Field Interviewer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of data-driven decision making, the importance of Field Interviewers has never been greater.
As society evolves, so does the demand for skilled individuals who can collect, interpret, and utilize valuable information from the field.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Field Interviewer?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker aiming to grasp the core of this role,
- A hiring manager crafting the perfect candidate profile,
- Or simply curious about the intricacies of field interviewing,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we reveal a customizable Field Interviewer job description template, designed for convenient posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive straight into it.
Field Interviewer Duties and Responsibilities
Field Interviewers are primarily engaged in conducting surveys or gathering data directly from respondents in a variety of settings.
They are responsible for collecting accurate, high-quality data while maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor.
Field Interviewers have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Identify and contact potential survey respondents
- Explain the purpose and procedure of the survey or study to respondents
- Ensure that all information and data collected is accurate and reliable
- Conduct interviews in-person or via phone calls, mail, or the internet
- Use established guidelines and protocols to ensure that interviews are conducted in a consistent manner
- Record responses accurately, often using electronic devices such as tablets or laptops
- Review and check data collected for completeness and accuracy
- Resolve any issues or queries related to the survey or study
- Adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards when handling respondent’s information
- Report findings to the research team or survey administrators
- Participate in training sessions and meetings to improve interviewing skills and knowledge
Field Interviewer Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a dedicated Field Interviewer to assist with the collection of valuable data for our research projects.
Field Interviewer responsibilities include conducting thorough interviews, recording accurate data, and presenting findings to the project team.
Our ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, able to build rapport with a variety of respondents and handle sensitive information with professionalism.
Ultimately, the role of the Field Interviewer is to provide the highest quality data through professional, precise, and ethical interviewing techniques.
Responsibilities
- Conduct and record information during field interviews
- Ensure data gathered is accurate and representative
- Manage data entry tasks and validate data sets
- Adhere to ethical guidelines and protect respondent’s privacy and data
- Report and present findings to project team
- Resolve or report interview challenges or issues
- Establish rapport with respondents to encourage truthful responses
- Manage logistics and maintenance of data collection tools and equipment
- Attend trainings and workshops to improve interviewing techniques and understanding of project objectives
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Field Interviewer or similar role
- Experience with data collection tools and techniques
- Excellent communication skills
- Good understanding of research methodologies
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
- High school degree; further education in Sociology, Psychology or a related field is a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Field Interviewer
- Work Environment: Field work, typically involving travel to interview locations. Some office work may be required for trainings, meetings, and data entry.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Project Manager or Research Supervisor.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Field Interviewer Do?
Field Interviewers work across various industries including market research, journalism, social research, and healthcare.
They are primarily responsible for gathering information by interviewing targeted individuals or groups.
They conduct face-to-face interviews, either at the interviewee’s location or other designated places.
They might ask a set of predefined questions or conduct an open-ended discussion depending on the nature of the research.
Field Interviewers are responsible for accurately recording responses, usually by writing, audio recording, or digital means.
They then analyze the collected data to draw conclusions or provide actionable insights.
They may also be required to recruit participants for their research, ensuring a diverse and representative sample for the study.
Sometimes, Field Interviewers might need to follow up on initial interviews to clarify or gather additional information.
In all their tasks, they must adhere to ethical guidelines and respect privacy and confidentiality rules when dealing with sensitive information.
Field Interviewer Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Field Interviewer should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively converse with a diverse range of individuals and accurately document their responses.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills to build a rapport with interviewees, making them feel comfortable and open to sharing information.
- Research skills to plan and conduct interviews, and also to analyze data obtained from the interviews.
- A keen attention to detail to accurately record and report responses, ensuring the integrity of the data collected.
- Problem-solving skills to handle difficult interviewees or unexpected situations during fieldwork.
- Time management skills to schedule and complete interviews within the stipulated timeframe, manage travel logistics, and prepare timely reports.
- Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to interact with people from various backgrounds and to understand and respect their perspectives.
- Physical endurance for long travel hours and fieldwork in diverse settings.
