data entry professional.
Data entry professionals work in a wide range of fields. This in-demand job comes with plenty of growth opportunities. Keep reading to see how to find a data entry job.
find data entry roleswhat is a data entry professional?
Data entry is a field that focuses on inputting information into various files, records, and software. When you work a data entry job, you will collect data from records and enter it into a database or documentation software. Data entry jobs involve a lot of computer work, but some professionals will also transcribe data into paper records or audio recordings.
Data entry professionals often do things like input new customers into a company's record-keeping system, transcribe meeting notes into an official record, or input bills into accounting software. Just about anything that involves writing, typing, or otherwise entering information counts as data entry. There is a lot of variation in the amount of responsibility data entry professionals have.
While some have a boss who gives them a huge stack of data to enter into basic software, others will sort information and decide what to do with various pieces of data.
where do data entry professionals work?
The field of data entry is very broad. Most people picture data entry as a job done by administrative workers in an office. It is true that quite a few offices hire people to work in data entry. However, just about every other industry also needs data entry workers. There are jobs in data entry in industrial, hospitality, manufacturing, creative environments, and more.
Just about any field that involves any sort of information storage will need data entry.
data entry professional jobs
the average salary of a data entry professional
There is quite a bit of variation in what data entry professionals make. Most make an hourly rate, but some get their paycheck as a yearly salary or get money based on the amount of work they complete. Ultimately, data entry professionals make somewhere between $25 to $32 per hour.
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factors that impact pay
Data entry salaries vary a lot because the work itself is so different. One job will be a simple task of entering customer data into a spreadsheet, for example, while another position will involve using complex programs and working with highly specialised equipment. In general, jobs that are more complex and require more independent work pay more.
You will also get a higher salary if you work as a full-time data entry professional instead of as a temporary assistant. Job location affects pay as well. If you work at a high-end business or work in a region that has a high cost of living, expect a higher salary.
types of data entry professional
The most traditional type of data entry job is an in-house position. This is a job where you get a permanent position with a specific company, go into the office each day, and input data as needed. Such positions are common in organisations that have a large office staff and need more support workers.
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data entry contractors
Not all data entry professionals are employed for one organisation. Many work as a contractor, where they offer data entry to various companies. In this type of job, you go from business to business, completing lengthy projects before moving on to the next task at a new company.
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remote data entry workers
Unless the position requires working with large boxes of files or other paper information, you do not physically need to be in the office. Especially in modern times, more and more data entry jobs are remote positions. If you pick a remote role, you will work from a computer at home, get sent the files you need, and then transcribe the files into various software.
working as a data entry professional
Data entry sounds relatively straightforward, but there are actually a lot of different tasks involved in the job. Here is what you should expect if you decide to work as a data entry worker.
duties & responsibilities
Your primary duty as a data entry professional is to input data correctly. You will need to take various forms of data and input them into the appropriate type of document. The majority of your tasks can be done on a computer. Most data entry professionals turn paper documents into electronic data.
You will shift data between various types of programs as well. Many data entry professionals will also need to verify data, which involves going over previously entered data to double-check that it is correct. There is a possibility that you will have some other duties alongside data entry.
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organising items for data entry
Some data entry specialists will get a stack of neatly organised data. The company will need them to then type the information into the correct square on a spreadsheet. However, it is more common for you to just receive a big stack of various documents, files, audio clips, or other information.
You will need to keep all these documents organised and avoid losing any important data. Some jobs will require you to sort out different forms, like customer complaints or bills, and then input each type of data into the correct form.
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meeting goals and deadlines
It is fairly common for data entry professionals to have set metrics that their job wants them to meet. You will have to type a certain amount of words per hour, complete a project in a set amount of time, only make a certain amount of errors, or complete a specific amount of documents in a day. It will be part of your duty to learn what these goals are, track your progress, and manage your time.
work environment
Your work environment will depend on the type of job you take. For many workers, data entry happens in a typical office environment. You sit at a desk or work in a cubicle where you will interact with fellow coworkers. If you are working with archival documents, you will also spend a lot of time in file rooms by yourself. Remote data entry jobs take place wherever you can find an internet connection.
In addition to working remotely at home, you could enter data at a coffee shop, internet cafe, or other similar spots.
work schedule
Data entry professionals often work in an office, where they follow a typical 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule. Many remote workers also follow a typical office schedule because their company wants them to be accessible at certain times. However, if you do freelance and contract work, you will get to pick your own schedule.
