Leapforce: Search Engine Evaluation

Leapforce is a company that employs home-based, independent contractors as search engine evaluators and quality judges.  For the prospective homeworker they bring flexibility and high pay.  The job also does not require a telephone or interaction with customers which is a big bonus for some people.

"Search engine evaluator" is the most commonly offered position by Leapforce.  As a search engine evaluator you are contracted to compare search terms to a specific result and rate the result on how relevant it is to the search term taking into consideration the native location, language, and presumed intent of the searcher.  The goal is to provide the best possible "intelligent" results when a user types a term into a search engine, instead of just regurgitating results based on an algorithm that can be gamed by spammers.

How much does it pay?

I have only just completed the test for qualification, so I don't know myself, but according to reputable sources the pay is between $13 and $15 an hour.  Keep in mind that as a contractor and not an employee that this pay rate does not withhold any taxes, you'll receive a 1099 from them at the end of the year and are required to pay any taxes due on the income when you file.

Leapforce pays out once a month, though checks are said to be sent out quickly once hours are submitted.  Work can be irregular, so the pay cannot always be relied upon, but everyone I have spoken to has reported that there is plenty of work to keep your contract active with them as well as earn an excellent, part-time income.

Are there any benefits?

In short, no.  As a contractor you don't get anything beyond a paycheck.  However, the flexibility of the work can be considered a benefit as there are no set schedules, you just pick up the tasks that look good to you, complete them, and them submit your time.

What is required to work there?

The folks at Leapforce prioritize applicants with some college education, though it is not a hard requirement, particularly if you have some previous work at home experience.  You need to have good analytical thinking skills, as being able to make decisions quickly and accurately based on the criteria they outline is a core part of the job.  Reading comprehension is also a very important part of the skill set you'd need to be successful with this job.

The biggest requirement for the position is successful completion of the test.  It comes in two parts, the first is a few dozen questions designed to verify your understanding of the guidelines.  If you pass the first part you move on to the second which is 144 search queries that must be evaluated using those guidelines.  They give you plenty of time to complete the test (seven days for study and completion) but it is not something you can complete on autopilot.

Do I need any special equipment?

Nope.  Since this is not a phone position, you don't even need a phone.  Just a basic high speed internet connection and up to date antivirus / anti-spyware software since you'll be browsing all sorts of sites.  If the test is a good example of the work and interface this job should also be thoroughly possible using even a "budget" DSL connection as the system and bandwidth requirements are pretty low.

How do I apply?

Dust off your resume and head on over to Leapforce's "Become an Agent" page to apply.

Any more info?

You can read some reviews, both good and bad, at glassdoor,  ripoffreport, and the WAHM forums.