Dreaming of becoming a Google Tester?

Ever dreamed of testing out new Google products before majority of your friends and acquaintances even knew it existed? I know some people who would really love to do these things. Maybe now they can fulfill that dream.

Google User Research Experience actually pays you for doing these things. It can range from trying out existing Google products to testing unreleased ones. Google requires your feedback on the product and may even interview you to help plan for a new product.

The testing out process and interview usually last for an hour to about an hour and a half. Most tests are run in the Googleplex but still Google encourages those who want to try it out to sign up even if they are not from the San Francisco bay Area because they have offices all over the world.

This would be really cool to try out, after blogging on this, I might just sign up. Did I forget to tell that they pay $75 an hour for doing this? :) Just remember that you need to be at least 18 years old to participate.

If you want to know more, just look at the FAQ page of Google User Research Experience.

Got to go, have some signing up to do :)

UPDATE - Invitation to participate in a Google Focus Group

Someone I know who tried was interested in participating in Google usability studies received this email. For those of you who are wondering what questions they may ask you before asking you to come to the Googleplex, hope this helps:

Hello,

You previously expressed interest in participating in usability studies at Google.
We are currently scheduling participants for a focus group study.

If you're still interested, please reply to this e-mail after filling out the questionnaire below .
We will then schedule appointments on a first come, first served basis.


The details of the study:

- the duration of the study is 60 minutes (plus your travel time)
- the study will be conducted at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, CA
- compensation is $75 in American Express Gift Checks


To participate you will need to:

- be at least 18 years old
- have a car and be able to drive to our offices in Mountain View, CA
- be willing to sign our Usability Non-Disclosure Agreement

QUESTIONNAIRE:


1. Availability:

Please mark ALL time slots for which we could schedule an appointment with you.
If you have a preference with regard to specific times/dates, please mark the corresponding line with a "P"


Wednesday, May 17
[  ] 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
[  ]   3:00 pm - 4:00 pm


2. Are you currently the webmaster or publisher for your site?
[  ] Yes
[  ] No


3. Do you currently use AdSense?

[  ] Yes
[  ] No


4. Do you find site targeting useful?
[  ] Yes
[  ] No
[  ] Somewhat


5. How many websites do you currently have? _______________


6. Please list each site: ___________________________________



7. Are any of these sites related to each other (i.e., a network of sites)?
[  ] Yes
[  ] No


8. Do you sell ad space directly your site?
[  ] Yes, I currently sell ad space directly on my site

[  ] No, but I used to sell ad space directly on my site
[  ] No, I have never sold ad space directly on my site


9. Have you ever participated in any focus groups or user studies
[  ] No
[  ] Yes


if yes: when and with which companies? _______________________________


10. Phone number at which you can be reached: __________________________________


11. Your full name: __________________________________


Thank you!
--
Patrick Bowen
User Experience Research Coordinator/Recruiter
Google User Research
direct: 650-253-6583
email: jpbowen@google.com