Some places even encourage data entry work on nights and weekends. The type of job also affects how many hours you work. Data entry involves both full-time and part-time work. Some office workers will have a usual 40-hour workweek.
Meanwhile, contractors sometimes work a few hours per week. Other times, they will work overtime to complete a big project.
job outlook
Working as a data entry professional is generally a very stable job. There is a chance that some simpler forms of data entry will gradually decline as automation makes it easier to transfer data between basic files. However, more complex data entry remains a reliable career.
As a data entry professional, your best opportunities will involve using your skills and experience to transition to more complex jobs. Often, working in data entry helps you network in an office and take on more administrative tasks. Some data entry workers will choose to get additional education and become analysts or do more specialised jobs.
education & qualifications
One of the great things about data entry is that it typically does not require a lot of formal education. Some employers hire people without high school degrees. However, the preferred minimum educational level for data entry is usually having completed NCEA Level 2. If you desire more complex jobs that require specialised tasks, you may need a certificate in that area however, it is rare for a data entry job to require a university degree.
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experience requirements
Most data entry jobs do not require any prior experience. Companies are typically fine with training their data entry workers themselves. However, if the company works with any common software, like Excel, they will want the employees to have some experience with the programs.
If you do have experience in data entry, this will make you more attractive for higher-level positions.
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physical qualifications
Though the job is not extremely physically demanding, it does involve an intense amount of typing. You need to be able to sit and type for long periods without dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive strain injuries.
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fast typing speed
Many data entry companies will ask you to take a typing test before they hire you. A fast typing speed is important because it shows you will quickly enter data throughout the day. While different businesses have different requirements, most ask for somewhere around 45 to 70 words per minute. In addition to typing fast, you will need to type accurately.
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skills & competencies
Though you typically do not need extensive formal education, you still have to be somewhat skilled to become a data entry professional. For example, you'll need to have an organised mindset, the ability to pay strong attention to detail and speed and accuracy in typing. Most data entry professionals should also have some decent interpersonal skills.
Even if you don't spend a lot of time with customer service, you need to get along with coworkers and communicate effectively. Depending on whether you work with numbers or words, companies will require basic math skills and/or English language skills. Being bilingual is always a plus in data entry since some jobs will require you to fill out forms in multiple languages.
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skilled at working with technology
The most important skills you will need are technological skills. It's not necessary to know companies' software programs before you begin working with them. However, you need to be comfortable enough with technology to learn new software.
It's also helpful to know about popular programs, such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Google Sheets. In addition to computer programs, some companies will expect you to operate certain electronic equipment, such as:
- Scanners
- Printers
- Copier
- Other common office tools
FAQs about working as a data entry professional
Discover the most frequently asked questions about building a career as a data entry professional.
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What do you do in a data entry job?
In a data entry job, you spend most of your time sitting down and typing. You will start by looking at pieces of paper, audio files, computer documents, or other records. Then, you will sort this information and type it into a new program or spreadsheet.
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What are some data entry skills?
The main data entry skill is simply the ability to type. In addition to typing quickly, you will also need to type accurately. This involves a combination of language, organisational, and attention-to-detail skills.
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How do I start data entry?
Many data entry jobs are remote jobs, so you have a wide pool of job positions to choose from. Start by using the internet to browse for data entry jobs. Then, create a resume and submit it for the position.
If the company likes your resume, it will usually ask you to pass a typing test that measures your speed and accuracy. Depending on your results, they will invite you for an interview before hiring you.
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Is a data entry job hard?
Data entry is not an extremely challenging field. You do have to be comfortable with technology and you must be able to type. However, some positions require careful concentration throughout the day. This can be challenging for some people.
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Do data entry jobs pay decently?
Data entry jobs pay better than many other entry-level jobs, such as working at a fast-food restaurant. For the amount of education and experience required, this job pays quite well. Many companies pay by project, so if you type faster, you will make more.
working with randstad as a data entry professional
The data entry field is a very accessible profession. A wide range of businesses requires data entry professionals, which gives you the option of working in all sorts of industries. Often, showing that you are reliable and intelligent will lead to further career opportunities.
Furthermore, the job is appealing because it requires little higher education or experience. You do not need experience in an office setting either; although, a background in on-site data entry will make it easier to get more desirable jobs.
In addition to all these perks, data entry is a decently paying and comfortable job.
