Application and Hiring Process

Westat strives to hire the best qualified candidates for all positions. Westat has in place an OFCCP-compliant recruitment process and online recruiting and applicant tracking system (ATS) that allows for identification of qualified candidates for each position. Westat data collectors are the critical front line, obtaining the data at the source. Depending on the survey, positions and assignments vary.

Westat employs skilled telephone data collection staff who administer questionnaires over the telephone. Our studies are typically conducted in English but often require individuals who can also conduct interviews in other languages. The Telephone Research Centers located in Rockville, MD.

Westat uses its own specially designed software to conduct survey interviews. We have developed computing systems so that we are compatible with the largest number of data collectors. Westat has telephone data collectors who work from our Research Centers or at their homes. All hired or transferring data collectors who work in the at-home environment must meet the following equipment requirements before starting training and working for Westat.

In order to work from home, data collectors must meet the following environment and equipment requirements:

Have a quiet and private home work space during scheduled work and training hours.
Own a reliable Windows-based PC computer and have in-home access to a printer.
Have moderate computing skills.
Have a wired Internet connection (Cable or DSL)
Use an analog landline phone line [digital voice (such as bundled cable packages or FiOS), VOIP (such as Magic Jack or Vonage), and cell phones are permitted.
Landline phones must be corded with a hands-free, corded headset and cell phones must be plugged into a power source while working with a corded headset.

Computer Requirements

You will need a reliable Windows-based PC operating system. This computer will need to be in a room that is private and secure during your work hours. The computer will need to be wired to the Internet (not wireless) and you will need a wired telephone connection:

Operating system of Windows 10 or higher (needs to be up to date on all Windows updates specific to your operating system — not Mac or Apple). If using Windows 10, the most current non-beta version of Internet Explorer must be installed and used for working on our systems.
600 MB of free hard-drive space
Microsoft Edge is preferred — the most current non-beta version (may need to be run in compatibility mode if you experience problems while working on any platform). Chrome is also an acceptable browser.
An up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware (also known as internet protection suites) with current and updated virus definitions. Kaspersky is not currently supported.
Up-to-date Acrobat Reader software (can be downloaded for free)
Firewall protection either through router/gateway or internet protection suite software.
Wired (not wireless/Wi-Fi) connection to router/gateway is required.

Characteristics of a Successful Data Collector

Westat data collectors produce quality work

Follow the study protocol and procedures as specified in the study material, at training, and in post-training memos
Perform work that conforms to the quality requirements for the study
Perform work as effectively as possible and in such a way as to meet the goals set for the study
Read questions as they are written, without improvising, paraphrasing, or changing the order of the questions

Westat data collectors are professionals

Demonstrate commitment, initiative, consistency, and organization
Display a professional attitude
Communicate professionally and effectively with respondents and other employees
Work assigned projects until released

Westat data collectors are honest

Westat data collectors are honest
Accurately record hours worked

TRC Application Process for Westat Based Data Collection Staff

All current open positions can be found on the Westat/Careers section. You can search by location and the type of work, among other options. To see a list of all open positions, leave the search fields blank. To learn more about each position, select the Job ID number link.

Once on the job description page, select the Apply to job(s) button near the top of the page. You'll have the option of creating a Westat account or going directly to the application. In either case, you'll have to fill out an online form that takes about 15 minutes.

Before starting your application, turn off pop-up blockers on your browser.
While filling out the form, do not use the back button. Doing so will disrupt the application process.
You must submit a separate application for each position you want to apply to.
Work assigned projects until released

TRC Westat-Based Data Collection staff consists of two parts:

1. Westat Online Application

2. Voice Sample Using TRC's Interactive Voice Response (“IVR") System. When an online application is successfully submitted, the job seeker will receive an automated email through the ATS, acknowledging receipt of the application and instructions for submitting the voice sample, including the telephone number to submit a voice sample and the sample script.

TRC At-Home Data Collection staff consists of three parts:

1. Westat Online Application

3. Submission of Technical/Systems Information. For At-Home Data Collector positions, the basic qualifications include specific technical requirements. Upon submission of an application, job seekers will also receive instructions for submitting technical/systems information concerning the computer that they intend to use if selected for an At-Home Data Collector position.