Census interviewing?

[Frannyhy]

Anyone ever done this? I’m talking about chasing people to do their census.

I’ve done door to door market research before and found it could be a nightmare to get people to help. I’m kind of guessing that this will be a similar experience.

I’ve also got an idea that there are targets to meet, and if you don’t you won’t get paid. Am I right?

I did it quite a few years ago. I had to deliver the forms and go back and collect them. I don't remember any targets except that you were given certain streets to do and had to account for every home. I was unable to collect one as the occupier refused but reported back to my supervisor who then went out himself. I think it is different now, can it not be done online?

I did this work as a census officer 3 times. As the previous poster states you are given a set area for which you are responsible to distribute and collect the forms. I found that most people more or less complied. The problems were:-

#1 some people dont have a clue/or make any effort to fill in the forms. Easiest is to go in the house (make an appointment if necessary) ask them the questions, fill it in for them, then ask them to read and sign. Most of the clueless ones are quite relieved if you say you can help them.

#2 some people dont want YOU to see the answers. You can give them a postage paid envelope so they can mail it in.

#3 some people are never at home. You are required to make a certain number of visits so best to note date/time of each visit. After that it goes to your manager.

#4 some people outright refuse. You should politely warn them of the consequences (they can be fined but I never heard of it happening) but then you just pass their details to your manager and s/he deals

You dont have set targets and get paid the same amount regardless of how many forms you collect. However there are certain expectations. It can be quite an interesting job. I did it while I was a student so paid no tax.

You do need good admin and interpersonal skills, patience and a sense of humour helps. You dont need a car - I did it all using public transport. Census forms can be quite heavy so one of those old fashioned shopping carts that older people use can be a real benefit. You will also need a clip board to write on.

To tell you the truth I would imagine it is going to be difficult as we will still be in lockdown, I will fill in my form but there is no way I am going o be speaking to people on my doorstep, I would imagine, you will have to remove your mask to prove your photo ID is actually you, for me someone being near enough for me to identify them from a small photo without their masks on is far too near.

I did this in a previous census and loved it. Have applied for this census but can’t book on to a welcome event or get anyone to contact me!!

This year the census form can be filled in online so thats going to prevent a lot of hassle at the door.

@sneakysnoopysniper, since you've worked as a census officer I'd really appreciate your advice.
(Have had no luck getting through to the helpline or web chat.)

I received a census form a couple of weeks ago - completed it online on 11th March and received an email confirmation.

Today, another form has been popped through the door - this one has the first line of our address shown incorrectly:

• 1st form showed “ABC Cottage” (correct as per the Royal Mail database)
• 2nd form shows “Cottage, ABC Farm” (incorrect and doesn’t exist in our village/postcode)

The other lines of the address all match.

The 16-character access code on the 2nd form is unsurprisingly completely different from the 1st form. I’m assuming this is going to get flagged up as a “not completed” form and a census officer will be knocking on my door at some point. If I print my email confirmation with my correct access code written on it, would that be sufficient evidence to prevent another visit?

Thanks.

It looks like the records are wrong and your address has somehow been posted as two different dwellings. When I did the census first time some of the dwellings on my patch were situated over or at the back of shops and some anomalies of this type came to light.

If/when the census enumerator comes to your door you should point this out to him/her and they can flag it to their boss.

If you produce your email confirmation that should be sufficient proof that you have already fulfilled the legal requirement.

You could also try writing to the address given on your form and enclosing a copy of your email confirmation.

@sneakysnoopysniper, thank you.

I did this back in 2011 after I finished university - you get a list of properties with non-responses and follow them up. As another poster mentioned, I don’t think we had targets specifically but a set area to deal with. Handled the occasional rude/odd person but otherwise was fine, and met some interesting folk! Money was OK too. I had a good manager who was supportive and on hand to help with questions & problems. There were follow on roles as well where you could conduct more in depth research - I didn’t do this but would be interested to know if it’s still being offered.