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Researcher Application Process
How The Platform Works:
Clients Submit A Research Request
Clients seeking diverse inputs to their research process (the approach, screeners, surveys, stimuli etc.) submit a research request via the IIC Forward Portal.
Research requests fall into 3 categories: Simple (1-5 pgs), Intermediate (6-15 pgs) and Advanced (16-25 pgs). Special Requests for 50 to 100 pages can also be made.
Freelancer pay is determined by the size of the request. Click Here to see payout rates.
Freelancers Answer the Call
IIC Forward Researchers are instantly notified of the request and must log-in to the portal to indicate if they are available to take it.
Researchers then download the documents, review them, ask clarifying questions and upload them back into the portal with notes in 24-72hrs.
All requests come with an optional 30 minute call with the client that researchers must also be available for either before or after the request is submitted.
Once complete, payment is released.
Sign Up To Join
IIC Forward is the only Marketplace service that requires additional steps to be completed before freelancers can be fully confirmed (15-20min process in total).
If you have already filled out the Eligibility form, skip to step 2. For more information, refer to the Researcher FAQs.
Step 2:
Assessment
To determine your eligibility you will be required to do a quick baseline assessment of your skillset (below).
(3-5 mins)
As a reminder, the purpose of the assessment is to understand how you might review documents from clients seeking oversite and inputs on the best ways to think about inclusive research. This may mean reviewing and commenting on identity labels, research categories, topic matters, socioeconomic considerations and more.
Step 3:
Create a Profile
Register for the IIC Forward Portal and submit your resume and assessment document (3-5mins). Wait to hear back from IIC Staff to see if you qualify.
Because this requires a separate system, you will have to answer some familiar questions. Save this portal page in your bookmarks!
Researcher FAQs
How soon am I expected to respond to new requests?
If you’re available, as soon as possible. Most requests have a 24hr – 72hr return window depending on the size of the document.
How long do requests typically take to complete.
The more you do, the faster you'll get, but in general they should take no more than 1-4 hours of your time, depending on the size of the request. Most take 1 hour or less. We built this platform as a way to help you make extra money while doing larger projects. That said we do not intend for these requests to take up a majority of your time.
How do I know if I’m verified?
You will be able to have access to your full profile and see your personal information.
How soon do I get paid once the work is submitted?
We are aiming to release payments in batches to all researchers- twice a month
How much are the researchers paid?
Researchers receive 80-90% of the fees paid by customers. The remainder covers fees to keep portal functional and operating. The total you are paid depends on how many requests you respond to. To see our payout rates, click here.
Can clients contact me outside of the portal?
Having contact with clients outside the IIC portal or outside of the initial research request is against IIC Forwards platform rules.
What if I need to speak with the client?
Clients and IIC Freelancers have the ability to communicate with one another in the portal. Additionally, clients are granted the option to have a 30minute briefing/ debriefing call with all researchers who respond to their requests. If necessary any additional needs can be addressed on those calls.
What if there’s something I don’t know or that I’m not sure of when it comes to what’s submitted?
Be honest with your client and let them know that, or, if you prefer, send a note to IIC Forward’s email address and we will do out best to help. For most requests there will often be at least 1 additional researcher submitting answers as well.
Why would more than one researcher be needed?
Diversity and Inclusivity can be a moving target and can feel different to different people. It’s always best to get multiple opinions and perspectives on anything dealing with inclusion to make sure you get it right.
Who are the BIPOC researchers reviewing customer requests?
Other Freelancers and contract researchers who are vetted through IIC’s onboarding process.
What types of clients will be using this tool?
Brands and agencies with research departments and insights specialists that may not have access to diverse researchers on their teams.
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What should I expect after recieving a research request?
An email will be sent to you immediately. Researchers who are available to work on the requests must indicate in the system that they are taking it. Otherwise the request will remain open for other researchers to take it.
You will then be expected to review the details of the request, download all documents and add notes to them as needed before uploading them back into the portal. Unless clients message you for further details the request will be considered complete.
What kind of documents can clients submit?
Anything associated with the research process: screeners, proposals, reports, discussion guides, surveys, stimulus and more.
Can clients choose the researcher(s) that review their requests?
No. However, all clients can input the parameters of the type of researchers and skillset they think would suit their project needs best based on experience, subject matter expertise, gender, ethnicity and other indicators.
What about confidentiality?
Along with IIC’s onboarding and vetting process, all researchers must sign IIC’s confidentiality and terms & conditions agreements before being considered for hire. In addition to that, all clients have the option of uploading their own confidentiality agreements into the portal. Researchers can not begin working on any requests until all agreements are submitted.
How long is client information kept in the system?
All research request documents will be deleted after 30 days from the date of completion.
​What is expected of me for the consulting option?
We have two consulting options. For the 1hr consulting call, that should usually come after you submit the document(s) back to the client and will be utilized any time the client wants to speak with you about your responses- typically a day or two after you submit the information. The second consulting option is a month long engagement and consists of no more than 4 touchpoints with the client (up to 5hrs of your time within a 30 calendar day period). Within this period you can expect up to 4 phone sessions and to potentially be sent 1-3 documents to review.
Researcher FAQs
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