CATI
CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) is a modern method used in market research and survey companies to conduct telephone interviews. Instead of using paper questionnaires, interviewers use computers to read questions and record responses directly into a survey software. This makes collecting and analyzing data much faster and more accurate than traditional paper methods. Think of it as a smart system that guides interviewers through phone surveys, automatically skips irrelevant questions based on previous answers, and stores all responses digitally. It's similar to online surveys, but with a human interviewer making the calls and guiding respondents through the questions.
Examples in Resumes
Managed team of 50 interviewers conducting CATI surveys for major retail clients
Developed questionnaires and programmed Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing projects
Trained new staff on CATI systems and interview techniques
Supervised international research projects using Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing methodology
Typical job title: "CATI Interviewers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find CATI Interviewers
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where survey response rates are declining?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss strategies like adjusting calling times, improving interviewer training, refining introduction scripts, and implementing quality monitoring to improve contact rates and respondent cooperation.
Q: What experience do you have with managing large-scale CATI projects?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in project planning, staff scheduling, quota management, quality control procedures, and handling client relationships while meeting deadlines and budget constraints.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure data quality in CATI surveys?
Expected Answer: Should discuss monitoring interview quality, implementing validation checks, proper interviewer training, and regular performance reviews to maintain high data quality standards.
Q: What strategies do you use to train new CATI interviewers?
Expected Answer: Should explain training methods for proper telephone techniques, handling rejections, maintaining neutral tone, accurate data entry, and following survey protocols.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the importance of reading questions exactly as written in CATI surveys?
Expected Answer: Should explain how consistency in question delivery ensures data reliability and prevents bias, maintaining research integrity across all interviews.
Q: How do you handle a respondent who seems hesitant to participate?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of proper persuasion techniques, explaining confidentiality, and respecting respondent rights while maintaining professionalism.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic telephone interviewing techniques
- Data entry accuracy
- Following survey scripts
- Basic computer skills
Mid (1-3 years)
- Survey software operation
- Quality monitoring
- Interviewer training
- Project coordination
Senior (3+ years)
- Project management
- Team supervision
- Client relationship management
- Research methodology expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- Poor communication skills or heavy accent that's difficult to understand
- Inability to follow structured scripts accurately
- No experience with basic computer systems
- Unwillingness to work flexible hours including evenings
Related Terms
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