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Public Administration & LegalISCO 2642

Fact checker

Fact checkers make certain that all the information in texts that are ready for publishing is correct. They research the facts thoroughly and correct errors.

Check your gapsCheck yourself in a minute ↓AI risk: 83/100 (very high risk)

Check yourself in a minute: fact checker

Rate 5 of the 9 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

proofread text

consult information sources

search databases

develop professional network

read manuscripts

About fact checker

As a fact checker, you will serve as a critical quality assurance professional in the publishing and media industry, ensuring that all information presented to readers is accurate, verifiable, and trustworthy. Your primary responsibility is to thoroughly research claims, statements, and data presented in manuscripts before they go to print or publication, identifying and correcting errors, inconsistencies, and misleading information. You will spend your days consulting diverse information sources including academic databases, search engines, government records, and expert interviews to verify facts across a wide range of topics. Your work requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to think critically about information credibility and source reliability. Beyond technical verification, you will also develop professional networks with subject matter experts and maintain up-to-date knowledge across multiple domains. This role is increasingly important in combating misinformation and maintaining journalistic integrity in Poland's growing digital media landscape.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a fact checker.

1

Research and Source Verification

  • Search databases and search engines to find credible sources for claim verification
  • Consult academic journals, government databases, and official records
  • Evaluate source credibility and reliability based on expertise and evidence quality
  • Perform background research on writing subjects to establish context and baseline knowledge
2

Document Review and Proofreading

  • Read manuscripts carefully to identify factual errors, inconsistencies, and contradictions
  • Proofread text for accuracy in quotes, statistics, dates, names, and attributions
  • Flag questionable claims and provide detailed corrections with source documentation
  • Compare published information against original sources to ensure accurate representation
3

Expert Consultation and Networking

  • Develop professional networks with subject matter experts across various disciplines
  • Conduct telephone and email interviews with specialists to verify complex information
  • Communicate by telephone with primary sources to clarify and confirm statements
  • Maintain relationships with trusted experts for ongoing fact-checking consultation
4

Scientific Research Methodology

  • Apply scientific research methodology principles to evaluate evidence and claims
  • Assess study quality, methodology, and statistical significance of research claims
  • Identify potential biases, conflicts of interest, and limitations in research sources
5

Documentation and Reporting

  • Document all corrections with citations and evidence supporting each change
  • Prepare detailed reports of findings for editors and writers
  • Maintain organized records of sources consulted and verification performed

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (9)

search enginessearch enginesThe methods and techniques to navigate search engines and find information quickly.scientific research methodologyscientific research methodologyThe theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.proofread textproofread textRead a text thoroughly, search for, review and correct errors to ensure content is valid for publishing.consult information sourcesconsult information sourcesConsult relevant information sources to find inspiration, to educate yourself on certain topics and to acquire background information.search databasessearch databasesSearch for information or people using databases.develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...read manuscriptsread manuscriptsRead incomplete or complete manuscripts from new or experienced authors.communicate by telephonecommunicate by telephoneLiaise via telephone by making and answering calls in a timely, professional and polite manner.perform background research on writing subjectperform background research on writing subjectRun thorough background research on writing subject; desk-based research as well as site visits and interviews.
Optional (8) — show
interview techniquesinterview techniquesThe techniques for getting information out of people by asking the right questions in the right way and to make them feel comfortable.press lawpress lawThe laws concerning the licensing of books and the freedom of expression in all products of the media.media and information literacymedia and information literacyThe ability to access media, to understand and critically evaluate different aspects of the media and media content and to create communications in a variety of contexts. It involves a range of cognit...interview peopleinterview peopleInterview people in a range of different circumstances.use word processing softwareuse word processing softwareUse computer software applications for composition, editing, formatting, and printing of any sort of written material.rewrite manuscriptsrewrite manuscriptsRewrite unpublished manuscripts to correct errors and to make them more appealing to the target audience.consult with editorconsult with editorConsult with the editor of a book, magazine, journal or other publications about expectations, requirements, and progress.writing techniqueswriting techniquesThe different techniques to write a story such as the descriptive, persuasive, first person and other techniques.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a fact checker do?

Fact checkers make certain that all the information in texts that are ready for publishing is correct. They research the facts thoroughly and correct errors.

What skills does a fact checker need?

A fact checker needs 9 essential skills, including search engines, scientific research methodology, proofread text, consult information sources, search databases.

Will AI replace fact checker jobs?

The AI disruption score for fact checker is 83/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: search engines, proofread text, use word processing software. Most resilient: perform background research on writing subject, develop professional network, consult with editor.

AI Replacement Risk

83/ 100
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Quick Facts

SectorPublic Administration & Legal
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills9

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