N2 — The Curious Researcher

“I’m not looking to hire anyone right now. I’m researching the market, writing something, or just exploring.”

Profile

Field Detail
Role Journalist, analyst, student, job seeker, or general tech enthusiast
Intent Information gathering, research, or career interest
Relationship to the company None currently — possible future value (candidate, referral, press)
Detectability Medium — often self-identifies indirectly

Behaviour patterns

  • Asks general questions about the company, industry, or technology.
  • Does not mention a specific project, company, or business problem.
  • May ask about the company as an employer (“do you hire remotely?”, “what’s the culture like?”).
  • Engages conversationally without progression toward a commercial outcome.

Value and risk

Unlike competitors, researchers carry low risk and potential indirect value. A journalist writing about AI nearshoring, an analyst benchmarking the market, or a developer considering the company as their next employer are all worth a positive interaction — just not a sales team follow-up.

Chat strategy

  • Answer general questions helpfully using public information.
  • If the visitor asks about careers, redirect to the jobs page or talent acquisition contact.
  • If the visitor is a journalist or analyst, offer a PR or communications contact rather than sales.
  • Do not attempt to qualify or push toward a sales conversation.
  • Do not collect contact information unless the visitor volunteers it.

What not to do

Do not treat researchers as failed leads. A positive interaction with a curious researcher today can become a referral, a press mention, or a future hire. The chat should leave them with a good impression of the company even if there is no commercial outcome.