Data entry clerks are typically responsible for gathering information into databases. It may include collecting documents from various sources, extracting information and capturing data into databases, and storing hard copies.
Data entry clerk may be a great career to consider if you have decent keyboarding skills, a penchant for accuracy, and can work under deadlines. It can take you into various industries as employers need those positions.
Let’s take a closer look at the article below to learn more!
Job Description
What Is A Data Entry Clerk?
Data entry clerks are professionals who transfer paper formats into database systems or computer files.
They handle typing in client information delivered directly into an electronic format, making spreadsheets with large numbers of figures.
They need to pay attention to detail because mistakes can cause more significant problems within their organizations.
Responsibilities
Data entry clerks are computer savvy and fast typists with keen eyes for detail.
They regularly report to a data manager or another senior data team member. An understanding of data confidentiality principles is required for this position.
The companies will rely on this profile to get accurate and updated data easily accessible via a digital database. The following are common responsibilities for this profession:
- Collecting invoices, reports, statements, documents, personal details, and information from employees, customers, and other departments
- Scanning through information to identify pertinent information
- Correcting errors & organizing the information in a manner that will optimize accuracy and swift capturing
- Making accurate spreadsheets
- Making sure data is backed up
- Storing hard copies of data in a manner to optimize retrieval
- Handling extra duties from time to time
- Informing relevant parties about errors encountered
- Entering/updating information into relevant databases
Work Environment
Data entry clerks can work in various industries, including but not limited to:
- Hospitality.
- Healthcare.
- Local and federal government.
- Transportation and warehousing.
- Administrative and support services.
- And more.
In most cases, data entry clerks work full-time in an office environment and may work overtime. A part-time job is also available, especially for those working in the hospitality industry.
Although standard shifts for this profession take place during normal business hours, those working for hospitality or transportation organizations that are open throughout the day may have to work on evenings, holidays, and weekends.
In the office environment, those professionals usually spend most of their shifts sitting at a desk before a computer and using necessary office equipment, such as fax machines and printers, to complete data collection and organization tasks.
Education Requirements
The required education and training to become a data entry clerk will depend on the industry and position’s specific responsibilities.
Education
The educational needs of a data entry clerk will vary based on their position and responsibilities. A high school diploma is sufficient for an entry-level position.
If you want to advance to an administrative job with more responsibility, you need to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree or an associate in Business or related fields.
Courses regarding computer applications, such as word processing and spreadsheet software, could be helpful for people seeking to enhance their skills.
Training
The data entry clerk usually gets their training while on the job. In many industries, the training covers clerical and office procedures, office equipment usage, computer applications, best processes for organization and database usage, other technical requirements, and more.
Certifications
This position usually does not require specific certification. Experts wanting to get skills before employment may enroll in a proper certificate program at a community college or technical school.
Those certificate programs serve as educational training programs that can replace full degree programs. They teach learners how to utilize basic computer programs and efficiently enter different data types into many kinds of databases.
Essential Skills
As a data entry clerk, you need to have some essential skills to be successful. The critical and relevant skills you should develop, including:
Communication
Those clerks have to communicate with others within their organizations, such as operations personnel or management.
They also have to communicate with clients to collect and update database information. Those tasks require the professionals to adapt their communication style to gain the necessary information.
Organization
Your tasks may also involve sorting and organizing physical documents you are digitizing or entering into the online system.
The ability to make and maintain effortless-to-utilize filing and organization systems will allow you to succeed in the workplace.
Computer literacy
Data entry is the key task for this position, so it is essential to accurately and quickly type to maintain efficiency.
Also, a data entry clerk may work with many online databases and computer systems, requiring a basic knowledge of computers and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
Flexibility
Many clerks do their jobs in fast-paced environments, requiring them to be efficient and flexible while maintaining accuracy. Sometimes, there are tasks that require them to pause their work on data entry to retrieve a report or file.
Attention to detail
Entering huge amounts of data into online databases or spreadsheets and reviewing data for accuracy requires precision.
As a result, a successful data entry clerk must be detail-oriented to ensure accuracy and reduce time spent checking data against the source document.
Essential Tools
Here are some tools and software that can help you work as a data entry clerk:
Tools
- Phone.
- Keyboards.
- Computers/Laptops.
Software
- nTask.
- Zoho Forms.
