How to Become a Data Entry Clerk in Five Steps

If you want to become a data entry clerk, there are several steps you’ll need to follow in order to land your dream job. Whether you’re already employed and looking to change careers, or you’re still looking for your first job, these five steps will help you learn how to become a data entry clerk in no time! For more information on any of these steps, just click the link below.

What is data entry?

Data entry is one of the lowest-paying jobs you can get. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that data entry clerks make a median hourly wage of $12.97, which translates to $25,590 per year. Some data entry clerks are able to earn more than this, but they usually have at least some college education on top of their data entry experience. 

At its core, data entry is typing information into databases or documents that have been created elsewhere by someone else. 

It's not as challenging as you might think it would be, and most people who do it will tell you that it's easy enough for anyone who knows how to type. However, the nature of the work can lead to repetitive strain injury if your hands don't take frequent breaks from the keyboard. If this doesn't sound like something you're interested in doing, then keep reading because there are plenty of other jobs out there waiting for an applicant just like you!

Where can you learn about data entry?

Data entry clerks are an important part of many organizations. If you're interested in becoming one, there's some information you should know before getting started. For example, data entry is one of the easiest jobs to get and it doesn't require much experience or training. But the job can be hard and often involves sitting at a desk for long periods of time without any breaks. Keep reading below for five steps on how to become a data entry clerk. 

The first step is to find a company that hires data entry clerks. After finding a company, be sure to research them thoroughly before applying for their job openings as well as researching other companies that offer data entry opportunities so you can compare what each organization has to offer in terms of salary, benefits, hours and more. 

Once you've found the right position, you'll need to pass a typing test and provide your resume along with copies of your ID. You will also have to be able to read English fluently (or be bilingual) because data entry work usually entails having access to confidential documents that may be difficult for non-native speakers to understand.

Do you need experience?

Data entry clerks do not need experience, but they must be detail-oriented and have the ability to work quickly. They also must be able to enter data accurately and without errors. 

It is very important for them to be well organized and be good at multitasking. Data entry clerks are typically employed by large companies or organizations that handle huge volumes of data on a daily basis. For example, a hospital might hire someone to input patient records into an electronic database. Although it can be challenging to keep up with how fast the pace is during these types of jobs, being organized and focused will help you get through your day with ease.

What does it take to become a data entry clerk?

To become a data entry clerk, you'll need to be able to type quickly and accurately, have good organizational skills, and be comfortable working with computers. You'll need excellent customer service skills so you can answer phone calls and emails from customers, too. And while it may seem like data entry clerks work in an office all day long, they also spend some time on the go—taking photos of receipts with their smartphones or scanning items at retail stores. 

So how do you get started? 

First, take a typing course. You don't want to find out later that you're not fast enough for the job! Next, make sure your computer skills are up-to-date by taking classes in Microsoft Word and Excel (for example). Finally, there are lots of companies that hire part-time workers as data entry clerks—you just need to sign up with one of them!

Learn everything about data entry first

Data entry clerks are responsible for entering data into computer systems. It is not hard, but it does require some training and attention to detail. It's important that you know what data entry is before applying for this job so you can be sure it's what you're looking for. Here are five steps to becoming a data entry clerk: 

1) Learn about the occupation. If you want to be a successful clerk, it is important to learn everything about how the work environment works. You'll need good typing skills and the ability to focus on one task for long periods of time without getting distracted. You also need excellent communication skills so that clients or employers can get an idea of what their needs will be when they call you with questions or problems. 

A lot of people think being a data entry clerk is easy because all you do is type at your desk all day. But that's not true at all! The fact is, if you don't take care to stay focused and complete your tasks quickly then the company won't be able to keep up with its customers. So while it may seem like no work at first glance, many times being a data entry clerk requires more than just typing away at your desk - it requires dedication and time management skills too.

Pick the right place and the right job for you

If you like staying at home and working from your computer, then data entry clerk is the job for you. All you need is a computer, internet connection and high-speed typing skills to do this work. It’s hard because you have to be accurate with what you type since it has a direct impact on what the company will do with it. 

But it’s not all bad! You get to type all day which can be pretty soothing, plus as an independent contractor, you don’t have a boss over your head telling you what to do. And there are some very cool perks that come along with being a data entry clerk - you often get free food, free gym memberships and free transportation. 

You also might be able to set your own hours depending on where the employer's offices are located so it doesn't matter if you're more of a morning person or a night owl. Plus you'll be able to take care of yourself during the day without having someone else look after you. 

Is being a data entry clerk hard? Nope! Most people who end up doing it actually enjoy their jobs because they get to wear sweatpants all day and nobody's asking them about their plans for the weekend.