What is Remote Data Entry?

If you’ve been searching for work lately, you may have come across positions that involve remote data entry, but what exactly is this?

Could it be the remote working opportunity you’ve been looking for? Can you do remote data entry remote jobs part time? Can you get a remote data entry job with no experience?

Let’s take a closer look at remote data entry and see what it entails…

Making sense of a world of data

In our modern world, everything is driven by data. It’s virtually impossible to comprehend the sheer quantity of information that’s out there.

And so, when you realize that in order to be of value, all that data needs to be carefully and accurately collected and collated, it’s perhaps no surprise that there are many job opportunities for those with an eye for detail.

So what exactly is involved in remote data entry?

Data takes many forms, and so data entry positions can be highly varied, but they all share several common factors.

At the most basic of levels, a remote data entry job will involve inputting data into a database or content management system.

Other processes are likely to be involved to ensure the quality of the data, so if you’re in the data entry field you are likely to be working on related tasks such as verifying the validity of data, categorizing data, analyzing data, gathering data to answer requests, and suchlike. 

The data you’re dealing with can take many forms.

This could be text, numerical data, images, audio, or a combination of all of these.

With most businesses having excellent online capabilities these days, many of these jobs can be completed remotely, offering flexible opportunities for workers all over the globe.

All industries require data entry personnel

Data plays a part in every business, and so you’ll find remote data entry jobs across all industries.

The finance sector requires data entry professionals to manage transactional data, invoices and other accounting data.

The healthcare industry manages confidential patient data alongside billing and insurance information.

Online shopping is a huge industry that deals with massive quantities of data that is constantly changing, from stock levels to customer information and financial transactions.

Many big-name employers such as Amazon, Disney, FedEx, USPS, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), United Airlines, Marriot, CVS, Netflix, Macy’s, CIGNA, and Walmart are currently hiring, or have previously hired, for remote data entry jobs. (Look on sites such as Indeed to find them!)

This is just a small selection to give you an example of the different remote data entry jobs available.

What are the benefits of working in remote data entry?

Working remotely as a data entry specialist brings with it many benefits. Check out our list of potential perks to see if they appeal to you…

Flexible hours

Remote data entry work will often allow a great deal of flexibility when it comes to the hours you work.

Some positions may allow you to work whenever you wish, while others will perhaps specify a minimum number of hours per day or week, but you can choose when you work.

This is ideal if you’re looking for a position to fit around childcare or other responsibilities.

No location limits

When you’re looking for jobs, many opportunities may have to be dismissed due to their location.

Traveling to and from a place of employment is tiring, time-consuming, and costly.

Often positions far away simply won’t be time and cost-effective.

With remote working, you can work for companies anywhere in the world. So this opens up so many more employment options.

Freedom to travel

Of course, when you work remotely, you also don’t need to stay in one place.

You can work in your own home, but you can just as easily get your tasks done from a hotel room in a sun-filled paradise.

Combining work and travel can be an amazing experience, and with remote data entry work, you don’t have to lose your income when you’re away.

You too could join the digital nomad trend as a traveling data entry specialist. All you need is a laptop and a decent internet connection.

Time and money saving

By working from home, you’re cutting out a costly and time-consuming commute.

You won’t have to worry about what you wear to work, and you can cut out those expensive shop-bought lunches and coffees.

Remote work can be a real money saver when you add up all those daily expenses.

Easier to focus

For some people, working remotely, from the comfort of their own home office brings a great level of focus.

There are no direct distractions from colleagues or background noise from a bustling office.

You have greater control over your environment.

By becoming a remote data entry worker, you may find that you become more productive and less likely to make mistakes.

Great for work-life balance

With a flexible remote data entry job, you can certainly make it work well to maintain an excellent work-life balance.

From taking a short break to put some washing in the machine, to finishing early to get ready for date night, this level of flexibility allows you to do things that a standard office-based job just can’t accommodate.

It’s great for boosting your mental wellbeing.  

The key skills needed to excel at remote data entry

If pursuing a career in remote data entry sounds appealing, you’ll want to make sure you have the very best chance of securing a job in this competitive industry.

While there are no specific qualifications that are essential for a data entry job, any relevant data entry certifications will of course put you at an advantage.

Many employers are likely to have their own minimum requirements, which will usually ensure a demonstration of at least basic level literacy and numeracy skills, but it’s up to you to showcase any further skills and talents.

You will find some courses that specialise in data entry, however, there are plenty of other skills that will put you in good stead for a data entry career.

An in-depth knowledge of commonly used data entry platforms will be particularly useful, so brush up on your skills with the most popular platforms and software for spreadsheets, databases and documents, and file sharing and communication.

Programming skills will also stand out to potential employers, so if you don’t already have these skills, check out courses in languages such as Python and SQL.

Are there part time remote data entry jobs?

There are a number of part-time remote data entry jobs available, however, it is probably more accurate to say they are “flexible”.

This means you don’t need to sit at your desk from 9 to 5 doing data entry non-stop. You can set your own hours, and as long as the work gets done, then your employer will be happy.

Can you get remote data entry jobs with no experience?

Yes, you can get a remote data entry job with no experience.

The secret here is ensuring your CV makes up for this shortfall in other areas.

This means highlighting your skills, and the best way to do this is to share any courses or certifications you have done that are applicable for data entry.

For example, the Professional Data Entry Course here at the Data Entry Institute earns you your Certified Data Entry Expert (CDEE) digital certificate – which will help your resume stand out from the crowd.

Additionally, any short course on Excel or Word Processing will help make your resume shine.

If you haven’t yet completed a course, but are ready to apply for remote data entry jobs, then you can always add to your resume “Currently studying towards my Certified Data Entry Expert (CDEE) certificate from the Data Entry Institute”.

Are any entry level data entry jobs remote?

Occasionally we see entry level data entry jobs that are remote, but there are typically hundreds of applicants, so you’ve got to put in a lot of effort to ensure your resume stands out from the crowd.

Do this through honing your skills, and stacking your certifications and educational experience.

This will help fill the void left by a lack of experience.

Will you make a great data entry professional?

Do you pride yourself on your meticulous attention to detail?

Do you easily spot errors and have great spelling and grammar proficiency?

Are you self-motivated and do you work well independently?

If you can answer yes to all of the above, then you might well be the perfect candidate for a data entry position. So why not give it a go? It could be the start of a whole new career!