Watch a video to see why these Interviewers love their jobs

                          
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Frequently Asked Questions:

What do NORC interviewers do?
What is an Interviewer paid?
What hours do Interviewers work?
How much work are we talking about?
What about training?
What benefits are available?
Why do people enjoy interviewing for NORC?
Why do some people decide interviewing is not for them?
Still interested in being a Field Interviewer?
Requirements

What do NORC interviewers do?
Our interviewers are the backbone of our nationwide survey research operation. They talk to people from every conceivable walk of life, either by telephone or in person, to obtain information on issues that will affect social policy. (The people being surveyed, who are chosen through a complex scientific sampling procedure, are called “respondents.”) Interviewers administer carefully developed, field-tested questionnaires to respondents. These questions will either be printed or on laptop computers. Interviewers are responsible for protecting respondents’ privacy by keeping their answers confidential. Interviewers also keep accurate records and give reports on their work, usually through weekly calls to a Field Manager.

What is an Interviewer paid?
Interviewers are paid at a starting rate determined by their geographical area and their qualifications. Interviewers are paid on an hourly basis for all authorized time on an assignment, and reimbursed for all necessary expenses such as mileage, postage, and telephone calls. Their work is monitored and evaluated on an ongoing basis. At the end of the year, interviewers in good standing may receive an increase in pay in accordance with their performance and company guidelines for that year.

What hours do Interviewers work?
The hours that Interviewers work are scheduled according to the demand of NORC’s individual project deadlines. However, Interviewers may set the hours they want to work, within certain limits. Interviews must frequently be conducted in the evenings and on weekends – or whenever the respondents are most likely to be at home and available.

How much work are we talking about?
The amount of work depends on your assignment and on how much time NORC has available to do the interviewing it has contracted for. The schedule is extremely variable. Some months there are no assignments; some months Interviewers are asked to work 20 hours per week or less; and sometimes they are asked to work 40 hours in a given week.

What about training?
NORC’s experienced managers train people to become expert Interviewers. All newly hired interviewers receive general training. In addition, each project requires several hours of study at home and/or attendance at a project training session (often in another city). Expenses are paid for these training sessions. Successful completion of training is a prerequisite to continued employment.

What benefits are available?
See the benefits available to Field Interviewers, including retirement savings and limited health benefits.

Why do people enjoy interviewing for NORC?

People who enjoy interviewing say they have the chance to meet all kinds of people, and to see America from different points of view. If you are curious about the world around you, are open to meeting new people and to having new experiences, and like challenges, this may well be the job for you.

The experience of working as distant but essential partners with some of the top social scientists in the world is also a major attraction, as is an opportunity to contribute to the debate on important issues.

Why do some people decide interviewing is not for them?
The job of interviewing has much to offer – in challenge, interest, flexibility, and a chance to be part of important work. But is has some features that are less attractive to some people. Before applying, and spending your time and NORC’s we ask that you take a moment to think about these aspects of the job. While interviewing is rarely boring, it can be difficult, tiring, and stressful. You will be asked to conduct a specific number of interviews during a specific time period regardless of bad weather, bad roads, and other obstacles. While most respondents are cooperative and many are delighted to participate in a survey, others will be more difficult. You must feel comfortable knocking on strangers’ doors, in unfamiliar neighborhoods. You will frequently be asked to work evenings and weekends. The interviewer’s job also involves considerable clerical work, which must be performed with meticulous care. Finally, remember that interviewing is not “part-time” work in the traditional sense. Only rarely will a survey need interviewers for three of four hours a day five days a week. If you can’t fit your personal life around the highly irregular schedules that our field periods demand, the job will never work for you. We ask that you think carefully about whether you will be happy in a position with these challenges and these constraints. Interviewing can be a highly rewarding profession, but it isn’t for everyone.

Still interested in being a Field Interviewer?

NORC is looking for self-motivated, reliable, outgoing, persuasive people who are good time managers. Work for interviewers is most often sporadic, so applicants must be available for part/full time work and have a very flexible schedule – in order to interview respondents when they are available.

The position requires that interviewers gain the cooperation of respondents, often at the door, although there is no product or service selling. Field Interviewers report weekly to a Field Manager. The report includes analysis of case progress as well as Field Interviewer hours and expenses. The Field Managers work closely with Interviewers to assist with field problems, help build interviewing skill, and discuss upcoming projects.

Requirements:
In addition to meeting specific job requirements, employees hired for this position must present evidence of their identity and authorization to work in the United States (I9 documentation) and must undergo a background check. Also required are: a valid drivers license (exceptions can be made for applicants from major urban centers such as New York City), proof of auto liability insurance and unlimited use of an automobile in good working condition; a working home phone number; ability to carry a laptop computer and survey documents and supplies, and availability to attend in-person, paid training sessions (no exceptions).

NORC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values and actively seeks diversity in the workforce.