If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in data entry, no doubt you’ll be interested in the qualifications and skills you’ll need to get into this industry.
While a college degree is generally beneficial when you’re job hunting, most data entry positions don’t actually stipulate that you need to have such a qualification.
This is great news for anyone looking to get into data entry who does not have a degree.
Not having a degree is unlikely to be a deal-breaker
In fact, many data entry jobs do not ask for any official qualifications at all, with others requesting at minimum a high school diploma.
However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t gain some qualifications or even a data entry certification in order to get into the data entry industry, nor that any qualifications you hold will be irrelevant.
Competition is high for data entry work. So many people want the flexibility and freedom this type of work offers, and with low entry requirements, you’ll certainly find applicant numbers are high for even the lower-paid or shorter-term data entry positions.
So, you need to make your application stand out from the rest, and a certification or qualification can help you to achieve this.
Boost your credentials without taking a degree course
Many of us simply don’t have the time, money or inclination to pursue a degree-level qualification, particularly when we’re older and have responsibilities and bills to pay.
While you won’t be instantly disallowed from applying for a data entry job without a degree, it does indicate a certain level of intelligence and commitment.
You can though, still give this impression, by listing a range of relevant qualifications that won’t take such a huge commitment to achieve.
Look into taking short data entry courses, or online data entry classes that don’t require the level of dedication and are not as time-consuming as a degree course.
You’ll find many courses available online that can be completed in your spare time, in the evenings or at weekends – such as those provided here at the Data Entry Institute.
Focus on courses with data entry industry relevance
If you’re sure you want to work in data entry, then it makes sense to take the courses and classes that will be the most impressive to potential employers within this sector.
Consider some courses within the following areas. They’ll all look great on your resume and will also be of benefit to you when you are employed as a data entry specialist…
Basic computer skills
Even if you’ve been using computers all your life, taking a qualification to prove this to a potential employer will be an easy accomplishment and good for your resume.
An employer will be keen to know that you can easily use email, word-processing software, cloud-based file-sharing systems etc.
Data entry work can be fast-paced, and companies will want to hire people that don’t need training in IT basics.
Advanced software use
Much data entry work will involve using popular software, so it pays to have a good understanding of the programs that are likely to be used.
While you probably already have a basic understanding of software such as Google Sheets or Microsoft Word, there are likely many functions and features within these programs that you’re not familiar with, that could be useful when you become a data entry specialist.
Programming courses
A programming qualification will indicate to an employer that you are an advanced-level computer user with extra abilities above the average user.
Some data entry jobs may involve a basic level of coding ability, such as using a markup language or creating formulae for a spreadsheet.
A candidate with a programming background may have a better chance of being chosen for such a position.
Teamwork and Communication skills
While many data entry jobs are work-from-home positions, this does not mean that you work in a vacuum.
As a data entry specialist, you’re often, essentially, a cog in a larger wheel, and your work may well involve dealing with several other people.
Taking courses to verify your ability to communicate effectively and work as a team will show your potential employer that you have the skills to liaise with others, convey information accurately, and work well with your colleagues.
Database management
Taking a course in database management could also be a wise investment of your time.
Being proficient in the use of data management software, with an understanding of database structures will be an impressive addition to your resume.
Depending on your time availability, you’ll find courses from the most basic level, to the most highly advanced.
Start at the beginning, but do consider upskilling as you progress in your data entry career.
Typing skills
Speed is often of the essence with data entry work.
There’s a job to be done and it needs to be completed within a tight deadline. The key to efficient data entry is fast typing skills, yet the work cannot have errors, so not only do you need to type fast, but you also need to have a high level of accuracy, even when working at speed.
Typing is an easy ability to improve. With typing, practice can indeed make perfect.
Need to prove your abilities to grab some great stats to display on your resume? Then simply choose one of the many free typing speed tests available online.
These not only test your typing speed, but they will also give you a score for accuracy. You can then use this as a benchmark to keep improving your skills.
Confidentiality
There are many rules and regulations regarding the use of data.
Having a good working knowledge of the correct methods for the handling and protection of data will be reassuring to your employer.
You may be working with company financial data, customer’s personal data, medical records or confidential communications.
You could well have to sign a non-disclosure agreement before you can access the data you will be working with.
It is certainly beneficial if your resume highlights the fact that you understand the implications of dealing with sensitive data.
No degree? No worries!
With a handful of relevant courses, qualifications and experience under your belt, there is absolutely no reason why you can’t score a job in data entry.
Indeed, your shorter, yet more industry-specific courses may make your resume more attractive than that of someone who has a college degree in an unrelated field.
Who would you choose? You, with a high typing speed, an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and a certificate in data confidentiality, or the other candidate with a degree in medicine or music?
There’s no comparison, you’ve got this!
