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How to Become An Interviewer

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What is a Interviewer

A survey interviewer talks to people, asks questions, and records their answers for research projects. It is a great entry-level role for anyone who loves chatting with people. You can work in data and research without needing a degree to start.

Survey interviewers work by phone, face-to-face, or out in the community. They follow a set of questions, listen with care, and record each answer accurately. Some work in call centres; others go to public spaces like shopping centres or parks.

The key is accuracy. After each interview, interviewers check that all the important questions have been answered. They then pass the completed data to a supervisor or research team for analysis.

Survey interviewers work mainly in market research, social research, and government projects (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The role is flexible and often part-time or casual. It is a solid first step into a career in research or data.

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Career Outlook for Interviewer

Survey interviewing is an entry-level role with a small but active workforce. Around 800 people work in this role, mostly in research and consulting services (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). A share also work in public administration.

The median age is 37 years (ABS Labour Force Survey, 2025). Around 43% work full-time, averaging 41 hours per week. The rest work part-time or on a casual basis. This makes the role a good fit for those who need flexible hours.

Jobs are expected to fall by around 500 per year (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). Online surveys are replacing much of the need for field interviewers. But roles still exist in government surveys, census work, and commercial market studies where a human interviewer is required.

On this Article

Introduction

Average Salaries

Resources

Steps to Become an Interviewer

Step 1: Complete Year 12 or Equivalent

Most employers ask for Year 12 as a minimum. Focus on English, communications, and subjects that build numeracy and computer skills. These give you the base to read survey scripts, record data, and use digital tools common in field research.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120)

Enrol in the Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) at a TAFE or RTO. This takes 6 to 12 months full-time, or up to 18 months part-time. It covers workplace communication, data entry, and admin tasks used in survey work.

Step 3: Build Practical Communication and Data Skills

Practise active listening, clear speech, and accurate note-taking in daily life. Try customer service work or community groups to build real-world people skills. Short online courses in data entry and survey tools also help you stand out to employers.

Step 4: Apply for Entry-Level Survey Interviewer Roles

Look for roles at market research firms, government agencies like the ABS, or social research groups. Entry-level jobs often ask for no prior research background. List any customer service, community, or data entry work you have done in your application.

Step 5: Join The Research Society for Professional Development

The Research Society is Australia’s peak body for market research and insights. Student and early-career memberships are open to all. Members get training, events, and a code of conduct for sound survey practice. This can help you grow into senior research roles over time.

What does an Interviewer do?

On a typical day, a survey interviewer contacts people by phone or in person. They ask a set of prepared questions and record each answer with care. They also hand out forms and check that all key questions were filled in. Some interviewers work in call centres; others head out to public spaces like markets or shopping centres. The data they collect helps organisations understand what people think, need, and want. It is hands-on, people-focused work that feeds directly into real research outcomes.

Tasks

Survey interviewers collect data for research projects by talking to people and recording their answers. They work in call centres, public spaces, and in the field. No two days look exactly the same, which makes it a varied and active role. It suits anyone who likes being out and about and meeting new people.

  • Contacting participants: reaching people face-to-face or by phone to run surveys.
  • Recording responses: writing down or typing answers to survey questions.
  • Distributing questionnaires: giving out survey forms for participants to complete.
  • Collecting completed surveys: picking up filled forms and returning them to supervisors.
  • Checking for completeness: scanning forms to make sure all key questions were answered.
  • Conducting street interviews: stopping people in public places to ask survey questions.
  • Providing self-completion options: letting participants fill out forms on their own.
  • Encoding responses: putting data into a system and checking it is consistent.
  • Call centre work: running phone surveys from a call centre using a script.

Skills for Success

To do well as a survey interviewer, you need to be a good talker and an even better listener. People open up more when they feel at ease. Being warm and easy to talk to is a real advantage. Clear speech helps too.

You also need to be accurate. Recording wrong answers can affect the whole research project. Staying organised, managing your time well, and being adaptable will help you handle all kinds of interview situations with confidence.

Skills & Attributes

  • Clear verbal communication
  • Active listening
  • Empathy and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Accurate data recording and entry
  • Time management
  • Organisational skills
  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Basic computer and digital literacy
  • Understanding of survey methods
  • Ability to work independently
  • Critical thinking
  • Ability to engage with diverse groups
  • Patience and professionalism

Average Salaries

Survey interviewers in Australia often earn between $50,000 and $75,000 per year, based on recent Australian data. Official median weekly earnings are not published for this role (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025). The sample size is too small for a reliable figure. Pay tends to be higher for full-time work and roles in government or large research firms.

min $50 K

max $75 K

av $62 K

About the author

Laura Atkinson - Course Finder Groups
Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.