Data Entry Jobs

Data entry is becoming an increasingly popular job for free-lancers and professionals a like. While data entry can provide a steady form of income, you have to be careful because there are a lot of fraudulent job postings that don’t tell the truth, or at least the whole truth. For one, make sure a hiring manger NEVER requires you to make a down payment for a job. After all, you are the one who should be getting paid, right? This article focuses on data entry and making sure you find real, pad work.

How and Where To Apply

There are a lot of work from home websites. The most popular ones include ‘WorkPlaceLikeHome’, ‘Whydowork’, ‘Elance’, and ‘Odesk’. There are also some none-specialized websites, such as “Craigslist” and “Indeed” that offer data entry jobs. These sites include job postings and listings for data entry and other forms of remote work.

Some larger companies, and especially research companies may allow you to work from home, however may ask you to come in to the office for the first month or two. If you are looking to find one of these employers it is best to search your local job posting boards. You can also search through the Yellow pages of your local phone book and approach local businesses for contract work. Make sure you keep revisiting  job boards and keep in touch with all of those local businesses! Just because a company doesn’t have an opportunity today, doesn’t mean they won’t have one tomorrow.

Of course you need to make sure you are a fast typer. Data entry jobs are usually only economical if you can type fast. Most potential employers will also want to see your typing speed in order to see how fast of a typer you are. They may also compare you to the rest of the population. Usually, companies will want to see a typing speed of 40 or more words per minute.

And it is much safer to search through dedicated job-listing and freelancing websites, such as Elance and Odesk. There is a much higher chance of you getting ripped off. Of course, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious on a job-posting website. Always be on the look out for fraud, and if a company is higher you even though you have no experience or demonstrable skill-set, be extra cautious.

Many, if not most, of the job posts on these free-lancing websites will be short term, and if you are just starting out, most likely these will be your first contracts. No worries though, after you build a strong reputation you will be able take on long-term projects, which can provide a steady form of income.

Make a Big Impression

Chances are, you’ll be apply for a lot of data entry jobs. But remember this, so are a lot of other people. Impress your potential employer by reading through the job descriptions and asking questions. Also, strive to make a good impression, let them know you are serious about your work and have experience and skills suitable for data entry. A good impression can go a long way in securing you the job.

And if you want to make a good impression, you should write a professional resume that states your typing speed, skills, experience, and abilities to use various pieces of software, such as Microsoft Word or Excel. If you have a specialty in a particular feed, like medicine, you should highlight this.

The real secret is to apply, apply, apply. You have to be consistent and persistent. With so many companies beginning to outsource work there are lots of opportunities, but there will also be a lot of competition.