Data is everywhere these days – it’s what keeps businesses running. But all that information doesn’t just organize itself; someone has to input, sort, and make sense of it. That’s where data entry clerks come in.
This job has become more important than ever, and there are plenty of opportunities for anyone who’s detail-oriented and good at keeping things accurate.
One of the perks of data entry is flexibility. Some roles let you work from home, while others are based in offices across different industries.
Since every business deals with data in some way, data entry clerks are needed just about everywhere.
The job mostly involves entering information into databases, but sometimes, it also involves handling physical documents – like scanning and converting paper files into digital ones.
And because a lot of the data being processed is sensitive, confidentiality is a big part of the job.
Keeping information secure isn’t just about doing things right – it’s also about making sure the company follows all the necessary data protection rules.
If this all sounds interesting to you, then perhaps becoming a data entry clerk is the next step in your career path. Read on to find out more.
Where to start – data entry clerk education requirements
The good news is that many data entry clerk jobs don’t require a college degree, however, of course, this could certainly be advantageous, particularly if you hold a degree in a related field.
However, a data entry career can certainly be accessed with just a high school diploma as a minimum educational requirement.
Enhancing your abilities – further data entry clerk requirements
The more related skills and qualifications you have, the more attractive you’ll be to potential employers, so it’s well worth investing your time in enhancing your abilities.
There are many data entry certification courses out there, both at community colleges and online, that can fit around other obligations and boost your chances of securing a job in data entry.
Let’s take a look at some areas of study that could put your data entry clerk job application head and shoulders above the competition…
Improve your basic skills and attention to detail
Good English and math skills will display a certain level of education and put you in good stead for a data entry clerk position.
Working on your spelling and grammar will not only help with accuracy within the job but will also ensure that your application and correspondence are professional and accurate, increasing your likelihood of being invited to interview.
Focus on common data entry software and keep up-to-date
Being familiar with the most commonly used data entry software will show potential employers that you will need minimal training and will be able to get straight on with the job at hand.
It’s likely you’ve already used some of the most popular software used in data entry such as Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel, but it’s always worth building on that knowledge.
You’ll find guides online and courses to attend to learn even more about these popular programmes.
Why not make yourself the expert in the office that everyone comes to for advice when they hit a snag in Excel or can’t find a particular feature when creating a document?
In addition, software can change a lot over time, so be sure to keep up with the times and find out what is new with each iteration of the most popular data entry software.
Be knowledgeable about communication and file-sharing software
Of course, as with any job, communication and collaboration can play a large part in the role.
Having a decent knowledge of popular file-sharing and communication systems will help you jump right into your new role without having to spend time learning your way around unfamiliar software.
Having a working knowledge of the most popular communication and sharing solutions such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Dropbox or Trello will put you in good stead in many data entry positions.
Learn about data privacy and security
When you’re dealing with data, there is also going to be a huge focus on protecting that data.
This is where research becomes invaluable, to give you the knowledge you need to reassure potential employers that you fully understand the legal obligations to ensure security of data.
Learning how data can be kept secure, and the requirements, by law for the business to secure the information it holds, will be both useful and look impressive on your resume when applying for a data entry job.
Go the extra mile with programming skills and more
If you really want to stand out from the crowd, then you can complement your skills even further by taking specialist courses.
Programming courses could be highly beneficial, check out SQL or Python to gain skills that will be relevant to a career as a data entry clerk.
Or look out for specialist courses aimed directly at the data entry field such as database management or data analytics.
Gain experience and strengthen your resume
Experience in the relevant field is always attractive to potential employers.
Of course, when you’re trying to get a foothold in a particular industry, you may have a wealth of data entry clerk qualifications but getting that all-important experience can be tricky.
Now is the time to get any data entry experience you can. Look at freelancing websites to pick up small data entry jobs you can do in your spare time.
It’s all great experience and will look good on paper. Check out volunteer data entry positions. Most businesses need data entry clerks so why not get in touch with charities and non-profit organizations to see if you can be of help to them? You’ll gain real-life data entry know-how while doing something worthwhile.
Not only will this practical experience put you in good stead for future data entry work, but volunteering for a charity will also stand out as a positive point on your resume.
Work on your attention to detail
Accuracy is paramount when it comes to data entry.
Ultimately, perhaps the most vital skill for a data entry clerk is excellent attention to detail.
Hopefully, as you’re looking for a position in this field, you’ll already have good skills in this area, but this can always be enhanced.
Improving your typing speed, while paying close attention to accuracy levels can be hugely beneficial.
There are plenty of typing tests online that will help you both increase your speed and reduce errors.
Get in the habit of re-checking all your work to ensure the highest level of accuracy.
If you incorporate this into your everyday life, in your daily correspondence etc, it will be second nature within the work environment where data accuracy is key.
Get in the right mindset
Finally, it’s important to be mentally prepared for a career as a data entry clerk.
While at first glance it may seem like a straightforward job, the level of focus needed can make it quite mentally challenging when you’re required to work to such a high level of accuracy day after day.
You need to be confident that you can manage stress levels and remain calm when things go wrong.
Good problem-solving abilities will be of great benefit to any data entry clerk candidate, alongside excellent communication, organization and time-management skills.
A career in data entry could be just around the corner
As you can see, there are very few barriers to securing a career as a data entry clerk.
There are many ways in which you can increase your skills and therefore maximize the likelihood of being hired.
There are a multitude of online learning pathways that can easily fit around your current timetable of work or home commitments.
With a positive attitude and a desire to learn, each new skill you acquire puts you one step further on your journey to a new career in data entry.
