Working from home as a transcriptionist is a great way to earn a living while working on your own time. You don’t have to be tethered to an office, nor do you have to work on someone else’s schedule.
However, there are downsides, too most notably, the fact that you’re working at home. After all, it can be hard to be productive when you’re in the same space where you sleep and eat. There are also tech challenges:
How do you get access to audio files for transcription? How do you track your hours? And how do you ensure that the work environment itself doesn’t cause physical discomfort or injury? Below are 21 tips that will help answer those questions and more:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Establish a dedicated workspace at home for transcription work. |
| 2. Invest in high-quality headphones and a reliable transcription software. |
| 3. Develop strong listening and comprehension skills to accurately transcribe audio. |
| 4. Practice time management techniques to maximize productivity. |
| 5. Join online transcriptionist communities for networking and job opportunities. |
| 6. Continuously improve your typing speed and accuracy through regular practice. |
| 7. Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in transcription technology. |
| 8. Take breaks and practice self-care to avoid burnout and maintain mental well-being. |
| 9. Build a professional online presence and showcase your transcription skills and experience. |
| 10. Stay organized with effective file management and backup systems for transcriptions. |
Have A Designated Work Space
Having a designated work space is one of the most important aspects of working from home. If you don’t have a designated place to work from, you’ll be running back and forth between the kitchen table, your bed, and the couch.
This will make it difficult to focus on your job (and probably get you in trouble with your significant other).
You also want to make sure that your work area is free from distractions. Too many people will cause too much noise and chaos, which can be distracting and make it hard for you to concentrate on what needs to be done.
The same goes for being too hot or cold: if it’s too hot outside where you’re sitting, try putting on some cold water in a pot so that it creates a nice cool breeze; if it’s cold outside where you’re sitting then try turning up the heat!
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Maintain Your Posture
You can also reduce the pressure on your feet and legs by using a footrest. If you have problems with the way that your feet are positioned at work, then consider using a chair with an adjustable height.
You should also try to maintain good posture while working from home. You should use a chair with armrests or rests that support both arms and keep them in place as much as possible during long hours of transcription work.
The headrest should be high enough to support the back of your neck while typing in front of the computer screen or digital recorder; otherwise, it will cause pain in this area after some time has passed.
To keep yourself comfortable while working at home as a transcriptionist, sit on a chair that has lumbar supports (or other types).
The seat pan must be flexible enough so that it does not restrict your movements when moving around during breaks or lunchtime hours this will help prevent unnecessary stress on joints throughout the day!
Invest In A Good Chair And Foot Rest
When you’re working from home, there are no bosses or coworkers to keep you company. You might work in a completely silent environment, or you might have loud neighbors.
Either way, your chair must be comfortable and supportive so that you can sit up straight without experiencing back pain (which will reduce the amount of time you spend sitting).
If your feet aren’t raised off the ground at all times a common occurrence during extended periods of sitting you may experience leg cramps or other circulation issues that make typing difficult or painful.
A footrest will help ensure that your legs are always properly supported while typing and prevent unnecessary strain on muscles in your thighs and calves.
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Invest In A Good Computer And Headset
When you’re working from home, you need to make sure that your computer and headset are up to the task. A good computer should have enough memory to handle all of your files, as well as a processor fast enough to transcribe audio quickly.
You can check out our article, “What Do I Need To Start Transcribing?” for more information on how much memory is necessary and what kind of processor speeds are ideal.
When it comes to headsets, there are two things we recommend looking for: comfort and sound quality. If you’re going to be wearing one for several hours every day, then they must be comfortable no one wants sore ears or headaches!
The best way we’ve found around this issue is by using wireless headsets; they eliminate wires which would otherwise get tangled in our hair and cause discomfort during use (not very professional).
Another thing worth paying attention to is the quality of sound coming out of these devices; this will affect how accurate your transcriptions end up being so make sure there aren’t any issues before buying anything off Amazon or eBay just because it’s cheap!
Get An Ergonomic Keyboard To Save Your Wrists
A comfortable keyboard is essential to avoid repetitive strain injury (RSI), so you want to be sure that the one that you choose fits your own needs.
The most important factor is how heavy it is, as this will determine how much force you need to exert when typing and how much support it provides for your hands.
