Aug 1, 2016 ● Kate Lopaze
How to Get a Career Doing Data Entry
Let’s face it: everything is data now. We’re barely even people anymore—we’re walking databases of names, passwords, credit scores, preferences, and Candy Crush scores. Because digital information has become the bedrock of every industry and just about every company, data entry and maintenance jobs have become stronger than ever. Data entry may not be the flashiest career around (more often than not, it’s just you and your computer hunkering down and getting it done), but it’s a dependable one if you have the skills.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you’re looking for opportunities in the data entry arena, these jobs might be your best bet. Let’s review the jobs, and the skills you’ll need to score them.
Data Entry Keyers/Information Processors
The job: Your job is to take information from one place, and transfer it to another, likely a computerized system or database. Other tasks may include verifying data, and preparing materials based on data. This is often an entry-level position that can lead to other administrative jobs. This job may also offer work-from-home flexibility, depending on the company and the position. The skills: These are qualities that will help get you in the door for a data entry position, and help you look for newer and better opportunities in the field.- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Discretion (especially if you’re working with customer or medical data)
- Typing skills
- Customer service skills/interpersonal skills
- General office/administrative skills
- Software skills, especially databases and common office programs
Information Clerks
The job: Information clerks are responsible for performing routine clerical duties that include maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information. The skills: General administrative skills come in very handy for this position, as well as a number of specific skills:- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Discretion (especially if you’re working with customer or medical data)
- Typing skills
- Customer service skills/interpersonal skills
- Software skills, especially databases and common office programs