Data Entry Jobs and You
Would you like to work from home? then i must say you are at right place. you need to make some extra money, but you don’t want to have to go out and work in an office or a factory.
Many of the reason are there to work from home and benefits of the same is also to be consider as well, But finding steady work at home your home comfort not possible in any work at home job. Some of the work require best resume in terms of skills and qualifications for whatever reason...so what can you do?
If that situation sounds familiar, maybe you should be considering doing online data entry jobs from home. This option allows you to work flexible hours, offers reliable pay and doesn’t demand much in the way of experience.
If you are able to work a reasonable number of hours per week, there are companies who will hire you to do data entry. This work can be done from anywhere in the world, and often allows you to work with big corporations.
This is not a ‘get rich quick’ scheme, for sure. You will need to work hard and put the hours in. You must deliver accurate work and stick to the agreed schedule. But if you can do that, there is every opportunity to do well with data entry.
All About Data Entry
So what exactly is data entry, and what does it entail?
The need for data entry operators arises from the data-driven world we live in. Companies, government departments and other organizations gather huge amounts of information about customers, patients, citizens and a whole lot more.
In today’s computer-centric universe, all of this data needs to be added to a computer system so that it can be used, analyzed and interpreted. But very often, the raw data is in the wrong format.
A government department may have archives of paper files that need to be transferred to their computer system. A company might buy data that is not formatted the way they need it. A non-profit organization might decide to merge an outdated series of files into their brand-new database.
Whatever the case, somebody has to transfer the information from the old format to the new one. And in many cases, that job must be done by a human being who carefully types the old data into the new system. Very often this will mean entering the new data into spreadsheet.
In a nutshell, that is what data entry is all about - reading old data and typing it into a new form. That’s why data entry is perfect for working from home. Your location is irrelevant. All you need in terms of equipment is:
As far as your personal skills are concerned, you can get better paid data-entry jobs if you are able to offer the ability to:
And that’s about it! There are some specialist transcription jobs that require further training and certification, but there are lots of regular data entry jobs that have no such requirement.
Data entry jobs involve a lot of typing, so you can get one step ahead of other applicants by improving your typing skills. Go to Typing Test and find out how fast you can type.
If you can reach 60 wpm (words per minute) you are good to go, but hitting 100 wpm will help you win more jobs. You can take a free course at TypingTrainer to ramp up your typing speed.
This helps, but it’s optional. Most importantly, you just need to be available and ready to work.
The Pros and Cons
As with all jobs, there are advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantage with doing data entry work is the cap on your earnings. Because this is relatively unskilled work, there are lots of people applying to do it. So if you do down this route you can expect:
Whilst you need to be aware of those issues, there are many benefits from doing this kind of work, too. Data entry work is popular for a reason, so it’s worth seriously considering as home-based job option. Doing data entry work offers you:
If you are looking for some extra income to help pay the monthly bills, then a data entry job may be right for you.
How Much Can You Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data entry jobs typically pay around $15 an hour. But that number may be misleading, as you can do much better than that if you go about things the right way.
Most data entry jobs pay by the project. And that means you can earn more money per hour if you work quickly. So if you are efficient, this gives you a big advantage and allows you to increase your income. It’s really worth working on those typing skills!
You can also increase your income by selecting the kind of work you do carefully. You will get the lowest rates if you do the most basic work of copying from one format to another. But if you are prepared to undertake online research as part of your job, your potential income skyrockets.
So it’s a case of the job being whatever you want to make of it. You can go the easy route and make the most basic level of pay. Or you can get good at what you do and perhaps triple your income. Your choice!
Data Entry Scams
There are lots of legitimate data entry jobs out there that will help you make a good home-based income. But you should always be on the lookout for data entry scams.
Sadly, these about all over the Internet - especially on Craigslist and other classified ads sites. If you are offered work that sounds simply too good to be true, then it probably is. Be wary of companies that suggest you can earn high hourly incomes. And be double wary of those asking for a joining fee.
Here are the warning signs you should look out for:
Another scam to be wary of is the ‘send money’ scheme. One you have joined, someone from ‘the company’ will get in touch and generously offer to send you money to cover your ‘office supplies’ - or something similar.
