Additional Information
Most employers require that research interviewers have high school diplomas.
Experience is preferred but not necessary. On-the-job training is provided.
Paul Speidel is a training coordinator for a research company. He says
that at his company, students currently in Grades 10 or 11 would be considered
on a case-by-case basis.
Researcher Melanie Luba says there are good opportunities for interview
researchers to work their way up. Many go on to become supervisors or managers
of call centers, for example. "We like to promote from within as much as possible,"
she says.
Research interviewers must have good communication skills. They need a
good command of the English language. And they must have a friendly voice
and telephone manner.
"They need to have a winning way with people. The ability to get people
to do what you want is very important at this job," says phone room coordinator
Dottie Oliver.
The ability to make decisions and exercise good judgment is also important.
"And they must be very reliable," adds Oliver. "If we have a 45-minute interview
booked with a respondent, we must be able to count on the research interviewer
to show up and do the interview."