Experienced Recruiting

Observation Baltimore’s recruiting team is the core strength of our market research services and one of the main reasons we are the premier firm in Maryland. Our rigid recruiting practices begin with comprehensive, didactic market research fundamentals training, followed by interviewer shadowing, and continued education. Once the foundation is provided, novice recruiters/interviewers are observed to ensure their skill set meets Observation Baltimore’s standard recruitment protocols.

As members of AMA, The Insights Association, PBIRG, and QRCA we abide by the organizations’ Codes of Ethics. Further, we utilize our professional associations’ training collateral, virtual meetings, and publications to keep abreast of best practices in market research. We hold our staff accountable to the industry’s ethical compliance and privacy standards.

Observation Baltimore’s recruiting and interviewing team is managed by Nina Ross. Nina reviews project requirements, oversees all recruiting projects, and keeps staff accountable to segmentation and quota specifications as she holds the NIH Human Research Protection Certification and Department of Defense Certification in Personal Identifying Information (PII)/Personal Health Information PHI).

Recruiter/Interviewer Hiring Process

Skilled professionals to recruit for research projects and interviewers who are entrusted with qualitative discovery are found through various resources. We have a strong team of recruiters and interviewers who have various backgrounds in customer service, education, medical, etc. and are committed to making every project a success.

The following steps are part of rigorous recruiting efforts:

• Background Checks: Prior to hire, human resources carefully validate work history and references. A background check using Maryland Case History.

• NDA & Confidentiality: All employees of Observation Baltimore, including recruiters and interviewers, are required to review and sign Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements. These agreements encompass the confidential nature of project materials, recruitment criteria, non-disclosure of proprietary information, and respondent data privacy protection and anonymity. Agreements are reviewed thoroughly with each employee. This process demonstrates a commitment to providing the most secure and confidential market research recruitment.

Recruiter/Interviewer Training Process

Fundamentals Training:

Training begins with an in-depth lesson on the market research industry and the history of Observation Baltimore and The Family Research Group. Education of project cycles, segmentation, quotas, and algorithms are included in fundamental recruiter and interviewer training.

Shadowing:

After learning the fundamentals, prospect recruiters are shown a real-life example of the recruiting process as they shadow a senior recruiter. The shadowing period varies dependent upon experience. Once a prospective recruiter feels comfortable, they are shadowed by the same senior recruiter as they begin calling potential respondents.

Continued Education:

Recruiters are periodically tested on best market research practices and are required to review company policies on a regular basis. During their tenure at Observation Baltimore, participation in industry professional association webinars and chapter meetings is encouraged to adhere to best practices policies.

Data Protection and Collection Practices

A significant number of our recruiting efforts are completed using our extensive proprietary databases of opt-in respondents. These include general consumers, healthcare clinicians and administrators, and business-to-business candidates.

Protection processes are in place for client-provided lists, including Limited access to electronic lists by senior-level managers only and no printed copies.

All client materials including screeners not taken by the client will be deleted and shredded, subsequent to a 60-day archive period unless otherwise instructed.

All databases and client-provided lists are password protected and encrypted.

Observation Baltimore’s recruitment and data collection practices are conducted utilizing traditional telephone procedures. As some projects require creativity, our capabilities extend beyond traditional qualitative research methods including electronic recruitment via surveys, web postings, email blasts, blogs, and social networks, posting flyers at central meeting places, and field visits. Traditional telephone procedures will be utilized unless alternate recruiting methods are approved by the client.

In Summary

Observation Baltimore’s staff strives not only to recruit qualified and vetted respondents, we pride ourselves on integrity and a level of protection for both clients and respondents. Our goal is to provide a recruit that is accurate, thorough, and complete while maintaining an unmatched level of professionalism, best practices, and compliance to the highest standards in the market research industry. It reflects our commitment to be the best company for market research in Maryland.