Top 10 Questions for Field Interviewer Interview

1. Describe your experience in conducting field interviews, including the types of respondents you have interviewed and the methods you have used.

In my previous role as a Field Interviewer, I conducted over 200 in-person and telephone interviews with a diverse range of respondents. I have experience interviewing individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, and ethnicities. I am also proficient in using a variety of interview techniques, including structured, semi-structured, and open-ended interviews.

2. What are some of the challenges you have faced in conducting field interviews, and how did you overcome them?

Overcoming Language Barriers

• Utilized translation services or enlisted the help of a bilingual colleague to facilitate communication.
• Employed visual aids and nonverbal cues to convey questions and responses.

Establishing Rapport with Uncooperative Respondents

• Built trust by actively listening, showing empathy, and respecting respondents’ boundaries.
• Adjusted my interview approach to accommodate individual preferences and communication styles.
• Provided incentives or offered to reschedule the interview to increase cooperation.

3. How do you ensure that the data you collect during field interviews is accurate and reliable?

• Followed strict interview protocols and adhered to ethical guidelines.
• Repeated questions to ensure comprehension and minimize bias.
• Recorded responses verbatim or used a structured survey instrument to maintain accuracy.
• Cross-checked data with multiple respondents or secondary sources to enhance reliability.

4. What are some of the ethical considerations that you keep in mind when conducting field interviews?

• Obtained informed consent from all participants, explaining the purpose of the study and their rights.
• Maintained confidentiality by encrypting data and adhering to privacy protocols.
• Respected respondents’ time and privacy, scheduling interviews at convenient times and keeping them within a reasonable duration.
• Avoided any form of coercion or undue influence to ensure unbiased responses.

5. How do you handle situations where respondents are unwilling or unable to provide information?

• Thanked respondents for their time and acknowledged their right to decline participation.
• Politely persisted with the interview if appropriate, addressing any concerns or hesitations.
• Offered alternative ways to provide information, such as written submissions or online surveys.
• Noted the reason for non-response in my documentation for accurate data interpretation.

6. Describe your experience in using technology to support field interviews.

• Utilized mobile data collection apps to record interviews digitally, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Employed online survey platforms for remote interviews, expanding the reach of the study.
• Used scheduling software to manage appointments and reduce no-shows.
• Leveraged GPS tracking to optimize travel routes and minimize time spent in transit.

7. How do you stay up-to-date with best practices in field interviewing?

• Attend industry conferences and workshops to learn about new techniques and ethical considerations.
• Read academic journals and research papers to stay informed about current trends and methodologies.
• Participate in online forums and discussion groups to connect with other professionals and share experiences.
• Seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to identify areas for improvement.

8. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a Field Interviewer?

Strengths

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, enabling me to establish rapport and build trust with respondents.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data collection.
• Ability to think critically and adapt to unexpected situations, maintaining professionalism and composure.

Weaknesses

• Limited experience in conducting interviews with individuals with disabilities or cognitive impairments.
• Occasional difficulty in juggling multiple interviews and managing time effectively.

9. How do you prepare for a field interview, and what materials do you typically bring with you?

• Thoroughly review the interview guide and study background materials to familiarize myself with the research objectives.
• Research the respondent’s industry or area of expertise to ask informed questions.
• Bring a laptop or tablet for digital data collection, as well as a backup recording device.
• Prepare a pen and notebook for note-taking, consent forms, and other necessary documents.

10. What is your approach to writing interview reports, and how do you ensure their accuracy and objectivity?

• Immediately transcribe interviews or review notes to capture key points and avoid information loss.
• Write reports promptly while memories are fresh, using clear and concise language.
• Objectively summarize respondent responses without adding personal interpretations or biases.
• Have reports reviewed by a supervisor or colleague for accuracy and completeness before submission.

Field Interviewers are responsible for conducting interviews with individuals and groups to collect data for research purposes. They typically work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private research firms.

1. Interviewing Respondents

Field Interviewers are responsible for interviewing respondents in a variety of settings, including homes, businesses, and public places. They must be able to build rapport with respondents and encourage them to participate in the interview.

• Develop interview questions and protocols.
• Schedule and conduct interviews with respondents.
• Record and document interview data accurately.

2. Collecting Data

Field Interviewers are responsible for collecting data from respondents. This data may include demographic information, opinions, and experiences.

• Collect data through interviews, surveys, and other methods.
• Enter data into a database or spreadsheet.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of the data.

3. Maintaining Confidentiality

Field Interviewers are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of respondent information. They must not share respondent information with anyone outside of the research team.

• Protect the privacy of respondents.
• Follow all ethical guidelines for research.

4. Other Responsibilities

Field Interviewers may also be responsible for other tasks, such as:

• Recruiting respondents for interviews.
• Training new interviewers.
• Supervising other interviewers.

Preparing for an interview can be daunting, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success.

1. Research the Company and Position

Before you go to your interview, do some research on the company and the position you’re applying for. This will help you understand the company’s culture and what they’re looking for in a candidate.

• Visit the company’s website.
• Read articles about the company.
• Talk to people who work for the company.

2. Practice Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

There are a few common interview questions that you’re likely to be asked, such as “Tell me about yourself” and “Why are you interested in this position?” Practice your answers to these questions in advance so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely.

• Use the STAR method to answer interview questions.
• Be specific and provide examples.
• Practice your answers out loud.

3. Dress Professionally

First impressions matter, so make sure you dress professionally for your interview. This means wearing a suit or business casual attire. You should also make sure that your clothes are clean and pressed.

• Choose clothes that are appropriate for the company culture.
• Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.
• Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes.

4. Be Punctual

Punctuality is important for any interview, but it’s especially important for a field interviewer interview. This shows the interviewer that you’re reliable and that you respect their time.

• Plan your route in advance and leave yourself plenty of time to get to the interview.
• If you’re running late, call the interviewer and let them know.