Market researcher
Market researchers find out what people think about products, services and issues, using methods like interviews, polls and surveys.
Also known as: Market research interviewer, market research assistant
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£28,000 a year
What you'll do
As a market researcher, you could:
- explain to participants the purpose of your survey, what it involves and how long it takes
- ask people questions about a product or service by telephone or online
- interview people in person on the street, at their home or in group sessions at a local venue
- set up and send out online polls, surveys and questionnaires to gather information
- record people's answers, sometimes videoing them during the interview
- collect results and pass them on to marketing colleagues for analysis
- write survey reports and store information securely
Working environment
You could work from home, in a contact centre or in the community.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- active listening skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- excellent written communication skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a market researcher
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by a professional body
College
You could do a college course, which may be useful when looking for a job.
Courses include:
- customer service
- principles of marketing
- T Level in Marketing
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply for a place on an apprenticeship to get into this career. Examples include:
- Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Customer Service Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Volunteering
Charities often recruit volunteers to help with market research activities. This could give you valuable experience when applying for paid jobs. You can find opportunities on sites like Do It .
Direct application
You could apply directly for jobs. Experience in sales, marketing, call centre work or customer service may give you an advantage. Employers will be interested in your personality, your enthusiasm and your communication skills.
Other routes
You can do courses in market research skills through The Market Research Society . These can give you a good insight into the role and may help you get into this career.
Restrictions and requirements
You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could become a supervisor or area fieldwork manager. You might also work as a research assistant or analyst for a marketing agency or social research organisation.
Some market research interviewers choose to specialise in areas, such as medical research or political polling. There may also be opportunities for interviewers who are fluent in other languages.
Career tips
Vacancies for market researchers are very often part time. Advertised rates of pay may be listed as full-time equivalent (FTE). Your actual pay will depend on the number of hours worked.
Guides for this industry
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