What Is Data Entry?
Data entry typically refers to taking hard-copy information, like sales receipts, addresses, or survey responses, and inputting it into a computer program. It could also include scanning documents, transcribing audio files, or coding insurance forms.
You don’t need a specialized degree or training to work as a data entry clerk, but you typically need a high school diploma and to be a good typist.
Membership organizations, law firms, medical practices, or sales organizations are among the types of companies that hire data entry clerks.
Freelance Entry-Level Data Entry Jobs
When searching for remote data entry jobs, you’ll quickly find that many online jobs out there aren’t worth your time. You can avoid wasting your time by sticking with a reputable company. Below are some of the best platforms for finding entry-level data entry jobs.
1. Microworkers
Microworkers ( www.microworkers.com ) lists short tasks that employers need completed. Many of these are basic data entry tasks that don’t require any special training or skills.
Most micro-task jobs pay less than a dollar, but they only take a few minutes to complete. If you have a little extra time on your hands and want to make a few bucks quickly, Microworkers is a good way to do it.
2. Amazon MTurk
Getting started with MTurk is as simple as creating an account and searching for jobs that fit your skills.
3. Clickworker
Clickworker (www.clickworker.com) is another micro-task job site where freelancers, known as Clickworkers, work as independent contractors completing a variety of tasks including data entry side jobs. Once you register, you will need to take an assessment to see what kinds of jobs you qualify for; these are the ones that will appear in your search listings.
More advanced skills will lead to more job options. For instance, if you are bilingual, you will see jobs in both languages you speak.
Registering with Clickworker is a great way to make extra money, but it does note on its website that it’s not a substitute for a full-time job and that your income can fluctuate monthly.
4. Fiverr
Fiverr ( www.fiverr.com) is a marketplace that allows freelancers to post services ranging from graphic design, to voiceovers, to proofreading and article writing. You can also offer data entry services to those who need them by bidding on jobs or creating a listing for your services.
You’ll typically earn $5 for your basic package, but you can offer upgrades to increase your earnings. This is a good place to practice your data entry skills and learn to negotiate with clients.
Companies That Hire Remote Data Entry Clerks
Maybe you’re interested in being a remote data entry clerk but prefer the idea of working for a major company instead of freelancing. You can search job boards and aggregator sites like ZipRecruiter, Upwork, and Indeed.com for other companies that might be hiring.
There are also a few big companies like Amazon that offer remote data entry jobs from home. They’re not always hiring, but all are worth checking out.
5. Kendall Creek Communications
Kendall Creek Communications is a big employer of remote workers, including data entry clerks. This company hires workers as independent contractors to complete jobs in the fields of transcription, data processing, and market research.
It has an impressive list of clients that includes several big U.S. government agencies. Check its website for current employment opportunities.
6. Capital Typing
Capital Typing provides a variety of data and clerical services for businesses. It’s a reputable company and offers a wide range of services other than basic data entry.
Capital Typing offers online data entry jobs from home where clerks are hired as independent contractors. Check out its website for employment opportunities.
9. Xerox
Most well-known for its photocopy machines and other print products, Xerox offers a number of work-from-home opportunities, including data entry. You might be able to find a full- or part-time position earning up to $30,000 per year.
It’s not always hiring, so it’s a good idea to upload your resume into its applicant database. When a position becomes available, you’ll be notified via email so you can apply.
What Skills Are Required for Data Entry Jobs?
Though every data entry job is different, there are some basic skills you should have if you want to succeed in this field.
Computer skills
Because you’ll be working from home, all your work will be done using a computer. You don’t have to have expert-level skills, but you do need some basic computer knowledge.
Helpful computer skills include:
- Typing. Since the majority of data entry involves typing, this is the most important skill you’ll need. The faster you can type, the faster you can get your work done and the more money you can make typing from home. The average typing speed is 40 words per minute, so anything above that is a good start for a data entry clerk. You can test your typing speed online to see where you fall.
