At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the community, conducting interviews to gather insights that shape public policy.
- Company: Join Britain’s largest independent social research organisation, impacting millions through meaningful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, performance-based pay, and bonuses for your hard work.
- Other info: This freelance role offers resilience-building experiences and the chance to work independently.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by capturing stories that improve public services and support communities.
- Qualifications: Must have a valid UK driving licence, a car, and be comfortable with technology.
Out on the doorsteps, in tune with the nation. As a Social Research Interviewer, you’ll play a vital role in capturing the voices that help shape public policy and services across the UK. You’ll visit people in their homes, using a tablet to guide conversations that uncover real stories about daily life — from routines and opinions to the challenges people face.
This isn’t a desk job — you’ll be out in the community, knocking on doors in your local area. While the people you visit will have received a letter about the research, they might not always be expecting you — or even want to take part. You’ll get doors closed, refusals, or no answer at all. That’s part of the job — and it can be tough at times. But if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t take it personally and can bounce back with the same energy at the next door, this could be the perfect role for you.
What makes this role special is when someone says yes. When they open up and share their thoughts, you’ll know you’ve captured something that could genuinely improve public services and support for communities. You’ll need resilience, confidence, and excellent people skills. If you’re comfortable with rejection, motivated by meaningful conversations, and enjoy working independently, this could be the perfect role for you.
We’re Britain’s largest independent social research organisation. Every day, we help shape policies that impact millions of people — from transport and education to healthcare and housing. Our work is trusted by government departments, charities, and universities because it’s powered by the real experiences of people like you. And that’s where you come in. With a nationwide team of over 700 interviewers and nurses, we go out into communities to ask the questions that matter — the ones that help Britain understand itself better.
Our recruitment process blends human expertise with technology to ensure every application is thoroughly assessed. Here’s what to expect:
- Application
- One-Way Video Interview (via Willo)
- Final Interview (including role play)
- Offer
- Hired
If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the process, please let us know.
We’re looking for someone who’s curious, confident, and driven by the desire to make a real difference. This role isn’t always easy — you’ll face knockbacks, unanswered doors, and the occasional difficult conversation. That’s why resilience matters just as much as people skills. You’ll need to bounce back quickly, stay positive, and keep going with the same level of energy. If you thrive on meaningful conversations, enjoy working independently, and are passionate about contributing to research that shapes public policy and services, we’d love to hear from you.
To be considered for this role, you’ll also need:
- A valid UK driving licence and sole use of a car.
- Class 1 Business insurance.
- The right to work in the UK.
- A willingness to complete a DBS check.
- A reliable broadband internet connection at home.
- A laptop or tablet with a camera.
- Confidence with basic technology.
- The ability to commit to at least 20 hours per week.
- Flexibility to work across weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
This is a freelance role with flexible hours and performance-based pay, meaning the more you work, the more you can earn. You’ll earn for every interview you complete — typically £18–£20 per interview, plus additional admin fees and holiday pay (12.1%).
We also offer:
- Travel time (for most projects) at £4.68/hour.
- Mileage at 36p per mile (up to 10,000 miles).
- A £250 bonus after your two-day launch, plus two more £250 bonuses after two and four months of active work.
- On average, our interviewers earn around £15.12 per hour (including holiday pay), with many earning more as they gain experience and build confidence.
At The National Centre for Social Research we believe that social research has the power to make life better. By really understanding the complexity of people’s lives and what they think about the issues that affect them, we give the public a powerful and influential role in shaping services that can make a difference to everyone. And as an independent, not-for-profit organisation we’re able to focus our time and energy on meeting our clients’ needs and delivering social research that works for society.
Field Interviewer - Inverness employer: the National Centre for Social Research
The National Centre for Social Research is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities while enjoying a competitive salary and generous leave provisions in the vibrant city of London. This role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in social research but also provides the flexibility of a hybrid working arrangement, making it an attractive choice for those seeking rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
the National Centre for Social Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Field Interviewer - Inverness
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Centre for Social Research's mission and recent projects. Understanding their work will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your resilience skills by role-playing difficult scenarios with friends or family. This will prepare you for potential rejections and help you develop strategies to bounce back quickly, which is crucial for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Get comfortable using technology, especially tablets, as you'll be using one to guide your conversations. Familiarity with basic tech will boost your confidence and ensure smooth interactions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former interviewers from the National Centre for Social Research. They can provide valuable insights into the role and share tips on how to succeed, giving you an edge in the recruitment process.
We think you need these skills to ace Field Interviewer - Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Field Interviewer. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as resilience and excellent people skills, to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience that showcases your ability to handle rejection, engage in meaningful conversations, and work independently. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for social research and your motivation to contribute to public policy. Mention why you are interested in this role and how your personal qualities align with the job requirements.
Prepare for the Video Interview:Since the recruitment process includes a one-way video interview, practice answering common interview questions related to the role. Ensure you have a quiet space, good lighting, and a reliable internet connection for the recording.
How to prepare for a job interview at the National Centre for Social Research
✨Show Your Resilience
As a Field Interviewer, you'll face rejection and unanswered doors. During the interview, share examples of how you've bounced back from setbacks in the past. This will demonstrate your resilience and ability to stay positive.
✨Highlight Your People Skills
This role requires excellent people skills. Be prepared to discuss your experience in engaging with diverse individuals and how you handle difficult conversations. Show that you can connect with people and make them feel comfortable.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savviness
You'll be using a tablet for interviews, so it's important to show your confidence with basic technology. Mention any relevant experience you have with tech tools or apps, and be ready to discuss how you adapt to new technologies.
✨Express Your Passion for Social Research
Convey your enthusiasm for making a difference through social research. Discuss why you believe capturing people's stories is important and how it can impact public policy. This will show your alignment with the organisation's mission.
