Indexer
Make it quick and easy for people to find information in a book or website. Create a list of terms and words that point to the right places.
About the job
What it's like
You would make it quick and easy for people to find information in a book or website. You’d create a list of terms and words that point to the right information.
You would create lists of searchable terms for publications such as books, periodicals, technical manuals, reports and websites.
You would:
Read and study the document to get an overall idea of what it covers
Identify important words and phrases and note where they or variations of them occur in the text
Put these words and phrases in alphabetical order
Identify the main topics and break them down into smaller, more precise concepts
Cross-reference related topics
Organise the index so that information is easy to find
Index the photographs, diagrams and other illustrations used in the text
You would analyse the text and find the sections about same idea or fact even when it is referred to using a different word or term. You’d come up with a list of the words that a reader who is not familiar with the topic might also use to find that information.
You’d use specialist computer software to sort, format and print the index.
You will need to be focused and methodical with good general knowledge. It will help to have some specialist knowledge to index particular subjects or technical works.
Most indexers are self-employed so you would also need to find clients, negotiate for work and run your own business.
Hours
You would usually choose your own working hours. However, the need to meet deadlines for completing work may mean long hours, including evenings and weekends.
Environment
You would usually work from home.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- sorting
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- reading
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
English
Although you do not need formal qualifications, most indexers have a degree (SCQF level 9/10). Administrative, Business, Law and ICT centred qualifications may be helpful in this job.
To enter a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers. Some universities ask for qualifications to be gained in one sitting.
You can also enter a degree with a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8). With Advanced Highers, HNC or HND qualification you may enter the second or third year of some degree courses.
To register on the Indexers Available Directory you have to complete a distance learning course by the Society of Indexers.This usually takes between one to four years.
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