meetings—all of which some people may choose to forego if they’re interested in becoming a remote worker.
Is hiring a genealogist worth it?
If you’re looking to fill in the gaps in your family tree, you may be tempted to try and do it yourself. But with the amount of time and research required, is it worth it to hire a professional genealogist instead? Let’s take a look at why hiring a genealogist can be beneficial.
Save Time
The most obvious benefit of hiring a genealogist is that they can save you time. Professional genealogists have access to resources and databases that are inaccessible to the general public. They also know how to use those resources efficiently, so they can spend less time searching for each piece of information. This means that they will often have more success than someone researching on their own, as well as faster results.
Gain Access to Expertise
Genealogy isn’t just about finding records; it’s also about interpreting them correctly and piecing together all the different elements into one cohesive story. A professional genealogist has experience in this area and can help guide you through the process. They can provide valuable insights into historical trends and draw connections between different pieces of evidence. Ultimately, this expertise can make the difference between an incomplete family tree and one that is well-rounded and full of detail.
Peace of Mind
If you’re researching your own family history, there’s always the fear that you’ve made a mistake or overlooked something important. With a professional genealogist, you don’t have to worry about these things—they are trained experts who understand how to gather accurate information and make sure nothing slips through the cracks. In addition, they will typically save all the documents they find in an organized manner so that you have easy access later on if needed.
Hiring a professional genealogist may be worth it if you’re looking for an easier way to fill in your family tree without taking up too much time or effort. Not only do they have access to more resources than what is available to the public, but their expertise can help ensure accuracy in your research as well as provide invaluable insights into historical trends and connections between evidence pieces. Plus, their work will save you time and give you peace of mind knowing that someone who knows what they’re doing is handling your research project!
