One of the most searched jobs for people looking to work from home is data entry. And for good reason! Data entry jobs are in high demand, and many don’t require prior experience or other fancy credentials. As long as you have a computer, a reliable internet connection, and strong typing skills, you should be able to find a job that works for you.
If you’re new to data entry work or are thinking about getting started, here are 15 tips and tricks that will help make your workday more productive and enjoyable.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Create a dedicated workspace at home for optimal productivity. |
| 2. Establish a routine and stick to a consistent schedule. |
| 3. Set clear boundaries with family members or roommates to minimize distractions. |
| 4. Utilize productivity tools and software for efficient data entry tasks. |
| 5. Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus. |
| 6. Stay organized by using task management systems or apps. |
| 7. Maintain open communication with your team or supervisor. |
| 8. Prioritize self-care and well-being to maintain a healthy work-life balance. |
| 9. Minimize interruptions by silencing notifications and setting aside focused work time. |
| 10. Implement ergonomic practices to promote good posture and reduce physical strain. |
| 11. Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in data entry. |
| 12. Continuously develop your skills through online courses or certifications. |
| 13. Network with other data entry professionals to share insights and opportunities. |
| 14. Take advantage of remote collaboration tools for seamless communication. |
| 15. Find ways to stay motivated and engaged in your work-from-home routine. |
1. Get Trained
To be a high-performing data entry clerk, you need to receive the proper training. You should know how to use the right software and the right shortcut keys. You should have strong typing skills and know the proper techniques for data entry.
In some cases, you may also be required to use special equipment, such as an optical character recognition machine or an audio transcription machine. If needed, you can get help with all these things through online training courses as well as in-person courses. If you are interested in starting this career path from your home office, first decide if working from home is a good fit for you.
void common mistakes as a data entry freelancer by learning from experienced professionals. Check out our article on 13 Mistakes Data Entry Freelancers Make to ensure a smooth and successful freelancing career.
2. Work With A Reputable Company
You must work with a reputable company. You don’t want to take the risk of having your personal information or data fall into the wrong hands. You also want to make sure that you’ve paid on time and fairly. Look for a company that has a good reputation in their industry and check out the following:
Company website – is it professional? If this is a part-time job, they should have an FAQ page on how to get started working from home as soon as possible. Does the site have social media accounts? If so, check them out too!
Reviews – look for reviews about working for this company online and make sure there are no bad ones! You can find these on third-party sites like Glassdoor or Indeed.
News – if you find any stories about this company in major news outlets (like The Wall Street Journal) then it may be worth reading up on those too; these articles would’ve been one way to make sure you’re choosing wisely before signing up with them!
3. Look For Online Courses
There are a lot of free courses available on the internet and some that are paid but well worth the investment. Some of these courses provide certificates or diplomas, which you can use to show your employer or client that you’re qualified.
You can also look for courses that will give you real-life experience or help you learn about specific topics within your industry. For example, if you’re working in healthcare, there are plenty of data entry companies that need data entry clerks who know medical terminology and codes. So taking a course in medical coding would be very useful for this position.
4. Learn To Use Shortcuts
Beginners will want to take advantage of the shortcuts that most programs offer. If your software allows you to use keyboard shortcuts, you’ll be able to increase your speed and productivity using them. Many programs allow you to create your shortcuts as well, so don’t be afraid to do this if the default shortcuts don’t suit you. Most of the time, it’s pretty easy to set up custom keyboard combinations for actions that are specific to the way that you work.
You should also look for ways in which you can streamline repetitive tasks by automating them. For example, if you spend a lot of time copying data from an Excel spreadsheet and pasting it into a Word document, then see what happens when you export or save the Excel sheet as a Word file instead.
Are you considering hiring freelance data entry workers? Discover the numerous benefits they bring to your business. Learn more in our comprehensive guide on 14 Benefits of Hiring Freelance Data Entry Workers and take advantage of their skills and flexibility.
5. Be A Fast Learner
Practice makes perfect, and there’s no other way around it. To make the best of your time, you must learn to become faster and more efficient at what you do. There are several ways to achieve this goal:
Read books on speed reading. This is a method that helps you quickly understand the general idea of a text without getting hung up on all of the details. Speed reading can help you quickly grasp the main points from documents like contracts and insurance claims so that you can efficiently put them into records systems.
There are lots of free tutorials available online if you want to start improving your speed-reading skills today.
6. Use Voice Recognition Software
You need to become as comfortable and proficient with voice recognition software as you are with typing. This will make dictation a more efficient and effective way of entering data. If you do not already use voice recognition software, become familiar with it so that you can capitalize on the many benefits of using this technology.
