Consider a job in data entry if you have excellent keyboarding abilities, a passion for precision, and the capacity to work under pressure. Employers from a wide range of industries hire people for data entry jobs, so a career in this field can take you places.
Are you wondering how to work as a data entry clerk? First of all, it’s important to remember that data entry jobs can be found as full-time, part-time, or freelance roles in addition to the typical structure of independent consultant.
Data entry employment frequently provides a great deal of flexibility for work-from-home opportunities. Continue reading if you want to learn how to join the FlexJobs community of people who have successfully found employment in data entry.
Take note:
For many years, FlexJobs has been the industry leader in assisting job searchers in locating the best remote, flexible, work-from-home, and hybrid positions. You may register for premium access to our hand-screened job listing database, career and job search webinars, and a ton of other fantastic resources! Find out right now how FlexJobs can help you with your job search!
A Data Entry Job: What Is It? Meaning & Definition
Data entry: What is it? The process of entering data or updating records in a computer system or database is known as data entry. What does a clerk for data input do? Information is entered by data entry specialists using computers and data processing software. Transcribing information from phone conversations or recordings may also be included in job descriptions for data entry.
Although the majority of data entry tasks are completed electronically, depending on the business, paper documentation may also be used.
Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements for Data Entry
Most employers just require a high school degree, or the GED equivalent, from candidates looking to begin a career in data entry. However, a bachelor’s degree could be necessary in some circumstances (often dependent on the industry).A prospective data entry job interview will be preceded by an explanation of academic qualifications. It might be necessary for you to complete a data entry test that gauges how accurately you entered the data. Many organizations search for applicants who are adept with platforms like Microsoft Office or the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet tool, as using data processing software is sometimes a prerequisite as well.
The following traits can help candidates stand out from the crowd even if they are not tech-related. You should mention the following data entry abilities in your cover letter:
- Establishment
- Personal drive
- Paying close attention to details
- Capacity to function both alone and collaboratively
- Courteous and polite
- Deadline-focused
The good news is that there are plenty of companies hiring for entry-level data entry positions, making it an excellent opportunity to obtain on-the-job training and experience if you’re wondering how to become a data entry specialist. According to data from the government Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for data entry is expected to rise at a pace of 3% during a ten-year period ending in 2026.
Data Entry Wage: What Is the Pay Rate for Data Entry Positions?
PayScale reports that hourly compensation for data entry positions range from $11 to roughly $17, with applicants with more abilities and experience earning higher pay rates. The hourly wage is $14.41 on average.
If a data entry clerk’s work involves additional responsibilities like customer service or administrative office work, this could also affect their compensation. For instance, a data processor can be needed to manage customer reservations and bookings, including schedule modifications and cancellations, in the hotel and travel industries.
Locating Trusted Data Entry Positions
There are legitimate data entry jobs out there, but you shouldn’t have to pay for them with a start-up fee or other financial commitment. Almost every day, FlexJobs posts valid data entry jobs. Every data entry job on FlexJobs is provided by a respectable company and has undergone a comprehensive investigation by a FlexJobs researcher.
- Listings that include the following can be a red flag for a possible data entering scam:
- Processing rebates; paying an administrative fee; or paying for training
- Acquiring business kits
- Encourage the use of affiliate marketing
Employers of Data Entry Personnel
For those who desire flexible work hours, a career in data entry may be appropriate.Since most data entry tasks can be completed on a personal computer, many companies that hire employees for data entry positions look for someone who can work from home.Work flexibility in the form of part-time, temporary, or freelance employment can also be obtained through data entry jobs.
Data entry positions from a variety of businesses are listed on FlexJobs, including:
- Adecco
- Conduent
- Ajilon
- CVS
- Health
- Kelly
- Kforce
- Retail Data
- Mintel
- Rose Worldwide
- Symbria
Types of Data Entry Jobs: Typical Job Titles for Data Entry
Data entry jobs come in a few different varieties of roles.Employers may add additional general office responsibilities, whether related or unrelated, to the job description. The duties can differ depending on the sector. Among the several kinds of data entry jobs are:
Data Entry Clerk
This job involves basic inputting of information, either numeric or alphabetic, from one format to another, usually via keyboarding.
Data Entry Keyer
This role enters or scans figures or data into computer software systems, often from other documents such as hard copies or paper documents.
Transcriptionist
Transcription jobs are usually word-based (versus numbers-driven) and involve listening to recordings and transcribing the information into reports or other word documents.
Word Processor/Typist
Basic typing is a key duty in this job, including entering information for text documents, correspondence, and reports.
Types of Data Entry: Industries That Hire Data Entry Jobs
Health and Medical
Hospitals, clinics, medical facilities, dentists, and diagnostic labs are a few examples of these employers.
Executive
Many people who work in data entry typically have an office or a home office. Answering the phone and handling general receptionist tasks may be required for various occupations.
Finance and Accounting
Financial firms use people for data entry positions related to accounts payable, payroll, audits, company finances, and tax preparation.
Politics and Government
Accurate data entry specialists are frequently employed by municipal, state, and federal governments for tasks including public record-keeping and election administration.
Retail and Sales
Companies in these sectors hire people for flexible data entry jobs. Inventory, online sales, collection, and logistics can all play significant roles in retail and sales.
Continuing on the Career Path of Data Entry
Once you’ve determined that data entry is a career you want to pursue and have a solid understanding of how to get hired in the field, there are a few tactics you may use to advance in your career.
If all you have to your name is a high school diploma and you’re looking for a job, pursue more study in fields like data science, business or office technology, or information technology. Think about obtaining an associate’s degree, a certification in data entry, or academic credit from an online course that aligns with your goals for a job in data entry.
As your data entry job develops, you might want to think about moving up to a supervisory role or becoming a data entry analyst. A college degree, strong analytical abilities, the capacity to create and manage databases, supervision of quarterly or annual data reporting, and exceptional communication abilities are typically prerequisites for both positions.
We can assist you if you’re prepared to begin looking for data entry jobs! Since data entry is one of the most adaptable professions in today’s workforce, we are always adding new entries to our database.Visit them and make contact for your upcoming chance. Once you’ve determined who fits, look through sample resumes for data entry to gain ideas for your own.
In addition, if you haven’t joined yet, explore our site to find out more about how we may help you find a flexible position in data entry or another industry!
FAQs
Do you need qualifications for data entry?
Although formal education is not required to work as a data entry operator, having a postsecondary degree that teaches computer or administrative skills will help you stand out as a candidate.
Which course is best for data entry?
Among the best courses for data entry are:
- Discover data entry on Udemy and start a profitable home business.
- Learn Data Entry on Udemy with Our Beginner Course.
- Get the finest method on Udemy to learn data entry and work from home.
- The Udemy course on practical data entry is called Xero Online Accounting.
- VSkills Certified Data Entry Operator.
What is an example of data entry?
The following are some instances of data input tasks and their uses: Typing text is the process of converting handwritten notes, surveys, and other documents into digital text format. Digitizing old papers or keeping records can both benefit from this.
