Data Entry

Objectives

• At the end of this course, you should be able to:– Understand data entry and home-based

data entry– Know the qualifications and skills

needed for data entry– Get ideas on how to improve your skills–Write a good data entry resume– Find a good data entry job

Contents

I. Introduction to Data Entry

a. What is Data Entry

b. Categories of Data Entry

II. Home-Based Data Entry

a. What is Home-Based Data

Entry

b. Advantages of Data Entry

Jobs

c. How Much Does a Home-

Based Data Entry Clerk Earn

d. The Best Candidates for

This Job

III. Qualification & Skills

a. Qualifications

b. Important Skills for Data

Entry

c. Computer Skills

IV. Improving your Data EntryV. Writing Your Resume

a. The Online Data Entry Resume

b. Do’s and Don’ts

VI. Searching for Data Entry Jobs

a. Where to Findb. Identifying Data Entry Scams

INTRODUCTION TO DATA ENTRY

What is Data Entry?

What is Data Entry

• Data entry is the process of converting one form of data to another. This is usually done by taking a set of information such as a hard copy of text and then typing the content using a computer program.

• A sample data entry task is typing a handwritten article into Microsoft Word or entering a set of codes to a special computer program by a skilled programmer. Data entry can also be as simple as putting names and addresses in a spreadsheet.

Categories

1. Traditional Data Entry– Traditional Data Entry is also called Offline Data

Entry. It is the simpler type of data entry. It includes typing data, translation, proof reading, and filling up of forms.

2. Non-Traditional Data Entry– This type is also called Online Data Entry. The

tasks that fall into this category are those which need internet connection. It includes answering of web surveys, filling up forms found on the web, email surfing, and more.

HOME-BASED DATA ENTRYWhat is Home-based Data Entry?

What is Home-Based Data Entry?

• Home-based Data Entry is the process of accomplishing data entry tasks from one’s own home.

• Tasks, deliverables, and reports are given online.

• Home-based Data Entry is one of the most sought-after work from home jobs.

Advantages of Data Entry Jobs

• Flexible Working Hours– Data entry jobs are best for people

looking for part-time jobs other than their current one. It is also very advantageous to housewives because they can still earn while taking care of the family and household. You will be given freedom of how you will use your time as long as the job gets done by a certain deadline.

• Work from Home– When doing a data entry task, you need

not take a step farther from your home. If you have a working computer and high-speed internet connection, then you're all set for a data entry job.

• No Pressure– Unlike most jobs, you won't have a

senior to boss around you. No regular office stress will haunt you. Data entry jobs are perfect for laid back individuals.

• Flexible Workload– Your workload will depend on you. You

can take as many data entry jobs as you can. It is up to you to weigh how much you can handle but still deliver good outcome.

How Much Does a Home-Based Data Entry Clerk Earn?

• A home-based data entry clerk earns about $8.64 0- $15.44USD / hour

• That’s $18,304 - $34,327USD annually

Who Are The Best Candidates for This

Job?

Stay-at-Home ParentsAre you a hands-on Mom or Dad who wants to generate income even from home? A Data Entry job is perfect for you! You can still take care of your kids while helping your partner with crazy expenses.

Employed Individuals Looking for Extra Income

More bills to pay, slow growth in your current company. Yes, these times are hard. But extra income is just around the corner. A data entry can help with the bills.

Financially Challenged College Students

Are you a financially challenged college student who’s looking for a job that will still spare you energy for your academics and social life? Data entry jobs will give you the extra income and the time!

Disabled IndividualsDisabilities should not hinder you from being productive. Generating income with simple tasks has never been this easy.

People Looking for Work-at-Home Jobs

Data Entry is the perfect work-at-home job! It’s easy and no formal qualifications needed!

QUALIFICATION & SKILLS

What skills and qualifications do I need to get a data entry job?

What Qualifications Should I Have?

A high school diplomaEmployers are not strict when it comes to hiring data entry clerks, especially online. They usually only require applicants to be high school graduates.

Important Skills for Data Entry

• Typing– Typing is the most basic skill needed in data entry because of

manual transferring of information to a computer program.

• Knowledge in spelling, grammar, and punctuation– Some content from hard copy materials are written in a

disorganized manner. Some information, however, are needed to be converted to a certain format. These need skills in grammar, spelling, and punctuation to be delivered properly.

• Computer and Software skills– A data entry person must be computer and internet savvy. Data

entry requires the usage of common programs like Microsoft Excel, Word, and more. Also, there are tools and software which can speed up the transcribing process.

Computer Skills

• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Windows

• Ability to connect and use internet

• Creating and sending email

• Typing skills• Speed and

accuracy• Audio accuracy

IMPROVING YOUR DATA ENTRY SKILLS

How do I improve my skills to get a data entry job?

How to Improve Your Skills

Data entry skills are not really the “born-with the-ability” type of skills. Each skill can be learned. PRACTICE

is the key.

1. Know Your Skill Level

• The first step to improve your data entry skills is to know where you’re at.

• Basic skill levels you should know are:– Typing Speed

» Words per Minute» Letters per Minute

– Typing Accuracy» Percentage of Mistakes committed

• You can use this basic tool:» http://

www.dataentryhomebusiness.com/typing-test.html

2. Practice

• Once you know your skill level, it’s time to improve it.

• You can choose to practice using free tools like http://www.keybr.com/

• Or participate in a paid program like http://www.nimblefingers.com/p_prog.htm which costs $29.95

3. Get a Certification

• Although not required, some employers will prefer having typing certifications.

• There are a number of websites offering official typing certifications.

• One of them is http://www.typingcertification.com which starts at $7.85

WRITING YOUR RESUMEWhat should my resume contain?

The Online Data Entry Resume

• Writing a resume for an office-based data entry job is different from writing a telecommuting resume for a home-based job.

• In a telecommuting resume, you need not include personal info such as home address

• A telecommuting resume is more straight to the point

Do’s & Don’ts

Do’s• DO let them know that you

would like to telecommute• DO highlight the skills and

equipment you have that is suitable for telecommuting.

• DO send a cover letter with EVERY resume you send out!

• DO highlight all your computer skills, how fast you type, and what computer programs you are familiar with.

Don’ts• DON’T Discuss the reasons WHY

you want to work from home (I have kids, health problems…etc)

• DON’T use the phrase “work at home”, use “telecommute from my home office” instead (more professional)

• DON’T send a email to an employer asking if they are “legitimate” SEND YOUR cover letter and resume instead.

• DON’T be afraid to follow up with another letter 2-4 weeks after you send in your resume.

SEARCHING FOR DATA ENTRY JOBS

How do I start searching for a data entry job?

Searching for Data Entry Jobs

There are many companies that need data entry clerks. Searching for an opening should not be a problem if you know where to find.

•Newspaper- There’s always something in the newspaper. Go through the classified

ads and look for data entry jobs. This way, job postings are localized.

•The Internet- The easiest place to find a data entry job is online. However, you must

be very careful in choosing where to submit applications since there are a lot of scams out there. Knowing the right keywords for your search is important too.

•Direct to Companies- You can contact local companies and inquire if they have a job opening

for data entry.

•Recommendations- This method of job searching is probably the safest one. If you know a

friend or relative who works in a data entry field, you can ask for recommendations.

Identifying Data Entry Scams

A lot of people are searching for data entry jobs on the internet. Scammers see this as a big opportunity to deceive people. It would be safe to avoid job postings if the company:

•Uses a free website

•Uses this website just recently

•Does not have a reliable payment

method

•Has contact details that sound

suspicious

•Does not answer inquiries.

Good Luck!