For example, you may be able to save considerable time by using a shortcut word or phrase that corresponds to a longer word or phrase that you commonly type. For example, if your job requires you to type the phrase “United States of America,” your voice recognition software may let you say “USA” in place of the entire phrase.
Whether or not your employer specifically requests that applicants have experience with voice recognition software, aspiring data entry clerks should familiarize themselves with it before applying for a job. In addition to ensuring that they will be competent in all aspects of their job duties, working knowledge of appropriate technology can set an applicant apart from other candidates and help them stand out when applying for remote work opportunities.
7. Get The Right Equipment
You’ll need a computer, of course, and it should be new enough to have all the latest software installed on it. It should also have a large enough screen so that you can see what’s going on without straining your eyes too much. You may also want to invest in an ergonomic keyboard and mouse these can help prevent repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis. You might also want to invest in noise-canceling headphones or earbuds so that you don’t get distracted by household noises while working.
8. Watch Out For Scams
So you’re a data entry clerk, eh? I hear there are lucrative opportunities out there for those who love numbers and can type fast. Your passion for computing may have gotten you this far, but now it’s time to take your career to the next level by moving into the world of remote working. Many companies offer these perks, so look around and see which one best suits your needs. Also, remember that not all remote jobs mean working from home. A regular 9-5 job is not out of the question!
As a data entry clerk, the work can be quite boring, especially for those who enjoy creative work but you don’t need to spend your entire day typing away at a keyboard. This is why it’s really important to focus on other tasks to not get bored while getting paid handsomely in return. The list below could give you some ideas on what you can do while also making money:
- Write articles about relevant topics
- Answer customer service requests
- Research and write reviews of products from various brands (iStockphoto)
Don’t fall into common data entry pitfalls. Learn how to avoid the most frequent errors with our insightful article on The 19 Most Common Data Entry Mistakes to Avoid, and ensure accuracy and efficiency in your data entry tasks.
9. Buy Quality Headphones
This is a good time to invest in some quality headphones, especially if you live in a noisy area. If you’re working from home, you’ll probably be listening to your coworkers on Zoom or using your phone for calls with clients and colleagues. Loud noises can be distracting, so think about getting noise-canceling headphones.
Also, consider whether or not the headphones will swivel around because it’s important to be able to turn them off when you’re not using them. Be sure that the headphones are comfortable and aren’t too tight on your head so they won’t give you headaches after extended use. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Noise Canceling Headphones are my personal favorite!
10. Buy The Right Chair
The chair you’re sitting in matters. It’s important to get an ergonomic chair that suits your body, especially as a data entry clerk working from home. If possible, try sitting in a few different chairs before purchasing to see which one is the most comfortable and supportive of your body.
You can also try out some chairs in the furniture section of various stores like Costco or Walmart, but be warned these stores will only have so many options. A good office chair should have good lumbar support, and armrests and ideally be adjustable (based on your height). If you have any issues with your back or neck, you should look into getting a special chair catered to your condition.
Good Office Chairs usually come with a warranty. More expensive ones may last longer than cheaper models but it all depends on what’s available in your price range. Don’t worry if you need to buy more than one chair over the years it’s better to replace them every 5-10 years rather than spend money on repairing worn-out parts that may not work as well anymore!
11. Have A Dedicated Workspace
One of the first things you will want to do is establish a dedicated workspace. The goal is to find an area that you can call your “office space” where you have all your work tools, such as your computer, software, and any other items needed for this endeavor.
When you have a dedicated workspace, it is much easier to get into the right mindset and focus on the tasks at hand. If you try working from home while sitting on the couch or at the dining room table, it will be harder to get into a productive mindset and accomplish all the tasks that need to be done each day.
There are few things more frustrating than trying to do data entry work in a room where children are playing or someone cooking food in the kitchen (the smells can easily distract you).
12. Get Insurance
There is one vital step that should not be skipped when it comes to your data entry work: protect yourself. If you are a freelance or contract data entry clerk, you will likely not have any insurance through your company. It’s important to look into getting your own. If you don’t want to pay for insurance, consider looking into joining a group plan or adding yourself to another family member’s health plan, if possible.
Not only does this protect you from the costs associated with injuries and illness, but it also protects your company because they can’t be held legally responsible in the event of an accident related to any injury that happens while you’re working. They are also unable to be liable in case they incur any damages while using their computer at home with the work arrangements you’ve established with them.