Sounds good, but there’s a catch. The scammer will also have some complicated reason for asking you to wire a portion of the funds back. Once you have sent the money, the (fraudulent) check will bounce and you will be left out of pocket. So be careful!
Despite this concern, the vast majority of data entry jobs offered online are totally legitimate. So you don’t need to worry too much - just keep your eyes open.
Getting Started
The good news is that it’s easy to launch a career doing data entry work. All you need is a computer that is connected to the Internet.
A few jobs may require you to have access to a second screen, so that you can easily read data off one screen and type it in using the other screen. But for most jobs, you can get along just fine with your laptop.
You need a reliable Internet connection, and a quiet space to work. Data entry work requires concentration, so you don’t want to be distracted by background noise from your family, etc.
Next choose how you want to work - full-time, part-time or freelance? All of these are an option, depending on the nature of the jobs you apply for.
If you need a steady wage, then you may wish to apply for full-time jobs only. But if there is flexibility in your schedule, doing freelance work may allow you to earn better hourly rates.
Finding Data Entry Jobs
So your computer is ready to go and you have found a quiet place to work. All you have to do is find your first data entry job.
When applying for jobs, remember that most companies get a lot of applications for positions of this type. So you need to ensure that you stand out. It’s worth taking the time to polish your resume and create a strong LinkedIn profile. The more professional you are, the more attention you will get.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed with your first few applications. There are plenty of data entry jobs around, and you need to persevere. Keep applying and you are sure to succeed after a while.
There are many ways to find data entry jobs, and the options are constantly changing. First we will take a look at the jobs sites that focus only on data entry. These are where you are likely to find the best jobs. Then we will look at finding data entry jobs elsewhere, to give you every opportunity to find a work-from-home job that suits you.
Top Data-Entry Jobs Sites
There are a few websites that specialize in data-entry jobs only. Some of them may be difficult to get started with, but it’s worth persevering with them to get good quality work.
Lionbridge (The Smart Crowd)
This is one of the biggest companies in the world of legitimate work-from-home jobs. Their clients include giant corporations such as Google and Microsoft, so you can expect to find good quality work here.
They offer you the ability to earn money by completing small tasks that you can fit in your schedule. You work for yourself, on as many tasks as you choose, from your own device, wherever, and whenever, you want. Plus you are connected to a global community of workers.
There is no long term commitment, simply complete the tasks you signed up for. You may be asked to help with a variety of tasks in data research, data entry, language, testing, and more.
You will earn a competitive rate per task based on the expected productivity to complete a task. Rates are set for each task, and they pay once per month. There is no sign-up fee or membership fee.
Xerox
Want to work from home for one of the world’s most prestigious companies? Then Xerox should be high on your list of priorities. Xerox has over 8000 home-based employees, including many who undertake data entry and data verification work.
You may have to visit the company’s offices for a one-week training session, but apart from that you can work from anywhere. The positions with Xerox tend to be employee positions, so if you want full-time work, this may be a great option for you.
Axion Data Entry Services
To be considered by this company, you need a typing speed of around 50 words per minute, and some previous experience. You need to be proficient at using your computer, and have a decent broadband Internet connection.
As a member of their team, you’ll be judged on accuracy, attention to detail, and productivity. Compensation is a flat rate per document or entry, which varies from project to project. The more skilled and efficient you are, the more you will earn.
Document and data security is a high priority. So they require each applicant to undergo a criminal background investigation to assist in determining your suitability as a contractor. This will not be required until they contact you about a possible opening. You will be asked to contact the security company and pay their fee of about $30.
Great American Opportunities
This data entry job basically involves reading scanned order forms and then typing the information into the company’s computer system. You can get paid up to 14 cents per form, so if you can process forms quickly you can make decent money.
Although work is available all year round, there is a clear seasonal pattern around the holidays. Demand for data entry operators starts increasing in September, and then peaks in the period approaching Christmas.
Cass Information Systems
Although this work can be done from anywhere, you need to be close enough to one of the company’s centers in order to do some initial on-site training.
