What is a Data Entry Job? Is Data Entry Right for Me?

Do you have great keyboarding skills, a fondness for accuracy, and the ability to work under deadlines? If so, data entry may be a solid career to consider. A job in data entry can take you into a variety of industries, since employers across many sectors hire for these positions.

What is a Data Entry Job?

Data entry jobs involve typing information into electronic formats, whether that’s word processing, spreadsheets, or specific software. It’s a great career option for detail-oriented people—or even those who prefer to work remotely from home.  Data entry jobs typically use a computer to enter data or information, often from a hard-copy paper format, into a software application. 

This role 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. Because a lot of the work is administrative and silo'd, it is common for data entry jobs to be remote (or partially remote). 

A typical Data Entry job description may include all the following responsibilities:

• Preparing and sorting documents for data entry
• Entering data into database software and checking to ensure the accuracy of the data that has been inputted
• Resolving discrepancies in information and obtaining further information for incomplete documents
• Creating data backups as part of a contingency plan
• Responding to information requests from authorized members
• Testing new database systems and software updates
• Compile and sort source (hard-copy) data
• Scanning documents and using optical character recognition (OCR)
• Transcribing, updating customer information and entering accounting records

Necessary Skills Needed for a Data Entry Job

Do your skills line up with what hiring managers are looking for when they are reviewing resumes for a Data Entry position? Well, here are some of the basics most hiring managers will be looking for:

1. Computer Knowledge -to become a Data Entry professional and to get started, the very first skill that you need is the ability to operate a computer device. Basically, if you know how to install the necessary software on your PC, create folders and store information, edit file names, move files - that’s it. These are the basic things that you need to know about to be able to start your journey.
2. Basics of Microsoft Office program - the second requirement you need to have is a Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, such as Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel (which are most widely used). These skills are easy to learn, you may watch training videos or enroll in some tutorial programs which can even provide you a certificate.
3. Common Skills in English - many freshers are afraid of English communication skills, but seriously - this is not as complicated as we think. If you could understand the message, and instructions of your clients, and if you can ask them questions, reply to them accordingly - that's what you need. You don't have to be a native speaker or a very good English writer to get started.
4. Online research skills - you should be able to find information about any query that the client might be going to ask you. Doing online search is the top option. You should be able to find information online and place that information into Excel or Google sheets.
5. Good typing speed - as Data Entry jobs require a lot of typing, typing speed is a very important requirement of the job role. If you have a typing speed of more than 40 Words per minute, you will have more options and opportunities to get projects.

What are the Usual Qualifications for a Data Entry Role?

Most companies will not require any formal education for Data Entry roles. However, there are skills that are expected in order to perform this role efficiently, and these competencies should be part of a Data Entry job description: 

• Computer literacy and familiarity with various computer programs such as MS Office (formal computer training may be advantageous in progressing in this career)
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of grammar and punctuation
• Ability to work to time constraints
• Data typing speed and accuracy
• Multitasking
• Organized

Where do I Find Data Entry Jobs?

If you possess the skills or desire to do data entry, there are plenty of data entry jobs out there.

If you're newer to data entry, there are a lot of free training options out there - here is one article with a few resources listed to get you started.

And if you're looking for a data entry job, head to earnbetter.com which can be a great place to find job opportunities.