Want to maximize your earnings as a data entry professional? Explore strategies and tips in our guide on How to Make the Most Cash with Your Data Entry Job, and unlock your potential for financial success.
13. Take Breaks To Avoid Strain Injuries
Taking breaks to avoid strain injuries is extremely important. The fact that you’re working from home means that you have the freedom to move around, so don’t forget to do so. Try not to sit in the same position for too long, and take a short walk or break if you feel your body tensing up. Avoiding strain injuries is important for anyone with a data entry job working in an office or remotely so make sure you listen to your body!
14. Build A Support Network Or Community For Advice Or Moral Support
Join a professional organization or Facebook Group. all are good resources. you can ask questions, seek advice, and get updates on this fast-changing field. More and more data entry clerks are working from home. This is a great way to balance work and your personal life. The internet has opened the door to many new opportunities, like telecommuting. But, you’re not alone in taking advantage of this new way of making a living.
There are several ways that you can bring advice and support into your professional life. Join professional organizations or Facebook groups. All of these are excellent resources for getting answers, information, or a little moral support when things get tough.
15. Learn To Be The Best You Can Be In Data Entry.
You need to maintain a positive attitude. Even if your current position does not require you to use a lot of different skills and tools, try to learn as much as you can about the computer programs, filing systems, etc. that are used in your job.
Also, remember that your company always wants people who have skills and abilities beyond those required by the job they are hiring for! It is also important that you always keep learning new things since the job market is constantly changing. Learn how to code so that you can be a better programmer or take online courses on Excel or other computer programs that can help make your work more efficient.
It is very important for any data entry clerk who works from home to be self-motivated because no one will be there to tell them when it’s time for work or give rewards if they accomplish their goals during their shift. However, working from home does allow some flexibility with scheduling so long as it doesn’t interfere too much with deadlines and assignments given by employers.
Learning data entry from scratch? Follow our comprehensive step-by-step guide on 21 Steps to Learning How to Do Data Entry and acquire the skills necessary to excel in this field. Start your journey towards becoming a proficient data entry clerk today.
Final Thoughts
While working from home is both enjoyable and convenient, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll be working on your own. If you’re used to working within a structure, with a manager looking over your shoulder and work-related stress to motivate you, self-motivation will be a must. The best way to accomplish this is to set up a schedule and stick with it.
Try keeping your desk or home office free of clutter to keep distractions at bay. It’s also important to treat your blog like a real job: if you wouldn’t walk into the office late or leave early without permission, don’t do it at home either. We hope these 15 tips helped you figure out how to work from home as a data entry clerk, and we wish you the best of luck finding work in this field.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on working from home and data entry:
Indeed: 7 Ways to Work From Home: Explore seven different ways to work from home and discover opportunities that suit your skills and interests.
ZipRecruiter: What Is a Data Entry Clerk and How to Become One: Learn about the role of a data entry clerk, the required skills, and the steps to become one, including remote opportunities.
Jobcase: Data Entry Work From Home Remote Jobs: Find a variety of remote data entry job opportunities and gain insights into how to secure work-from-home positions.
People Also Ask
What Are The Best Hours To Work?
Working from home as a data entry clerk can be a flexible job, but you still need to be aware of when your clients are working. The best time to work is when most people are asleep or at work, and the worst time is during peak hours (between 10 AM and 4 PM).
How Do I Stay Focused?
Staying focused is easier than it sounds! Make sure that you have plenty of breaks throughout the day (every 90 minutes), and make sure to get out of the house every day for at least 30 minutes. This will help your mind stay fresh and focused on the task at hand.
What Should My Desk Layout Look Like?
The best way to keep your workspace organized is by having everything within reach: bookshelves with reference materials, a computer with all necessary software installed, and even a printer if necessary. Having these things close by will save you time in the long run – plus it’ll make you more efficient as well.
How Do I Deal With Distractions?
It’s easy to get distracted at home, especially if you have a lot of time on your hands. Try finding ways to keep yourself busy and focused on the task at hand. If you’re having trouble focusing, try doing some stretches or meditation before you start working.
How Can I Make Sure My Boss Knows That I’m Working From Home?
It’s important to let your boss know that you’re working from home especially when it comes time for the review! This can be done by sending a quick email or text message letting them know what time zone you are in and what time of day they should expect any communication from you (i.e. if there will be any).
It’s important to establish boundaries so that everyone knows what’s expected of them; this way, if something does happen like an emergency at school or work there won’t be any confusion about why someone wasn’t able to respond right away! If possible, try setting up an automatic reminder each morning so that everyone knows exactly when they should expect something from you!
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.