Data Transcription From Home

What Is It?

Data Entry - The process of transcribing data into another format, which is generally a computer data base.

Transcription - Turning recorded speech into written word.

Data Entry Transcription - Listening to audio (or even reviewing written files) and typing them up to standards set by your commissioner.

Obviously, jobs like this need excellent accuracy and typing skills but some jobs can be specialised and require further qualifications. For these jobs, you may need extra training. On-line training courses are available but this will create some additional costs.

An important factor of working from home is that you must be prepared to work. Many people have no trouble with the transition from going out to work, to working from home. Failure tends to happen if you have no self discipline. You also need to be able to work to deadlines. Many companies require a fast turn around. On the positive side, you can work hours to suit you, from the comfort of your own dining table.

Types of Transcription Work

1. Medical Transcription

This is by far the most popular type of home working transcription today. The majority of doctors, these days, use dictation as a means of note taking their patients medical histories.

2. Legal Transcription

It is beneficial if you have worked in some kind of legal capacity in the past for this work. You may have been a legal secretary in an office and have an insight into legal terminology. These jobs have very strict formatting guidelines due to the legal implications.

3. Business Transcription

Business transcription is, by far, the most flexible and possibly the most interesting. You may be asked to transcript absolutely anything from a speech, a book, a sermon or even a police interrogation.

What Specialist Equipment Is Needed?

In general, you need to ensure you have...

a. A computer suitable for word processing
b. An internet connection
c. A printer
d. A foot pedal
e. A headset

How To Find Work

You could search on-line and register your services. By doing this, you need to be aware that companies may not need you at that point in time. Many do not tend to be in a rush, and it may be some time before you receive a reply. Once they contact you, they generally require you to complete a transcription test to ensure you can meet their standards before they offer any work.

Alternatively, you could look at your past employment history. Contact companies you have worked for before and ask if they outsource this kind of work. You could also advertise in newspapers, on-line or produce your own fliers.