How to Successfully Work From Home in Data Entry Jobs
Is this the best time to become a data entry clerk? Maybe yes. Maybe not, especially with threat to these types of jobs posed by the rise of AI. Let’s face it, the everyday pressure that comes with a full-time job can be daunting. This only begs the question, “should you prioritize work from home jobs or complete everything at the office?” Well, it all goes down to several factors including your role, the company you are working for, and the environment you are most productive in.
If you have excellent typing skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to meet strict deadlines, then online data entry jobs might just be the perfect fit. Question is, how do you become a top-ranked data entry operator who understands the ins and outs of the industry and can guarantee exceptional results every time? Or rather, where do you even start, in the first place?
Here’s your updated step by step guide to becoming a home-based data entry clerk even with no experience. Ready to test the waters to find out what’s at stake? Let's get started.
Getting Started as a Remote Data Entry Professional
If you are wondering what it takes to get started as an online data entry professional, breathe a sigh of relief because these simple steps got you covered. While more experience naturally qualifies you for advanced level jobs, there are plenty of opportunities for beginner level data entry operators. Let’s look at these 9 key steps in detail;
1. Know Your Role
In their simplest form, data entry jobs involve entering information into a documentation platform or a database. Thus, data entry professionals are responsible for transcribing information from phone conversations and recordings as required by the organization.
In today’s digitally connected world, virtually all data entry tasks are completed electronically. However, this doesn’t eliminate the need to use paper documentation in specific instances. Considering the job outlook, it’s fair to say data entry is one of the broadest niches in the modern employment industry, with a vast majority of roles such as clerks, transcribers, typists, coders, and word processors all falling under this entity.
Depending on the scope of their work and the industry, data entry professionals may transcribe audio files, prepare documents for transcription, test software updates and database systems, and create data backups in line with an organization’s contingency plan.
2. Build Your Skill Set
By choosing data entry, you will be lucky to work in a field that lacks stringent requirements. If you have excellent typing skills and a high school diploma, you might have already passed the most challenging part.
Typically, most of the hiring managers will be looking for a high school diploma or its global equivalent when considering trainees for the available job roles. However, some industries may require more specialized training that involves pursuing a bachelor’s degree depending on your area of specialty. As part of the traditional prerequisites, candidates should be familiar with a ton of data entry software and popular platforms such as the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and Microsoft Office.
It’s important that a data entry professional is not only willing to follow the stipulated guidelines but also keen to tailor their skills to suit the job requirements. In summary, here are the skills you will be expected to possess as the organization’s most reliable data entry clerk;
- Self-motivation
- Computer literacy
- Typing
- Deadline-focused
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Excellent multitasking skills
- Strong written and communication skills
Besides, here’s the list of the tools and equipment you will need to launch a successful career;
- A functional computer
- Reliable internet connection
- An ergonomic chair
3. Focus on the Academic Qualifications
Obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent training that emphasizes specific skills gives you a better chance of qualifying for tons of online data entry jobs at the entry-level. This could be in finance and accounting, business, or computer. While pursuing your high school diploma, it's still important to work on enhancing your skills including typing speed and accuracy which can make or break even the most promising career.
4. Get Started with a Data Entry Certification
You can opt for data entry certifications from recognized institutions to learn the basic quirks of data entry jobs. This option will equip you with the technical skills and knowledge required to get started in the field. Sometimes, they act as the best alternatives to degree programs which may be costly and time-consuming. Technical schools and community colleges provide data entry certifications in elective courses such as bookkeeping, clerical, business communication, and word processing among the rest.
5. Advance Your Computer Literacy Skills
With data entry, it's not just the experience that counts. The skills also matter. And given the fact you will be fully immersed in computer systems and data, advancing your computer literacy skills is a no brainer. To achieve this, you may want to check out the technical courses that address database concepts and word processing. If a recruiter is interested in verifying your knowledge of accounting, finance, or bookkeeping, you should also check out the relevant courses.
6. Structure Your Resume
Yes! With all said and done, this could be the perfect time to be more strategic by restructuring your resume. Why? Because after attaining the additional skills through technical certifications, a high school diploma, or degree programs, you will want to design a clear and detailed resume to help distinguish yourself from the rest. A well-crafted resume is priceless and highlights your training, experience, skills, and education in a unique yet precise language to align your credentials with specific job requirements.
7. Choose the Companies to Work For
Here is a list of 8 companies that hire candidates for remote data entry jobs;
Crowdsourcing companies
- TELUS International AI (formerly Lionbridge AI) (company review)
- Appen (company review)
- Clickworker (company review)
- Amazon Mechanical Turk (company review)
Freelance Marketplaces
8. Obtain the On-the-job Training
While attaining technical courses and certifications related to the data entry field is an excellent first step, nothing compares to the experiential learning you receive at the workplace. Such training lasts for about one month and gives you the most basic skills that you need to get started with data entry.
9. Understand the Average Salaries and Potential Learning Curve
Just like transcription, most of the data entry jobs pay per hour. And according to salary data on the PayScale website, the average hourly rate for data entry clerks in the USA is around $13. Besides, any new role has a learning curve, and data entry is no exception. So, even after qualifying for your first job in the field, you should be willing to maintain your credibility by gaining more skills and experience.
Final Thoughts
Ready to land your first job as a remote data entry professional? It all starts with establishing a good understanding of the major concepts and enhancing your skills as you steadily climb the corporate ladder.
While at the entry-level, you may want to pursue recognized degree programs to help refresh your resume and align your skills with the existing job roles. But that’s not all. You can take a career-oriented approach that involves pursuing elective courses and certifications that address specific knowledge areas as far as data entry goes.
All in all, it all goes down to the direction you want to take your career and how you define success. Here’s hoping this post has covered everything you may have wanted to know to help you land your first work from home job as a data entry clerk. And there you go!