Indexer
Indexers build lists of searchable terms for textbooks, ebooks, journals, reports, websites and collections like photographs.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an indexer, you could:
- study documents to get an understanding of what they include
- identify important words and phrases in the text and record where they occur
- identify the main topics and break them down into sections
- cross-reference related topics
- organise indexes into a logical order so that information is easy to find
- index photographs, films, diagrams and illustrations
- use specialist computer software for sorting, formatting and printing
- handle large volumes of digital information, for instance when working with databases and websites
Working environment
You could work from home or in an office.
Career path and progression
You could combine indexing with related careers such as proofreading, copywriting or editing. You might also specialise in certain areas, for example, working with journals and reports in science and medicine.
Indexing lends itself to flexible working and many indexers are freelance. The Society of Indexers has advice on how to develop your career.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of English language
- 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
- the ability to work well with others
- excellent verbal communication skills
- a good memory
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist training with a professional body
You could study for a degree at university to give yourself a strong foundation to build upon. Relevant subjects include:
- English
- information management
- library studies
- data asset management
- publishing
Other subjects may also be acceptable to employers.
If you want to work in a specialist area, for example science or law, you'll usually need a degree or postgraduate qualification in that field to gain the in-depth subject knowledge required for indexing.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
You may be able to apply to do an apprenticeship, such as:
- Information and Archive Services Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Publishing Professional Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
This could help you find a trainee position with an organisation. Once working, you could take further training in indexing.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You can apply directly for jobs. Many indexers have a higher education qualification like a degree, although this is not always 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.
A background in publishing, data management or editorial work can be useful.
You can do a training course with the Society of Indexers by distance learning. This is a combination of online tutorials, assignments and assessments and 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.
Career tips
The Society of Indexers runs short workshops, which give an overview of indexing together with practical exercises. These are useful for anyone who may be thinking of taking up indexing as a career.
They also offer workshops on being a freelance indexer and establishing an indexing business.
Further information
You can find out more about indexing as a career from the Society of Indexers.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.