In this information age, the gig economy always has room for another data entry specialist.
These professionals help businesses create informed, data-driven decisions by turning jumbles of data into useful insights.
Read on if you want to learn how to become a data entry specialist.
What Is a Data Entry Specialist
No, a data entry specialist isn’t just someone who types information into spreadsheets.
Like virtual assistants, data entry specialists also wear many hats. It all depends on their employer’s requirements and business goals. They could be data researchers by day, eagle-eyed fact-checkers by night. Below are some of the responsibilities that data entry specialists may take on: - Collecting, compiling, and organizing data from documents (like client information sheets, bills, invoices, medical records, reports, and financial statements)
- Mining data from digital locations
- Verifying and correcting inaccurate data
- Digitizing data using software like word processors and spreadsheets
- Ensuring consistent formatting of organized data
- Analyzing data sets and compiling reports
- Retrieving missing information whenever necessary
- Observe data cleanliness and security standards
How to Become a Data Entry Specialist
You don’t need to be a degree-holder to land a job as a data entry specialist. Many employers hire data entry specialists with high school diplomas or GED certificates. As long as you have demonstrable software proficiency and professional-level typing skills, you can become a data entry specialist. Freelancing provides the quickest route towards a career in data entry.
Fiverr, for example, is home to hundreds of data entry service providers with verifiable experience. Some of the advantages of freelancing are setting your own rates and being able to directly advertise yourself to prospects. The more jobs you complete, the easier it is to land your next gig.
What Makes a Good Data Entry Specialist?
Data entry specialists should also be able to understand and work with databases. To do their duties effectively, they must know how to structure databases to maximize the accessibility and searchability of information.
The good news is these are all qualities you can obtain through self-learning methods. Other than that, employers also look for soft skills like:
- Verbal and written communication skills
Sure, you need specialized skills and knowledge to turn data entry into a profitable career. But at the end of the day, most employers care about results more than academic background.
What Certifications or Skills Should You Acquire?
Most companies look for excellent typing skills and a strong command of the English language when hiring data entry specialists.
Companies also prefer candidates familiar with using software for data entry, like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
To improve your employability, you can also pursue certifications through online programs and vocational schools. These organizations offer certificates to individuals who successfully complete courses related to data entry.
How to Promote Yourself as a Data Entry Specialist on Fiverr
Obtaining a certification in the field of data entry is a step in the right direction. Other than that, there are several things you can do to promote yourself as a data entry specialist:
- Use a professional gig cover
- Insert keywords in your gig description
- Emphasize your strengths (soft skills, certifications, etc.)
- Include samples of your work
- Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews
- Create a professional portfolio or use your Fiverr profile to lure prospects
- Build connections on networks like LinkedIn and Facebook
- Update your resume to highlight competencies relevant to data entry
Get Started Today
Kickstart your career in data entry by joining the Fiverr freelance community. Everything — from building your profile to setting up your gig — only takes minutes to complete. You will be offering data entry services to buyers worldwide by the end of the day!
Just remember the tips you learned in this post to increase your chances of landing gigs. Good luck!
