Nature of the Work

Interviewers obtain and verify information from individuals and businesses by mail, telephone, or in person for the purpose of completing forms, applications, and questionnaires, such as market research surveys, Census forms, college admission applications, and medical histories. They review the answers for completeness and accuracy and record the information.

Education and Training

Most employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma or its equivalent or a mix of education and related experience. New employees generally are trained on the job.

Job Outlook

Employment change. Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Rapid growth in the healthcare and market research industries that employ the majority of these workers will generate jobs for interviewers. However, the expanding use of online surveys and questionnaires to conduct market research and the increasing use of digital health records will impede growth.

Job prospects. Job prospects are expected to be good. Turnover is generally high for this occupation where over a quarter of the jobs are part time. Applicants with good customer service and communications skills and those that are detail oriented should have the best prospects.