Avoid using a keyboard that’s too light or too heavy; if it’s too light, then there won’t be enough support for your hands; if it’s too heavy, then there could be more strain on them than necessary.
You also want to make sure that the size and shape of the keys work well with your fingers ideally somewhere between 0.75 inches wide by 1 inch long for key caps on average-sized fingers (you might have longer or shorter digits).
Also, consider whether or not sound from typing would bother other people around their workspace (or even tinnitus sufferers).
Use The Right Software Apps To Help You Speed Up Your Typing
You also need to make sure that you have the right software apps to help you speed up your typing. You can use a variety of different applications, but we recommend one that allows you to type faster while still maintaining accuracy.
There are several programs out there that can do this for you, so we recommend looking at some reviews before purchasing anything. Here are some examples:
Transcriptionist Type Tool – This software has been designed specifically for transcriptionists by transcriptionists!
It has many features including auto-transcribing audio recordings into text files in real-time and allowing users to export their files as an MP3 file or as an email attachment directly from within their browser window.
It also offers other useful features such as automatic spell checking and word count updates without having any impact on your workflow efficiency
Set Up A Break Schedule And Stick With It
Taking breaks is important. It’s also easy to forget about your break schedule when you’re engrossed in a project, which is why it’s critical that you take the time to establish a routine and then stick with it.
How Often Should I Take Breaks?
There are no set rules for how many breaks you should have per day or week, but it’s generally recommended that transcriptionists take at least one 10-minute break every hour they work.
The length of each break may vary depending on what types of assignments you have and what type of work environment you’re working in (i.e., cubicle vs home office).
At the end of each transcript, stop typing for at least 20 seconds only once per hour; this will keep your fingers limber and prevent repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
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Set A Timer And Track Your Productivity To Help You Stay On Task
You’re looking for 30 minutes of uninterrupted work time, so set a timer for 30 minutes and see how much you can get done in that time.
If you are working in an office where distractions are common, consider setting the timer on your phone or computer to remind you when it’s time to take a break.
Try to avoid looking at email or social media during breaks as well it will only distract you from getting back into work mode once the timer goes off again!
If working from home doesn’t allow for much distraction, try setting multiple timers throughout the day: one for each activity (i.e., “write transcription job description”), one for phone calls/interaction with coworkers or clients, etc.–and don’t forget about lunch!
Not only will this help ensure that deadlines get met on time but it also gives us some freedom from always feeling like we need someone else telling us what needs doing next.
Because now we’re able to know ourselves instead which tasks require immediate attention versus those which can wait until later today when there aren’t any other pressing matters needing attention right away.
Get A Separate Phone Number For Work Calls
Get a separate phone number for work calls. Although you can work from home and still keep your cell phone, it’s best to get a separate number specifically for transcription work. That way, when clients call and leave messages, you won’t be tempted to answer them if you get an important call from Mom later that day.
This will also prevent clients from getting directly in touch with their friends or family members by mistake (or on purpose).
Make sure that none of the phones in your house are “home phones” or cell phones that have been shared by members of your household. You should designate one specific device as being solely designated for transcription work no matter what happens!
Don’t give out this number unless necessary; even then make sure it’s someone who has a need-to-know basis only; otherwise, keep any information about how people can contact them professionally private until they’ve earned their trust first!
Use An App Or Text-To-Speech Software To Keep Track Of Your Audio
One of the biggest challenges in transcription is keeping track of your files. When you’re working remotely, it’s easy for your files to get lost or mixed up with someone else’s work.
So you must use an app or text-to-speech software to keep track of them. Here are a few options:
Audio transcription software. These programs allow you to listen to audio files and then transcribe them into written text. You can also highlight certain parts of the audio file while listening and add notes as needed.
Transcriptionists using this type of program typically use headphones so they can focus on their work without having background noise from other people around them (or their music playing).
Some examples include Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Express Scribe Pro, and Transcribe! Pro (for Macs only).
Text-to-speech software. This type of tool converts typed words into spoken words by synthesizing speech from text input (usually via keyboarding).
It may be useful for you if don’t have access to an audio recording device for example, if your client is located overseas and wants someone local but doesn’t have any equipment available at home;
Or maybe he/she just prefers communicating via email rather than phone calls so there isn’t even any need for voice recordings at all!
