If there's one thing I've learnt... Jane Bloomfield

Careers advice from research practitioners. This month: Jane Bloomfield, head of innovation, Hall & Partners

The best advice I've had is… 'If it looks wrong, it probably is.' Trust your instincts – if the results don't feel right to you, insist they are double- and triple-checked until you're 100% happy.


The worst advice I've had is… 'Trust me, I've checked it and it's right.' More often than not this leads to embarrassing situations.


You know you're doing well when… the people you work with tell you so. Ask for feedback and listen – most people are constructive and no one's ever as tough as you think they will be. It's the quickest way to get better at what you do.


Don't overestimate… email. Nothing replaces a good old-fashioned chinwag. There is nothing worse than receiving an email from someone sitting a few feet away or receiving 10 emails on a topic when a simple call would resolve it all in seconds.


Don't underestimate… the need to take time out and think. It's important to step away from projects every now and then to put everything in perspective and see things from another angle. It's amazing the difference just nipping out for a cup of tea makes. Add a Tunnock's tea cake and it'll do wonders for your creativity.


If I hadn't been a researcher… I'd have been a chat show host. I'm very nosy and like to talk a lot.


One moment in my career I'll never forget is… walking into a meeting with a piece of tissue stuck to the end of my nose. It wasn't a good look, apparently. But it still took five minutes for anyone to actually tell me about it.


You must read… a lot.


Young researchers should… ask plenty of questions and challenge the way things are done. It's important to remember that it's about more than just the information in front of you – the exciting bit is working out what it means.


If this industry could only… shout a bit more about the contribution it makes to building brands. I still think the influence of research is often undervalued and poorly represented at senior levels.


One day I hope to… see more sunshine in London. Failing that I'll settle for evolving our thinking on how brand equity is built in today's world and developing a more relevant evaluation model to reflect that.


My career… has blossomed at Hall & Partners. They appreciate that people need room to grow and explore different opportunities.

December | 2008