Market research telephone interviewers call people to collect valuable information on their attitudes, opinions and experiences.
Entry requirements and key competencies
The majority of employers of market research telephone interviewers take on people over the age of 18 years. No set qualifications are required, but enthusiasm and good communication skills are highly desirable, as is experience of working in a customer service role.
Training for new recruits is often carried out in-house. Supervisory staff tend to oversee the first set of interviews conducted by new recruits. Many employers encourage their staff to study for professional qualifications from the Market Research Society. Such qualifications include the MRS/City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Market and Social Research and the MRS Advanced Certificate in Market and Social Research Practice.
Salaries and key employers
Employment opportunities for market researchers are found through specialist market research agencies, which are predominantly based in large cities and towns. However, the majority of these agencies employ interviewers from across the UK. Employers of telephone interviewers include market research agencies, social research organisations, research institutes and government departments. Positions tend to be advertised in the press and through specialist recruitment agencies.
Experienced telephone interviewers may be able to move into supervisor jobs.