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- 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Freelance role with opportunities for growth and earning potential.
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.
About Us: 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: 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.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise: 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.
Benefits & Pay: 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 Sales Rep - Remote Flexible - Kirkwall employer: the National Centre for Social Research
Contact Detail:
the National Centre for Social Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Field Sales Rep - Remote Flexible - Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the National Centre for Social Research and their mission. Understanding their values and the impact of social research will help you connect better during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your resilience and people skills by engaging in mock door-to-door conversations with friends or family. This will help you prepare for real-life scenarios where you might face rejection, allowing you to bounce back quickly and maintain a positive attitude.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your ability to work independently by sharing examples from previous experiences where you successfully managed your time and tasks without direct supervision. This will highlight your suitability for the freelance nature of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your approach to handling difficult conversations during the final interview. Think of specific instances where you navigated challenging discussions effectively, as this will demonstrate your confidence and problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Field Sales Rep - Remote Flexible - Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Field Sales Rep. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, especially in social research or sales roles. Emphasise your resilience, people skills, and any previous experience that demonstrates your ability to handle rejection and engage in meaningful conversations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for social research and your motivation to contribute to public policy. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your skills and how they relate to the role.
Prepare for the Video Interview: Since the application process includes a one-way video interview, practice answering common interview questions. Focus on demonstrating your confidence, communication skills, and ability to bounce back from challenges.
How to prepare for a job interview at the National Centre for Social Research
✨Show Your Resilience
In this role, 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
As a Field Sales Rep, excellent people skills are crucial. Prepare to discuss situations where you've successfully engaged with others, especially in challenging conversations. This will show that you can connect with people and encourage them to share their stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
The role requires a genuine interest in understanding people's lives. Be ready to talk about what drives your curiosity and how it has influenced your previous work or studies. This will help convey your passion for making a difference through social research.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Technology
Since you'll be using a tablet for interviews, ensure you're comfortable with basic technology. Mention any relevant experience you have with tech tools during the interview, as this will reassure them of your capability to handle the digital aspects of the job.