- Foxtrot RPA.
- ProntoForms.
- Tabidoo.
- Entrypoint i4.
- Typeform.
- Fluix.
- Zed Axis.
Job Outlook
The U.S. BLS reports that job opportunities for data entry clerks are projected to decline by 25% from 2019 to 2029. Technologies are growing and improving, so workers and managers will perform much of their own data entry and word processing, resulting in fewer data entry clerks.
Salary
The average annual salary for a data entry clerk in the US is $41,512 per year. It equates to approximately $19.96 per hour, $798 per week, and $3,459 per month.
The average annual salary of data entry clerks in the US is mostly between 29,000 and $44,500, with top earners making $64,500.
The average salary range for a data entry clerk greatly, showing there are various opportunities for increased pay and advancement based on location, years of experience, and skill level.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros
- Can Work From Home.
- Low Stress.
- Flexible Work Schedule.
- Little or no Investment is Required.
- Improve Communication Skills.
- Can help to Launch a Career
Cons
- Low-Paying Job.
- Can be Tedious
- Less Revenue for Slow Typists.
- Demanding many accuracies.
- Augmented Scams.
- Offshore competition.
- Lack of Support.
FAQs
What is Data Entry?
Data entry refers to transcribing some form of information into another medium, typically through input into computer programs.
Who does a Data Entry Clerk work with?
Data Entry Clerks typically collaborate with the Document Controller, who is responsible for many documents’ accuracy.
They may be responsible for scanning documents and sorting them in the correct places so that others can find them as efficiently as possible.
What Makes a Good Data Entry Clerk?
Data Entry Clerks need great communication skills, accuracy, and fast typing.
A very high concentration level is required. These experts must stay focused on their jobs while working with limited distractions from anything. Working with technology is also critical because they work primarily from a computer.
Which Industries Hire Data Entry Clerk Jobs?
- Retail and Sales.
- Government and Politics.
- Accounting and Finance.
- Administrative.
- Medical and Health.
- And more.
Can I Work From Home as a Data Entry Clerk?
It is typically an entry-level role that requires no education beyond a high school diploma. But some data entry clerks take classes to improve typing accuracy, reading comprehension, occasionally math skills, and more.
Some employers ask whether their candidates have proof of a quiet home office area or to show that their computers are reasonably new and unlikely to fail.
Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of data entry clerks who work from home require computer skills, communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to adjust the schedule as necessary.
How to Become a Data Entry Clerk
Step 1. Get a high school diploma.
Start by earning a high school diploma or the equivalent. Focus on elective courses in business, computers, accounting, or finance.
While gaining the diploma, we recommend improving relevant skills, such as typing accuracy and speed, through practice or games that exercise the skill.
Step 2. Pursue a proper certificate program.
To learn the basics of data entry and improve the chance of landing a job, it is wise to complete a data entry clerk certificate program at a community college or technical school.
Those programs will deliver the essential knowledge to start working in the field. They serve as an efficient alternative option to completing a degree program.
Step 3. Further computer literacy education.
You can improve your chances of getting hired by taking an additional computer course.
We recommend going with courses that focus on database management and word processing. Some potential employers require accounting or bookkeeping knowledge, so enrolling in courses in those areas is also a good idea.
Step 4. Get training.
While taking a proper course to learn the necessary skills to become a data entry clerk, you should look for an opportunity to get on-the-job training through an entry-level position. On-the-job training usually lasts up to four weeks and will deliver the basic understanding needed to start the career.
Step 5. Structure the resume and apply for a position
Whether you have pursued a career as a data entry clerk immediately after high school graduation or have taken some courses to improve your skills, you must develop a comprehensive and clear resume before applying for a position.
Make sure your resume describes your education, experience, training, and skills clearly and succinctly.
Is It Hard to Be a Data Entry Clerk?
The short answer is No. It is not hard to be a data entry clerk.
This position is fairly straightforward to perform, but it requires significant attention to detail and consistency in repetitive tasks.
Career Advice
Above is what you need to know about the data entry clerk position. Generally, this profession doesn’t ask too much of candidates.
Many entry positions only require a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree for administrative jobs with more responsibility.
You also do not need to possess many technical skills to be a successful data entry clerk, as long as you have decent keyboarding skills, a penchant for accuracy, and can work under deadlines.
We hope this article was helpful to you!