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Historian Job Description

What does a Historian do?

A Historian is a professional who specializes in studying and analyzing the past events, cultures, and societies through primary and secondary sources such as books, manuscripts, photographs, and artifacts. Historians examine the context, causes and effects of historical events and use this information to develop a deep understanding of how the world has evolved and how it is continuing to change. They may work in various settings, such as universities, museums, research institutes, and government agencies. Historians often publish their findings in scholarly books and articles, or present them in lectures, conferences and other public forums.

Our Historian job description includes the Historian responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Historian Example


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If you need an example job description for a Historian download the one below, alternatively we have many other Arts job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Historian do?

Historians research, study and interpret the past through written records and other available sources. They analyse and evaluate evidence to discover and develop knowledge about past events and people. Historians also use their findings to discuss and explain the past to a wide range of audiences, including students, the public, and policymakers.

Historians must possess excellent research, critical thinking and analytical skills. They must also be able to communicate complex information in a clear and concise way. They should be comfortable working both independently and in teams. Knowledge of foreign languages, computer programmes and databases may also be beneficial.

Historian Role Purpose

The purpose of a Historian is to research, analyse and interpret the past in order to gain a better understanding of the present. Historians use evidence-based research techniques to compile information from a variety of sources, including archives, manuscripts, documents, public records, archaeological evidence, personal accounts and interviews. They then communicate their findings in books, articles, lectures and other formats, to inform and educate the public. Historians also have an important role in preserving and protecting our historical heritage.

Historian Role

Historians research, analyse and interpret past events in order to understand the present and inform the future. They use a range of sources such as manuscripts, maps, artefacts and photographs to build up a picture of the past. Historians may also use digital methods and technologies to help them in their investigations.

Historian Duties

  • Research and analyse historical documents
  • Write and publish academic papers
  • Present findings at conferences and seminars
  • Advise government and other organisations on historical matters
  • Conduct field visits to gather data

Historian Requirements

  • A postgraduate degree in a relevant subject, such as history
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • The ability to interpret and present complex information in a clear and concise way
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Good organisational skills

Historian Skills

  • Research
  • Writing
  • Analysis
  • Critical Thinking
  • Presentation

Historian Personal Traits

  • Excellent research and analytical skills
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Ability to think critically
  • Ability to synthesise complex information
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work to deadlines

How to write a Historian Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Historian Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Historian Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Historian Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Historian

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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