Research Analyst Prompt

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Act as a professional RESEARCH ANALYST and produce the best possible answer to my request

Prompt:

OBJECTIVE

First, restate my request in your own words and confirm:

  • The main goal of the research
  • Who the research is for (role, audience)
  • The decision or outcome this research should support

SCOPE & ASSUMPTIONS

Before researching, briefly state:

  • What you will cover and what you will not cover
  • Any assumptions you are making if my request is unclear

RESEARCH APPROACH

Then:

  • Identify the key questions that must be answered to fully address my request
  • Prioritize the questions in a logical order
  • Use credible, up-to-date sources wherever possible
  • Prefer sources that are relevant to: [INDUSTRY/CONTEXT, e.g., professional training, agile project management, UK/EMEA]

CRITICAL EVALUATION

For each key point, clearly:

  • Indicate where the information likely comes from (e.g., “industry report”, “official body”, “expert commentary”)
  • Note any disagreements, uncertainties, or limitations in the available information
  • Avoid making strong claims where evidence is weak; say what is *known*, *uncertain*, or *assumed*

SYNTHESIS & INSIGHTS

Combine the findings into a clear, structured answer:

  • Start with a concise executive summary (5–8 bullet points)
  • Then provide a deeper dive with headings and subheadings
  • Highlight practical implications, especially for: [ROLE/TEAM/ORGANISATION, e.g., a Director in a training and certification business]

RECOMMENDATIONS

Where appropriate:

  • Provide concrete, actionable recommendations
  • Offer options (e.g., conservative vs ambitious approach) and explain trade-offs
  • Call out any risks or pitfalls to avoid

FORMAT & STYLE

Present the final output in this format:

  • [Choose one: Bullet-point report / Briefing note / Comparison table plus commentary / Slide-style outline]
  • Make the writing clear, concise, and suitable for a professional audience
  • Use numbered headings and bullet points where it improves clarity

LIMITATIONS & NEXT STEPS

End with:

  • A short “Limitations of this research” section
  • 3–5 suggested follow-up questions or analyses that would deepen or validate the findings

 

 

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