Lexicographer: Entry requirements

Although lexicography is open to all graduates (a first class or upper second class degree is usually required), the following subjects may increase your chances:

English;
modern languages;
linguistics;
history/politics;
classics.

A degree in foreign or classical languages or linguistics may increase your chances of employment as a bilingual lexicographer.

Entry without a degree or with an HND only is unlikely, although not necessarily impossible.

Masters degrees in lexicography are available at the Dictionary Research Centre (www.english.bham.ac.uk/drc.shtml) at the University of Birmingham, although it is not essential to have taken one before entering the profession. A Masters degree in language, linguistics or translation may be advantageous for aspiring bilingual lexicographers. Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) qualifications and experience is very likely to be a requirement for English teaching titles.

Postgraduate qualifications are essential for entering certain lexicography specialisms, e.g. as an etymology editor (who researches and defines the origin and history of words, rather than their meaning and current usages). Most etymology editors have a PhD in some aspect or stage of the history of the English language and its relationship with other languages. In addition, an etymology editor will need knowledge of several other European languages.

Experience of proofreading or checking text could be advantageous. This could be demonstrated through previous involvement in writing for or editing a university newspaper or work experience in publishing.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

a practical understanding of the mechanics of grammar, and the ability to use grammar correctly and identify instances of incorrect usage;
an excellent eye for detail, both for spotting errors and for identifying inconsistencies of presentation style;
an aptitude for using and learning IT, in particular the ability to learn how to use specialist database software for research purposes, and creativity in developing search strings;
an awareness of emerging new technologies and how they can support the dictionary, e.g., online dictionaries, CD-ROMs, E-books, etc;
effective time management and organisational skills;
teamworking and communication skills - every project is a collaboration so you must be able to work well with your colleagues;
the ability to work rapidly and logically with complex information, concentrating for long periods whilst maintaining accuracy;
an interest in books and/or publishing;
an excellent command of English (and, for bilingual lexicographers, a strong working knowledge of the relevant foreign language, along with an awareness of and sensitivity to the problems of translation);
the ability to describe a complex thing in a few words (and, for English language lexicographers, the ability to recognise subtle differences between meanings, an appreciation of how English is used in other English speaking countries, and an appreciation of the difficulties of learning English).

As the profession is so small, networking is a very common method of job seeking. Speculative applications are encouraged. A good tip is to ask a publisher for the opportunity to do a period of unpaid work experience. Candidates who show aptitude for the work and a good attitude might be offered further opportunities as they arise.

Your application should be well presented, error free, and demonstrate excellent use of language. You will probably be sent a test before an interview, involving writing a new dictionary entry, checking text for errors and inconsistencies of style, and/or translating and putting words and phrases in context. Applicants who do well at this test would then be short-listed for interview.

It is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation or religious faith. For more information on equality and diversity in the job market see handling discrimination.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

Advert disclaimer

AGCAS