Automate Email Responses If You’re Transcribing For Clients Or Working With Multiple Companies At Once
If you’re transcribing for clients or working with multiple companies at once, automate your email responses.
For example, if a company sends an email asking for a file to be sent to them by end of the day, use Boomerang (a free Gmail extension) to schedule out the response to send later in the day.
If they don’t respond and send another request, Boomerang will automatically send that message when it’s scheduled saving you time and preventing missed deadlines!
Another way is using IFTTT (If This Then That). Using this automation tool allows you can create “recipes” that will trigger when certain conditions are met.
For example: IF I receive an email asking me something specific THEN I can respond with a pre-written message such as “I’m sorry but this job has been closed.”
Using this method allows you to respond without having to manually go through all your emails every day!
You can also use Typeform (free) forms instead of sending out emails directly from your phone/computer because it makes responding faster since there won’t be any typing involved on your part either!
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Use A Website Like Craigslist To Hunt For Transcription Jobs
Craigslist is a great resource for finding transcription jobs, and it’s free to post or apply for jobs. You can also search for jobs in your area, which is helpful for those who don’t want to relocate but need flexible working hours.
There are several sites on Craigslist that are dedicated to helping people find work-from-home opportunities as well as companies looking to hire employees remotely.
In addition, the site allows you to set up alerts so that you’ll be notified when new listings come out that match your search criteria.
Once you’ve found some potential leads on Craigslist, it’s time to communicate with the employer directly (or through their hiring manager) and ask questions about what they expect from their transcriptionists.
Make sure you’re clear about what tasks will be expected of you once hired by this company; this includes how much experience or training may be required before starting work.
So that there aren’t any surprises later on down the road if something goes wrong with your productivity during those first few days or weeks at an unfamiliar job site where no one knows what needs doing yet!
Take Advantage Of Free Trials From Established Companies, Especially Those Offering Training Along With Paid Opportunities
Free trials are a great way to test out a company’s services and may include a free trial of training, which can help you get the hang of the work and make sure you’re able to perform well.
Some transcription companies offer paid opportunities as part of their free trials. If you complete your trial period with good results and an excellent attitude, your employer may keep you on for one or two days per week as an employee.
This is especially valuable if you’re just starting in transcription work and need experience building up your portfolio before taking on any clients full-time.
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Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve found some useful tips and encouragement on this list. Even though it can feel overwhelming to start a new career or figure out how to work from home, we believe that organizations like Rev will help you succeed.
We hope that you will use these tips to find the right balance between your life as a transcriptionist and the rest of your life. Happy transcribing!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on working from home as a transcriptionist:
Tips for Working from Home as a Transcriptionist: Discover practical tips and strategies for successfully working as a transcriptionist from the comfort of your home.
How to Work from Home as a Transcriptionist: Learn the essential steps and best practices to establish a successful career as a transcriptionist while working remotely.
Online Transcription Jobs: Finding Opportunities: Explore this comprehensive guide to finding online transcription jobs, including valuable insights into job searching, qualifications, and industry trends.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about working from home as a transcriptionist:
How do I get started as a transcriptionist?
To start as a transcriptionist, you can begin by acquiring the necessary skills through training programs or online courses. Familiarize yourself with industry-standard transcription software and practice transcribing various types of audio files to build experience.
What equipment do I need to work as a transcriptionist from home?
As a transcriptionist, you’ll need a computer or laptop with reliable internet access. Additionally, a good-quality headset or headphones, transcription software, and a foot pedal for controlling audio playback can enhance your productivity and accuracy.
How can I find transcription job opportunities online?
There are several online platforms and websites where you can find transcription job opportunities. Consider joining freelance marketplaces, specialized transcription websites, or exploring job boards dedicated to remote work. Networking within transcriptionist communities can also lead to job referrals and opportunities.
What skills are essential for a transcriptionist?
Besides excellent typing speed and accuracy, strong listening and comprehension skills are crucial for a transcriptionist. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to research and verify information are also important for producing accurate transcriptions.
How can I improve my transcription speed and accuracy?
Regular practice and familiarity with specialized transcription software can significantly improve your transcription speed. Developing effective time management techniques, employing keyboard shortcuts, and enhancing your listening skills through active concentration can also enhance your accuracy and efficiency as a transcriptionist.
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.