Data entry also referred to as keylogging is a field in which employees enter or input, verify and edit digital data. Many organizations need individuals to input raw data into databases, transcribe notes from meetings, and enter sales figures in digital formats several times during the course of a business day. As you may have already understood by now, data entry is a broad term that could refer to the role and responsibilities of typists, transcribers, clerks, coders, word processors, etc.
Data entry jobs have existed since the invention of computers. The entry threshold or pre-requisites for a data entry job are very low. A data entry job entails working as a handler of various types and formats of electronic data and operating devices that professionals use to input and manipulate data, such as a keyboard.
How do data entry jobs pay?
Jobs in this field have several variable payment methods. If you start working as a data entry operator then 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 — if you can type fast then you are likely to earn more money in this industry.
Functions (could include but not be limited to the following):
Entering customer details
Typing manuscripts and Transcribing documents (from handwritten files or audio/video files)
Doing secondary research and transferring market research results
Entering printed, coded or statistical data
Proofreading and editing/verifying data
Answering phone calls
Updating medical records or customer records
Dealing with customer complaints/tickets and staff queries
Processing sales invoices
Entering advertisements into newspapers
Filing, photocopying and other clerical or administrative duties
Preparing reports, presentations, letters and labels for mail-outs
Operating office equipment including computers, printers and photocopiers
Adhering to data confidentiality regulations
Skills & Educational Qualifications Needed:
As mentioned earlier, the barrier to land a data entry job is not very high. As long as you have completed your high school or diploma successfully and you are able to read & write in English comfortably, you will be eligible for most data entry-related jobs.
No prior experience is required but you will need the following skills:
Proficient typing skills and a good typing speed
Computer skills and a knowledge of relevant software packages such as MS office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PPT)
Basic literacy skills and numerical abilityGood spelling, punctuation and grammar
A good understanding of data confidentiality issues
Good communication skills, both written and verbal
Accuracy while typing and great attention to detail
Organisational abilities and administrative skills
A polite telephone manner
Good customer service skills
Self-motivation
Accuracy and good attention to detail
The ability to do the same task for long durations of time
The ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines