For everything from screening college applicants, to gathering patients’ medical history, to polling citizens about government plans, professional Interviewers gather information from the public. Interviewers ask prepared questions and carefully record the responses. They ask for demographic details about the people they interview, and about preferences, spending habits, or political interests. Many work for healthcare facilities to gain accurate information about patients' medical history and health coverage. Interviewers need to be pleasant and tactful, even after hours of sitting or standing. They need to be good listeners, and be careful not to influence answers one way or another. Detail orientation, analytical thinking, and organizational skills are all important for work like coding, compiling and sorting the data they collect. Schedules vary based on the project, but most employers require a high school diploma, or its equivalent to enter the field. Fluency in a second language is a plus. Interviewers help ensure that many important decisions affecting the public are based on complete and accurate information.
What they do:
Interview persons by telephone, mail, in person, or by other means for the purpose of completing forms, applications, or questionnaires. Ask specific questions, record answers, and assist persons with completing form. May sort, classify, and file forms.
On the job, you would:
Ask questions in accordance with instructions to obtain various specified information, such as person's name, address, age, religious preference, or state of residency.
Identify and report problems in obtaining valid data.
Ensure payment for services by verifying benefits with the person's insurance provider or working out financing options.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
understanding people's reactions
looking for ways to help people
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
order or arrange things
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Adaptability/Flexibility
Stress Tolerance
Integrity
Self Control
Dependability
You might use software like this on the job:
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP Business Objects
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Creative Research Systems The Survey System
SaaS SurveyMonkey
high school diploma/GED or associate's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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