Paid Focus Group
- Focus groups and other research studies
- Selection depends on each study
What are paid telephone interviews?
The short answer
A paid telephone interview is a scheduled conversation with a researcher about your experiences or opinions. You usually complete a screening questionnaire first. The invitation should explain the topic, duration, recording arrangements and incentive.
Jump to common questionsA participant guide by MIS Group Limited
Telephone interviews let a researcher ask participants about their experiences remotely. They may follow a structured survey or use open questions for a more detailed conversation.
Many market research/paid survey companies also offer paid telephone interviews. The researcher will call you and ask you questions about certain topics and want your opinions about it. The invitation should state the expected duration and any incentive.
Telephone interviews are similar to other forms of market research interview, but are carried out over the phone. Telephone interviews fall under two broad categories - tele depths and quantitative interviews.
How do paid telephone interviews work?
Telephone surveys consist of a phone interview: that is, a person will call you to conduct a survey.
If you want to earn rewards for participating in telephone surveys you will need to become a member of survey sites who also conduct telephone interviews. Before sharing a phone number, verify the organiser and read its privacy notice.
All you need for paid telephone interviews is a phone and typically the conversation will be structured around some questions on your experiences. We ask that people participating in this type of paid research are somewhere quiet where they won’t be interrupted and with good phone signal.
Before taking part in a telephone interview, you usually have to go through an online recruitment survey to make sure you are the right profile.
Why do companies pay you for paid telephone interviews?
Market research companies conduct telephone interviews or surveys to determine interest in new products, or measure the customer satisfaction of existing products. They also determine the needs and wants of customers through phone interviews.
Telephones are an effective method for obtaining public opinion because nearly all residents of the UK have access to a telephone. Also, telephone surveys allow for data to be collected in a complete and accurate format at the time of the interview by trained professional interviewers.
The major advantage for market research companies in performing tele depths are that numerous and geographically distinct respondents can be interviewed relatively easily and cheaply - as opposed to the travel involved if interviewing the same respondents face to face. However, the researcher does sacrifice certain elements which are sometimes important, such as the ability to view body language, and the reassurance that a face to face conversation can give if the topic is particularly personal.
Is it safe to share my mobile number?
Check who is collecting your number, how it will be used and whether the interview will be recorded. Verify unexpected invitations using contact details you find independently.
What are the rewards/incentives for paid telephone interviews?
The incentive depends on the study, the participant profile and the time required. Check the amount, payment method and completion conditions in the invitation; there is no universal rate.
Take the next step
Explore research panels.
These are promotional referral links.
Check the provider’s current terms before joining.
Panel Opinion
- Online survey panel
- Check current reward and withdrawal terms
Mystery Shopper
- Customer experience research
- Read each assignment brief before accepting
A few things worth knowing
Your questions,
answered.
Clear answers before you take the next step.
What do I need for a telephone interview?
You need a reliable phone connection, a quiet place and time for the agreed appointment. Check any preparation instructions in the study invitation.
Will the interview be recorded?
Some interviews are recorded for analysis. Ask the organiser whether recording is planned, who can access it and how long it will be retained before agreeing.