- Spreadsheets. Many companies organize their data in spreadsheets, so knowing how to use a spreadsheet is key to succeeding in data entry. There are two programs you should be familiar with: Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Both have a lot of features. However, they’re fairly similar. If you learn one, your skills should transfer to the other.
- Word documents. There’s a good chance you’ll be using Microsoft Word at some point. Knowing how to use the basic features of the program, such as formatting a document or inserting links, will give you an edge over other job-seekers.
- PowerPoint. Although you’re less likely to use PowerPoint compared to Word or Excel, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it.
- All Google products. Due to their collaborative and cloud-based nature, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for people to work online. Be sure you have a professional Google account and a good working knowledge of basic Google applications.
If you find that you’re lacking in some of the skills, don’t worry. You can find online courses and tutorials to help, and many of the programs come with in-platform assistance and troubleshooting.
Organizational skills
Staying organized is essential to your success as a data entry clerk. This is especially true when you’re working with a lot of data at once and need to keep things straight.
Some common organization skills you need might be:
- Keeping files and folders straight. As a remote data entry clerk, you’ll be downloading and uploading lots of files and folders. Create a system for naming and filing everything on your computer. This will keep you from misplacing a file or sending a client the wrong data.
- Attention to detail. If you’re not detail-oriented, data entry will be difficult. You might be dealing with long strings of data that can start to look alike. Data entry can also be extremely repetitive, and it can be easy to start overlooking small details. Paying attention to detail will keep you from making costly mistakes.
- Tracking deadlines. Many data entry projects are time-sensitive or need to be completed by a specific date. If you have multiple clients or projects, it’s important that you use a calendar or other system for managing deadlines. Google’s calendar feature is a free option you can use for tracking important dates, tasks, and assignments.
If you have trouble staying organized, you can use a task management system like Asana or an app like Evernote to track different clients, projects, and deadlines.
Communication skills
Since you won’t be working in a traditional office environment where it’s easy to chat with your coworkers whenever you need to, it’s important to stay on top of online communication.
Some of the ways you’ll communicate with your coworkers and supervisors include:
- Email. Most communication for online work happens over email. You’ll need a system to monitor your inbox and respond to emails in a timely manner. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you reply within 24 hours, but some emails may be more time-sensitive. Make it easy to keep up with your emails by installing a mail app on your smartphone and setting up new message alerts.
- Online chat communications. Some companies have their own online chat system or use a system like Slack. If your employer uses this type of system, make sure you learn to use it properly and check your messages as needed. Get clear guidance from employers or clients on when they need you to be available online.
- Video conferencing. Your client or employer may hold team meetings or trainings via Zoom or another video conferencing platform. You’ll need to know how to navigate those platforms, as well as have reliable internet to access them.
Being able to communicate clearly and professionally, as well as understanding email etiquette, is also important in an online environment.
How to Avoid Scams
There are lots of people searching for good remote data entry jobs, and scammers know it. Unfortunately, that means there are lots of work-from-home scams posing as legitimate opportunities. Keep an eye out for scams by following these tips.
- Avoid anything that’s too good to be true. If you stumble across a data entry job that promises to pay thousands per month for minimal work, it’s likely a scam. You can make some money, especially if you have experience in a specialized field like medical coding, but keep your expectations reasonable. Be wary of anything that seems too good to be true.
- Don’t pay to get a job. Another scam involves asking you to pay money up front before you can start making money. If a potential employer asks for any kind of payment, walk away. No legitimate job will ever ask you to pay a fee or pay for training before you start.
- Be wary of training programs. Plenty of legitimate employers require you to undergo some training before beginning work as a data entry clerk. Be wary of employers that want you to work for free or extremely low wages as a training period. You may find that after your “training” period, you don’t get the high-paying work they promise. Get a contract or other guarantee before you begin any kind of work.
In addition to these tips, listen to your instincts. If something sounds off about a job or makes you uncomfortable, or if you’re asked for too much personal information before you’re hired, walk away. There are plenty of legitimate options available.