Check their website for opportunities listed as ‘data verification clerk.’ The number of opportunities available will vary over time, but you should check the website regularly to see what is on offer.
Accutran Global
While this company is primarily focused on transcription work, they nature of the work they do means they often require data entry operators, too. You simply tell the company what hours you are available for work, and they will tell you what jobs are available for you to take on.
SigTrack
SigTrack is a crowdsourced database application that links grassroots campaigns with data entry freelancers.
To get started doing data entry with them, you will need to be a U.S. citizen, and you must complete a short interview over Skype. Once you start work, you will be paid promptly by PayPal.
Dion Data
This company has been hiring home-based workers for over 20 years, so they certainly understand what they are doing. They often hire in large numbers when starting a big project, so there may be some good opportunities here.
You should be able to type 60 words a minute, and be proficient at using computers. You need to be legally able to work in the US, and be available to take on full-time work.
Working Solutions
This company hires home-based workers for a wide range of projects, and these often include data entry jobs.
You can get started by filling in their online application. If they are interested in taking things further, you will be asked to take some tests. Once you have been accepted, you can apply for the various positions that come up - including data entry jobs and other positions you may be suited for.
More Places to Find Work
There are also hundreds of data jobs posted every week on many other kinds of more general job websites. Freelance marketplaces are great for finding data entry work, but you can also find similar jobs on regular job boards.
It’s a good idea to sign up for a number of these and check them on a regular basis. If possible, sign up for job alert emails, so that you know when relevant jobs are posted. Get good at working these boards, and you will soon have more data entry work than you can handle.
Clickworker
This app-based platform connects companies needing work done with freelancers who are ready to do it. It is strong in areas such as data entry, so that makes it a great place to start.
With a client list that includes corporations like Honda, you know you are in good hands. There are lots of jobs available, and nearly all of these can be done from home.
Microworkers
This is another work that leverages crowd-sourcing to help companies get things done. You can sign up and offer to take on all kinds of simple tasks, including data entry.
Check out the list of gigs offered and see which ones best suit your skills, expertise and preferences. There are many different kinds of work you can do here from the comfort of your own home.
Amazon Mechanical Turk
This site has the advantage of being run by the mighty Amazon, so you know you are in safe hands. This platform has been around for many years, so it is well established as a place to get things done.
You can find good data processing jobs here, including:
There are always thousands of tasks waiting to be done on this platform, so it’s worth signing up to see what jobs you can start on today.
Upwork
This is the biggest of the freelance jobs marketplaces, so it’s the obvious place to start your search for online data entry jobs. You will always find plenty of jobs posted, covering all kinds of data entry work.
The trick here is to find the jobs that are worth applying for, and where you have a decent chance of success. Try to avoid the very general jobs where rates are low and competition is high. Make the most of any special skills or experience you may have to increase your chances of finding work.
Freelancer
This is another major freelance jobs marketplace that always has plenty of jobs in the data entry field. As with Upwork, the skill lies in working out which jobs are worth the effort of applying for.
You can set yourself apart on Freelancer by undertaking some of the special skills tests. Then you will fall into a more select group who qualifies for certain projects, thus improving your chances of success.
Indeed
As the world’s biggest jobs aggregator, Indeed always jobs in every category imaginable. But remember that Indeed is just collating all the jobs - you need to go to the individual jobs site in order to apply for the job.
In order to find online jobs, you need to filter your results by searching for phrases such as ‘remote data entry jobs’ or ‘freelance data entry jobs.’There are always dozens to be found, and there is often less competition than in the freelance marketplaces.
Fiverr
You can also find data entry work by offering your services on Fiverr. Instead of applying for jobs and project, you create a ‘gig’ to offer to employers who use the site.
Make your ‘gig’ stand out by creating something different and unique. If you can offer a valuable service, you can get a lot of work from Fiverr. Use the upgrades to increase your average order value.
If you follow the steps above, you should be able to find a good data entry job without too much difficulty. That means you can look forward to a steady source of income, and a way to find work whenever you need it.
The biggest advantage of doing data entry work is that the market is huge. There will always be lots of great jobs available for you to undertake. You won’t buy your mansion doing this kind of work, but it can help you ensure you stay afloat financially.