Search Engine Evaluator Jobs – A Good Work From Home Opportunity?

If you’re starting your journey looking for work from home jobs, you may have to try a few different opportunities to find something that works for you.

Recently we’ve looked at transcription or captioning jobs and also considered setting up your own call center offering customer service.

These are just a couple of possible choices. Search Engine Evaluator is another job you can do from home. There are a few companies that offer this type of work. However, there are varying reviews about the companies who provide this work, some say it’s great work and others call the companies a scam

So who’s right? We’ll try to clear things up in this review and see if you should consider this as a possible work from home opportunity.

What is a Search Engine Evaluator?

When carrying out your research with the major search engines, from time to time you have probably seen some strange results.

The search results are decided by an algorithm but the search engines are used by people. From time to time the search engines need humans to check the results to make sure they are relevant.

The person who evaluates the search engine results is a search engine evaluator, also known as an internet assessor or internet judge.

The work you do will help ensure that people get the best data when searching on the internet. Your input will provide a better user experience for people using the search engines.

As a search engine evaluator, you may have to work on different types of projects such as web search, video evaluation, local search or maps.

Who Is This For?

This would suit you if you are looking for work that gives you the flexibility to schedule your own hours and you must be used to searching online. The companies providing this type of work accept workers from many different countries but you must be over 18 years old.

Search engine evaluators need to be familiar with online search tools and must pay attention to detail.

You will need a good level of written English and comprehension. Some positions also require a second language. Companies often demand that you have a university degree or equivalent. If you’re taking your degree course now that will usually qualify you.

Having an in-depth knowledge of the culture, media, and the internet of your country of residence is also necessary. For this reason, many companies require that you have lived in your country of residence for at least 5 years.

You don’t need much in the way of equipment: a high-speed internet connection and an Android phone, Windows phone or iPhone, with a certain version of the software or higher.  A PC with Google Chrome installed and an up to date anti-virus software.

What You Need To Apply

If you meet all the above criteria then you still have to take an exam to become a search engine evaluator. I checked out a couple of platforms that offer search engine evaluator jobs and the job application process was similar.

You fill out an application form and in addition to the items above you have to include a CV or your business profile. You can either apply as an independent contractor or a through a registered business if you own one.

Once you’re accepted you will receive an email with instructions. You will have to study a 160 page PDF document “The General Guidelines”.

The document covers different rating rules, concepts, and definitions. You need to spend several hours going through the document. The exam you take will test your ability to understand and use the concepts in the General Guidelines.

The Exam

The exam is in 3 parts and you have 7 days to complete the exam.

The 1st part is theoretical. Based on the Guidelines, it tests your ability to interpret the rating concepts, understand the questions and search for information in the General Guidelines. You can consult the Guidelines at any time you are taking the test.

Once complete you will receive an answer quite rapidly. If you’re successful you can pass on to the second part of the exam, Page Quality. You will assess different pages for their quality. If you pass this you will be sent the third part of the exam.

In this part of the exam, you are given a search query and a list of results. You have to open each page on your phone and decide on a usefulness rating.

The exam might sound easy from my very brief description but it’s not and many people fail. Take your time to go through the guidelines very thoroughly. If you do fail you can take the exam one more time.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Decent pay
• Set your own schedule
• Work from your own home
• Free to join

Cons

• A hard exam that takes time
• Limited number of hours you can work
• Rate of pay not mentioned on hiring websites (judging from reviews it’s from $11 to $13.50 per hour)
• Your contract can be terminated at any time
• Work can be repetitive
• Not always many jobs

Companies That Offer Search Engine Evaluator Positions

• Lionbridge
• Appen
• ZeroChaos
• Leapforce – was recently acquired by Appen, I don’t know if they are still accepting new workers

What Search Engine Evaluators Are Saying

The reviews online about the above companies are mostly positive. Some of the common complaints are: there isn’t always many jobs, your contract can end without any notice and all the time you have to spend studying the Guidelines and taking the exams isn’t paid.

You can see the reviews on Glassdoor or Indeed

For up to date details about the search engine evaluator world, this website provides some great information.

My Final Opinion

Working as a search engine evaluator could be a great way of earning some money from home if you want a flexible schedule. Many people have earned good money doing this work in recent years although the work isn’t easy.

However, there have been some recent changes in the industry with the take over of Leapforce by Appen. Appen is known to pay less than both Leapforce and Lionbridge is some markets, so there could be a downward force on the hourly pay rate. The number of hours you can work per week has also been reduced.

Despite these changes, if you think working as a search engine evaluator is right for you, go for it. Use the job to earn some extra money every month. The hardest part is passing the exam which will take some of your time.

It’s worth remembering your contract can be terminated at any time so don’t treat this as a fulltime job.

If this doesn’t appeal to you there are other alternatives to earn money from home. I recommend affiliate marketing.

It’s not a job, you work for yourself and your success is dependant on the work you put in. Below is a link to my review of Wealthy Affiliate, the online training platform where I learned how to build an online business.

If you’ve had any experience as a search engine evaluator let us know about it in the comments section below.