Data entry work: Everything you need to know

Companies nowadays deal with large amounts of data that needs to be organized before it can be used to gain insights on consumer behavior, market trends, and other aspects that inform business decisions. This data entry work is accomplished by professionals who have exceptional keyboarding skills and attention to detail. 

Data entry as a career path saw a rapid rise during the digital boom of the late 20th and 21st centuries, with organizations across industries hiring professionals to input their data from non-digital sources into a computer system. 

Are you interested in engaging in data entry? This article explains what data entry is, what skills are required in this profession, their role in business, how to become a data entry freelancer, and the best places to find jobs. 

What does a data entry freelancer do?

Data entry is a process that covers capturing, documentation, and storage of data. This may include encoding, typing, transcribing, coding, and data processing. A data entry freelancer does any or all of these, depending on their agreed duties and responsibilities.

Some of the role’s functions include:

• Encoding customer information in the database
• Verifying the accuracy and reviewing errors of information encoded
• Research information in case of incomplete documents
• Scan and print documents
• Work with databases, word processors, and other document formats
• Handle confidential information
• Apply data techniques and procedures
• Comply with data security policies

What skills do you need for data entry roles?

Being a data entry freelancer requires you to have several skills and qualifications to do the work. Companies usually look for the following skills and qualifications:

Software knowledge

This job doesn’t require you to be a total IT whiz. Data entry work is simple enough, but you still need to have the basic knowledge of how to operate the latest computer operating systems, such as Windows and macOS, and programs like word processors and spreadsheets.

Typing skills

Excellent typing skills are a basic requirement for data entry jobs. You need to be able to type fast and accurately. Usually, companies expect you to have an average of 30 to 40 words per minute of typing rate.

This is a requirement because, besides the sheer volume of data they deal with, some companies require data entry professionals to capture customer data in real-time. So, speed and accuracy are a must!

Close attention to detail

It bears repeating that data entry work relies on individuals that keep a close eye on minute details and bits of information. Being a data entry clerk requires you to process and examine the data you are inputting into the system and make sure that it’s accurate and error-free.

Communication skills

Alongside the ability to work in teams, as a data entry clerk, you also need to have excellent communication skills. Verbal communication is more than successfully explaining your points to the other team members or customers, it’s also tuning in actively into the conversation.

Written communication is already a given since as a data entry clerk, you’ll be handling large amounts of information and data. This means grammatical errors and spelling mishaps are big no-nos.

Collaboration skills

While data entry work is mostly individual work, you still need to work and collaborate with others in your team and department to ensure smooth sailing. Open, two-way communication with the team is a key ingredient to a healthy and productive workplace.

Organization skills

Being in data entry work, your organizational skills must be impeccable as you are responsible for accurately filing and categorizing the files assigned to you. Most companies provide useful tools and systems to help you do your job, you’re still expected to maximize your efficiency.

The importance of data entry in business

Data entry clerks and freelancers are accountable for encoding and organizing data that is vital to your business, particularly to your clients and consumers. One part of their duties and responsibilities is to keep track and record all data and information that comes from and out of their respective departments or company. These data are used to report losses and profits, growths, and revenues.

When working a data entry job, it is also your responsibility to duplicate and back up the work you’ve done to ensure data security. Database clerks are also responsible for ensuring that all the information they have processed is easily accessible to the management.

Becoming a data entry freelancer

Nowadays, working as a freelancer has become easier with the internet and several online tools. Numerous companies engage in data entry outsourcing, so you can enjoy plenty of opportunities as either freelancer or full-time clerk. 

Here are a few things you need to do to find a data entry freelance job: 

Gain Relevant Qualifications and Skills

Before pursuing freelance data entry jobs, make sure you have the necessary qualifications and skills. While most companies do not have certification requirements, getting certified for certain skills may give you an advantage. For example, you may consider completing a Google Sheets course or a Certified Data Entry Professional program.

Signing up to freelance platforms

Creating a profile in one of these freelance platforms is easy. However, some of their qualifications and how you can apply for a job posting depends on the format of each platform.

Usually, you only have to indicate your name, contact details, work, and educational background then your profile will be live.  In some instances, you have to undergo several tests and qualifications especially when these platforms look for pre-vetted applicants for their clients.

Here are the top platforms for finding data entry freelance opportunities: 

• Freelancer.com
• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Onlinejobs.ph (for Filipinos)

On the other hand, you may find permanent positions in these platforms:

• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• Monster

Creating a proposal

Next, after creating your profile, then you can now send proposals for available job postings online. Creating and sending proposals can be the same as that of sending resumes for in-person recruitment. 

In fact, it has become in-demand to the freelancing world since your proposal will be a great determiner of whether the employer will hire you or not.

Avoiding work-from-home scams

Freelancers like you can also become a victim of work-from-home scams and malicious postings online. Any ad that promises higher pay but from a suspicious company is more likely a scam. This is the same with postings that will ask you to pay a specific amount to access their listings.

With this, you should also verify and confirm the legitimacy of the company you’re planning to apply to. Don’t just give crucial information such as bank account number or complete address, especially since most of your work transactions should stay inside the platform.

Data entry excellence starts with you

Whether you’re looking for positions as a permanent employee or a remote freelancer, make sure that you have all it takes to be an excellent data entry professional. Prospective employers and clients look for candidates whose soft and hard skills complement each other.

As a veteran in data entry outsourcing, SixEleven has provided data processing solutions to companies in numerous industries – proof that this profession is here to stay. If you have the skills, knowledge, and personality for data entry roles, you have a career waiting for you.