How to Get Picked for More User Tests: Screeners, Profiles and Practice Tests
Most people who try user testing get turned down more than they expect. Each test needs a particular kind of person, and the screener's job is to find them. You can't change who you are, but you can make sure the right tests find you, and that you're invited back.
Answer screeners honestly
It's tempting to guess what a screener wants. It backfires. If you claim to shop for running gear every month and then can't navigate a sports shop's website naturally, it shows in the recording, and poorly matched tests are often rejected without pay. Honest answers mean fewer tests, but tests you can actually do well.
Fill in your profile completely
Testing platforms use your profile to decide which screeners to show you. The details that matter most are usually:
- your job, industry and role, which professional tests rely on heavily
- the devices and operating systems you use
- household, age and location
- the apps, services and shops you use regularly
Make your practice test count
Many platforms ask for a short practice test before sending you real ones, and some review it. Treat it like a job interview:
- Talk all the time. Say what you see, what you expect and what you're unsure about. Silence is the most common reason tests are marked down.
- Be specific. "This button is confusing because I thought it would save, not send" beats "this is confusing."
- Be honest about problems. Researchers want to hear what's hard. Polite praise doesn't help them.
- Follow the task instructions exactly, and finish every step.
Respond quickly
Tests often fill within minutes of being posted. Turn on notifications for the testing app while you're free, and check it at the same times each day. Speed matters more here than with surveys.
Get your setup right
- Test your microphone before each session. Bad audio is a common reason tests are rejected.
- Close other tabs and turn off notifications while recording.
- Use a quiet room, and tell the people you live with when you're recording.
Ratings follow you
Many platforms rate your tests, and better ratings mean more invitations. A few careful, well-narrated tests early on are worth more than many rushed ones.
This is part of a 4-part guide on paid studies and user testing. The main article explains each type of study and what it asks of you.