Best Practices

Want to get more opportunities and earn more on Terac? Follow these best practices to stand out.

Profile Optimization

Complete Every Section

A complete profile gives us more to match you on. From Profile in your dashboard, make sure you have:

• A profile photo and your full name
• A verified phone number
• A verified identity
• LinkedIn connected
• Your resume uploaded (PDF)
• Your experience, education, and skills filled in
• Your preferred hourly rate set
• Your Google Calendar connected, or a booking link saved, under Availability
• The onboarding interview taken

Add LinkedIn

LinkedIn helps show your professional background:

• It fills in your work history for you
• It helps researchers trust your experience
• It can get you put forward for more work

Keep Information Current

Update your profile when things change:

• A new job or role
• New skills or certifications
• Your preferred hourly rate
• Your primary email and phone number, under Identity & Security

Quality Submissions

Follow Instructions Carefully

Not following instructions is a common reason for rejection:

• Read the full task description
• Note any specific requirements
• Do exactly what's asked

Be Thorough

Detailed responses are more valuable:

• Answer questions completely
• Provide context and examples
• Don't give one-word answers to open questions

Be Authentic

Researchers value genuine insights:

• Share your real experiences
• Give honest opinions
• Don't try to give "right" answers

Proofread

Before submitting:

• Check for typos
• Ensure completeness
• Review your responses

Interview Success

Technical Preparation

• Check your camera and microphone before every interview
• Use a quiet, well-lit place
• Use a stable internet connection and an up-to-date Chrome or Edge

Communication

• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
• Let the interviewer finish before responding
• Keep pauses short, and say "let me think" if you need a moment

Engagement

• Stay focused on the questions
• Provide detailed, relevant answers
• Stay in the interview window until it ends

Building Your Track Record

Consistency

• Finish the applications you start
• Maintain quality across all tasks
• Check Explore regularly for new opportunities

Reliability

• Follow through on commitments, such as sessions you book
• Keep the time tracker honest on hourly projects
• Respond promptly to any follow-ups

What Researchers Look For

Qualified Background

• Relevant experience for the study topic
• A verified identity and connected profiles
• A complete and accurate profile

Quality Responses

• Thoughtful, detailed answers
• Consistency between screening and tasks
• Following instructions

Professionalism

• Completing submissions in a timely manner
• Honest, authentic responses
• Technical reliability (clear audio, a working camera, a stable connection)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing Through Tasks

Take your time. Rushed responses are often lower quality and may be rejected.

Inconsistent Answers

Make sure your responses are consistent with:

• Your profile information
• Other answers in the same study
• What you've said in past submissions

Ignoring Requirements

Read Who Should Apply before you start. If an opportunity is not a fit for you, it is listed under Refer & earn on Explore instead.

Starting What You Can't Finish

Only apply to opportunities you have time to complete.

Technical Negligence

• Not checking your equipment
• Using unstable internet
• Taking interviews in noisy or dark places

What's Next?

Now that you know best practices, review our policies to ensure you understand the terms and conditions.