Indexer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• specialist training with a professional body

University

If you want to work in a specialist area, like science or law, you'll need in-depth subject knowledge, which you could get from doing a relevant degree.

Entry requirements:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a T Level in Management and Administration which may give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for assistant or trainee indexer roles.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You may be able to start by doing a library, information and archive services advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for jobs. Many indexers have a higher education qualification like a degree, although this is not essential.

Often, indexers start this work as a second career, using the experience and in-depth knowledge they've built up from their main area of work.

OtherRoutes

You can do a training course with the Society of Indexers by distance learning. This is a combination of online tutorials, assignments and assessments.

The course takes around 45 to 50 hours of study and is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals. It includes:

• indexing terminology
• cross-referencing
• indexing books, periodicals and websites
• computerised search systems

When you've successfully completed the course you'll be awarded accredited indexer status, which is recognised by employers as a first stage towards becoming a professional indexer.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• administration skills
• concentration skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• a good memory
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• active listening skills
• a desire to help people
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Indexers build up lists of searchable terms for things like books, magazines, reports, websites and photographic collections.

In your day-to-day duties you could:

• study documents to get an overall idea of what they cover
• identify important words and phrases in the text, record where they occur and put them in alphabetical order
• identify the main topics and break them down into sections
• cross-reference related topics
• organise the index so that information is easy to find
• index photographs, diagrams and other illustrations
• use specialist computer software for sorting, formatting and printing

Location : You could work from home or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed as customers demand

Career Path:

You could combine indexing with related areas such as proofreading and copywriting.