Data Entry
With the implications of the information age starting to change the way we work many new jobs and careers are emerging. Data entry is just one of these jobs which are becoming more in demand each day. Data entry clerks play an important role in a team, entering data to be used by other employees further down the line.
Data entry clerks usually work in an office but with broadband services and computer supplies becoming more accessible people are also starting to do this job working from home. If you are interested in working from home as a data entry clerk the following information should give you a low down of what the job entails.
Entry Level
There are no specific entry requirements to start working as a data entry clerk. Some employees may prefer applicants to have 5 GCSEs at A-C Grade and depending on the nature of the data to be entered maths, English and possibly science at pass grades. An English qualification is common as the majority of data to be input is usually text based.
A good working knowledge of computers and software programs is required and a high typing speed (which may be tested) is often requested. Depending on the nature of the data to be inputted you may need to be familiar with word processing, spreadsheet or database programs. To work from home you will also need a PC and it is recommended that you have moderate IT skills in case you have any problems with your computer (one drawback of working from home is that you are unlikely to have your own IT department).
If you would like to improve your computer skills and knowledge further several courses are available. These include the European Computer Driving Licence, the New Computer Literacy and Information Technology and more courses in specialist areas.
The Work
Data entry clerks work on databases and records of information. You may be adding new data or retrieving and updating previous entries. Some data entry clerks work from paper records and reports, processing them into data to be stored on servers.
Data entry clerks usually receive data in large files in spreadsheet or database form. This data is then sorted and inputted into another program which is usually created for the company specifically.
Data entry clerks’ work is usually submitted to another employee in the company who implements and possibly presents the data in another project, (specifically if it is market research data). As the data entry clerk does not need to be in regular contact with the receiver of the data and as the nature of the job varies little from day to day data entry is the perfect job to work on from home.