Hiring and Sponsoring Market research interviewers (SOC Code 7214)

Market Research Interviewers, classified under SOC Code 7214, are vital professionals in the realm of consumer insights who help organizations understand public opinion and market trends. Their roles encompass a variety of tasks, including:

• Approaching Diverse Populations: Engaging with members of the public, households, and organizations to arrange and conduct interviews in various formats such as face-to-face, telephone, and focus group discussions.
• Data Recording: Meticulously recording the progress of interviews by:
• • Noting responses
  • Completing questionnaires
  • Making audio or visual recordings
  • Inputting data into computer systems
• Material Collection: Gathering questionnaires, diaries, and other research materials from interviewees and ensuring proper follow-up interviews are conducted.
• Data Compilation & Reporting: Collating and reviewing information collected during interviews and compiling comprehensive reports to present back to the commissioning organization or individual.

With the increasing reliance on data-driven decisions in today’s business environment, the demand for skilled market research interviewers is on the rise. Many organizations are seeking talent from overseas to fill these essential roles, and this guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for market research interviewers under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Market research interviewers?

SOC Code 7214 refers to market research interviewers who gather data to understand consumer preferences, opinions, and behavior. Their responsibilities can include:

• Approaching participants: Contacting members of the public, individuals, households, and organizations to arrange interviews.
• Conducting interviews: Facilitating face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, focus groups, and panel discussions to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
• Recording progress: Noting answers, completing questionnaires, and making audio or visual recordings of interviews.
• Collecting research materials: Gathering questionnaires, diaries, and other materials left with interviewees, as well as conducting follow-up interviews as needed.
• Collating information: Reviewing and compiling collected data to create comprehensive reports.
• Reporting findings: Presenting collated reports to the organization or individual commissioning the market research for analysis and decision-making purposes.

Market research interviewers play a vital role in the research process, providing organizations with valuable insights that inform marketing strategies and business decisions.

Eligibility to Hire Market research interviewers (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Market research interviewers must exhibit strong communication skills and possess certain qualifications or experience criteria. These may include:

• Interviewing Skills: Ability to effectively engage with a diverse range of individuals and conduct interviews in a professional manner.
• Data Collection Proficiency: Experience in capturing and recording responses accurately through various methods such as questionnaires, audio, or visual recordings.
• Research Experience: Previous work in market research or related fields that demonstrates familiarity with different research methodologies.
• Analytical Skills: Capability to collate and review information collected, ensuring accuracy and comprehensiveness in reports.
• Education: While a specific degree may not always be required, a background in social sciences, marketing, or a related field is beneficial.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient in using computers and various software tools for data input and report generation.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 7214 and that the interviewer’s experience and skills meet the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Market research interviewers: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Market research interviewers under SOC Code 7214.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Market research interviewers, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Market research interviewers under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Market research interviewers. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Market research interviewers applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Market research interviewers’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Market research interviewers can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Market research interviewers

Before the Market research interviewers begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Market research interviewers’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Market research interviewers holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Market research interviewers’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Market research interviewers’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Market research interviewerss.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Market research interviewers

Sponsoring Market research interviewers under SOC Code 7214 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Market research interviewers, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Market research interviewers under SOC Code 7214 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.