Data entry is a helpful task that can be done by anyone. Though some people may not think of themselves as data entry operators, it’s actually something that they do on a daily basis.
Data entry does not require any special experience or skills and can be done from the comfort of your home! Knowing what to keep in mind when doing the data entry will help you get through this simple task quickly and efficiently.
What is data entry?
Data entry is an industry in which employees add, verify and edit electronic data. Many companies need people to transcribe notes from meetings, add raw data into databases and add sales figures into electronic formats multiple times during the course of a business day.
A data entry job entails working as a handler of different types of electronic data and operating devices that professionals use to enter and edit data, such as a keyboard. There are a number of occupations in this industry, including typist, coder, transcriber or word processor.
Jobs in this industry have several different payment methods. If you start working in this industry, you could be paid by project, keystrokes per minute, keystrokes per word, keystrokes per hour or receive an hourly wage. Typically, the payment rate in data entry is based on your typing speed—fast typists are likely to earn more money in this industry.
How to gain data entry experience?
When preparing for a career in data entry, it can be beneficial to pursue practical experience to help you in the role. To gain experience in the data entry field, consider taking these steps:
1. Pursue an education. You can look for educational opportunities through high school and college classes or through technical training sessions and workshops.
2. Complete an internship to decide if the career path suits you. You can also volunteer or intern in a data entry role to help make professional contacts in the field.
3. Obtain certifications. Earning a certification will improve your job prospects in the industry.
Types of data entry jobs
Here are the two main types of data entry positions and the features of each:
Remote
- As a remote worker in the data entry industry, you can choose the location in which you carry out your job responsibilities.
- You can typically choose your own hours.
- Remote workers are unlikely to be paid an hourly wage and will be paid per project or per keystrokes during a specified period.
- Employers prioritize reliability and the ability to complete tasks in remote workers, so your performance may be more important than your work history.
- Working in data entry as a remote worker could give you the opportunity to earn some extra money while you work as a full-time employee in a different industry or pursue an academic degree.
In-house
- If you work an in-house data entry job, you are likely to be paid an hourly wage.
- Unlike remote workers, you can expect benefits like merit bonuses and occasionally health benefits and paid time off.
- Employment benefits that are linked to performance will be based on the speed, accuracy and reliability of your data entry.
How to succeed in the data entry field?
You need several skills to be an effective data entry clerk. Keep in mind that you will need to spend a lot of time on your computer to develop these abilities. Follow these steps to excel in data entry:
1. Improve your language skills. You’ll need English language skills to work in the data industry. To prepare, learn to read, write and proofread your work at a high level.
2. Become a better typist. To teach yourself these skills, simply practice by typing anything into a writing program such as Word or Pages while you time your typing speed. Practice until you can type at least 35 words per minute. Consider using a free online test to identify your typing speed and find free online games that you can play to improve your typing.
3. Gain computer skills. To secure employment as a data entry specialist, you will need to know how to use computer programs to input and edit electronic data and save your work. Search for free online tutorials for popular computer programs, such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, on the websites of their manufacturer or on video hosting sites. It could also be helpful to learn how to use basic office machines that pair with computers, such as a scanner and a printer. There are many free online tutorials that can help you to learn how to use office equipment effectively. By following this method, you can become literate in some technical programs needed for data entry in a short period of time.
4. Bolster your interpersonal skills. As a worker in the data entry industry, you will need to communicate with employers and colleagues during your data entry projects. As customer service is a learnable skill, you can use free resources—such as articles and tutorials—that are available on the internet to learn about related skills. Imagine confrontational situations with an employer or coworkers and role-play what you would do in these situations to practice.
Advantages of working in data entry
Data entry jobs are available in many fields and industries, including finance, healthcare, warehousing, utilities, communications, and more.
People who work in data entry typically sit at computers all day to compile information for their employers. They may input data into databases or use software programs to create charts, graphs, or other documents.
Conclusion
Doing data entry can be tedious and time-consuming. However, these helpful tips will help you do it more efficiently so that your job is less of a headache. If you need any additional information or would like to discuss these points further with us.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always happy to talk about how we can make your life easier by helping take care of some mundane tasks for you.