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What does a Research Interviewer do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A research interviewer is a person who conducts interviews with research participants. The interviewer may be employed by a research organization, or may be a freelance contractor. The interviewer's job is to ask questions of the research participants in order to collect data that will be used in the research project. The interviewer must be skilled in both question design and interviewing techniques, and must be able to maintain a neutral and objective manner throughout the interview.

Research Interviewer job duties include:

  • Establish rapport with research participants
  • Explain the purpose of the research study to participants
  • Ask participants questions about their experiences and opinions
  • Record participants’ responses
  • Keep track of which participants have been interviewed
  • Follow the script provided by the researcher
  • Keep track of the time spent with each participant
  • Thank participants for their time
  • Upload interview data to a secure server

Research Interviewer Job Requirements

A research interviewer is someone who conducts surveys and interviews with research participants. They may work in a variety of settings, including market research firms, government agencies, and educational institutions. Most research interviewers have at least a bachelor's degree, although some jobs may require a master's degree or higher. In addition, research interviewers must be able to effectively communicate with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. They must also be able to use computers and other technology to record and analyze data.

Research Interviewer Skills

  • Active listening
  • Asking questions
  • Clarifying
  • Paraphrasing
  • Probe
  • Summarizing
  • Follow up questions
  • Rapport
  • Empathy
  • Body language
  • Tone of voice
  • Listening

Related: Top Research Interviewer Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Research Interviewer

A research interviewer is a professional who conducts interviews with research participants. They may work in a variety of settings, including academic institutions, market research firms, and government agencies. As a research interviewer, you will be responsible for conducting in-person or telephone interviews with research participants, asking them questions about their opinions, experiences, or behaviors.

To become a research interviewer, you will need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. You should be able to ask probing questions and encourage people to open up and share information. It is also important that you be able to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines.

If you are interested in becoming a research interviewer, there are a few steps you can take to get started. First, consider pursuing a degree in psychology or a related field. This will give you the necessary foundation in research methods and interviewing techniques. You can also consider completing an internship or volunteer position with a market research firm or other organization that conducts interviews. This will give you the opportunity to gain experience and learn the ropes of the job.

Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start applying for jobs as a research interviewer. Many organizations that conduct research rely on contract interviewers, so there may be opportunities to work remotely or on a freelance basis. To increase your chances of being hired, be sure to highlight your strong communication and interpersonal skills on your resume and during interviews.

Related: Research Interviewer Resume Example

Related: Research Interviewer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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