Field Interviewer Experience Requirements
Field Interviewers should ideally have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in roles involving extensive public interaction such as customer service representatives, sales associates, or social work.
These roles help develop necessary interpersonal skills and an understanding of how to handle various social situations.
Experience in conducting surveys or interviews, either in an academic or professional setting, is highly valuable.
This can often be gained through internships or temporary roles that involve data collection, marketing research or public opinion polling.
Those with more than 3 years of experience in the field of data collection or interviewing are often more adept at dealing with complex interviewing situations, have a better understanding of research methodologies and can handle fieldwork logistics more effectively.
Candidates with over 5 years of experience may have experience in managing teams of interviewers, training new recruits, or handling more complex research projects.
Such candidates are often suitable for supervisory or management roles within field interviewing teams.
Knowledge of specific industries relevant to the interviewing focus area can also be beneficial.
For instance, a field interviewer focusing on healthcare topics might benefit from prior experience in a medical or health services role.
Similarly, fluency in more than one language could also be advantageous in certain demographics or regions.
Field Interviewer Education and Training Requirements
Field Interviewers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, though some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, market research or a related field.
Field Interviewers should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they often interact with various people in different environments.
Therefore, some training in communication skills or customer service can be beneficial.
Knowledge in data collection and basic statistical techniques is also necessary for the job, which can be acquired through relevant courses or on-the-job training.
In some cases, specific subject matter expertise may be required, depending on the nature of the research.
For instance, a health-related survey might require knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare practices.
Some field interviewers may need to complete training or certification in ethical research practices, particularly when working with sensitive populations or handling confidential information.
Experience with computer software and mobile devices, especially those used for data collection and survey administration, is often a requirement or at least a valuable asset.
Ongoing training may be necessary to stay updated with the latest research methods and technologies.
Field Interviewer Salary Expectations
A Field Interviewer can expect to earn an average salary of $37,000 (USD) per year.
This salary can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, specific industry, and the location where the job is based.
Field Interviewer Job Description FAQs
What skills does a field interviewer need?
A field interviewer should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish a rapport with respondents and extract accurate information.
They need strong organizational abilities to handle multiple interviews and keep track of the collected data.
Proficiency in language, patience, and an empathetic approach towards respondents are also important.
Basic computer skills for data entry and analysis are usually required.
Do field interviewers need a degree?
Field interviewers don’t typically need a degree, but having a diploma or certification in social sciences, psychology, sociology, or a related field can be beneficial.
Training in research methods and interviewing techniques is often more important.
Some organizations may require a degree depending on the complexity and subject matter of the research being conducted.
What should you look for in a field interviewer resume?
A field interviewer’s resume should reflect their experience in conducting interviews or surveys, data collection, and analysis.
Look for evidence of their ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and their skill in maintaining confidentiality and accuracy in data handling.
Proficiency in using research tools and software should also be noted.
Lastly, check for any certifications or training they’ve received that relate to interviewing and data collection.
What qualities make a good field interviewer?
A good field interviewer should be able to communicate effectively, with the ability to put respondents at ease and encourage open, honest responses.
They should also be persistent and patient, especially when dealing with respondents who may be reluctant to share information.
Good field interviewers are also observant, able to pick up on non-verbal cues and body language.
They must be detail-oriented to ensure that the data they collect is accurate and comprehensive.
What are the daily duties of a field interviewer?
On a typical day, a Field Interviewer may start by reviewing their schedule of appointments, contacting respondents to confirm or reschedule meetings, and planning their route for the day.
They then travel to the locations of the interviews, conduct the interviews, and record the responses accurately.
They may also be responsible for entering the collected data into a database or software program.
At the end of the day, they review the collected data for completeness and accuracy.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve delved into the engaging world of a field interviewer.
Surprise, surprise?
It’s not just about conducting interviews.
It’s about gathering crucial data, one conversation at a time.
With our go-to field interviewer job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to make your move.
But why limit yourself?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your one-stop resource for creating meticulously detailed job listings or for refining your resume to shine.
Remember:
Every conversation is a piece of the larger puzzle.
Let’s solve that puzzle. Together.
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