Data Entry Skills: Skills You Should Know and Have to Enter Data

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Data Entry Skills: The Best Courses to Gain the Required Expertise for Inputting Data

OCT 19, 2020

Data entry may seem like a simple job if you think of it as just putting data into a computer system and making sure it is all correct. But there are many data entry skills you need to become an effective data entry professional. There are many types of jobs you might pursue within data entry, from freelancing to working as an administrative assistant.

In this guide, we will go over the top data entry skills needed to succeed as a data entry professional.

What Is Data Entry and What Does it Entail?

A data entry professional takes information and inputs it into a computer system. Their day-to-day duties include:

Preparing documents and reports
Accurately entering data into databases
Creating data backups
Generating reports
Transcribing documents
Processing sales invoices

Data Entry Soft Skills

To be a data entry professional, you must have a core set of soft skills, including:

Self-Motivation

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Self-motivation is a very important skill while entering data. It is a repetitive job and can get boring. So you must be able to stay motivated and consistent.

Time management

Time management is important because you must meet data entry deadlines and proofread your work before submitting it.

Attention to detail

You must pay attention to the details to make sure that data has been inputted accurately. Accurate data entry ensures there won’t be any issues down the line due to incorrect information.

Communication

Communication skills are important because after the information has been inputted, management and other departments must be notified so they can access the information.

Data Entry Technical Skills

There are many technical skills that data entry professionals need to have to complete their projects. These technical skills are proof that someone knows how to do the job effectively. The technical skills one must know include:

Excellent typing skills of 30 to 40 words per minute
Knowledge of computer database software like Microsoft Excel
Knowledge of QuickBooks
Knowledge of word processor such as Microsoft Office
Basic computer skills

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Jobs in Data Entry

Many jobs are available to those interested in data entry. Data entry jobs can be done in an office, from home, or even on a freelance basis. According to Salary.com, the average income for a data entry job in the US is $33,078 per year.

Below are some possible jobs in data entry.

Data Entry Clerk/Data Entry Operator

A data entry clerk inputs data into a computer. A data entry operator is the same thing as a data entry clerk.

Administrative Assistant

An administrative assistant manages information in an office setting. Their duties usually include answering phones, greeting clients, data entry, and other administrative duties.

Word Processor/Typist

A word processor/typist types up reports and letters and creates charts and tables.

Data Entry Freelancer

Some companies may hire a freelancer to take care of their data entry if it is not included in the duties of the administrative assistant. Data entry freelancers can work from home and can take on either a one-time project or a month-long project for a company. You can find freelance data jobs on websites like UpWork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to name a few.

Data Entry Skills to Put on Your Resume

You must have a high school diploma to apply for a data entry job. Other skills you should list when applying for these positions include:

Experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel
Experience with spreadsheets
Strong attention to detail
Fast typer (including estimated words per minute)

Data Entry Courses

If you are hoping to start a career in data entry but don’t have much background knowledge, there are many courses available to you to learn more, including:

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Udemy

Udemy offers a data entry course for beginners. This course will teach you everything there is to know about the basics of data entry such as how to use databases and Microsoft Excel and how to get a freelance data entry job.

Coursera

Coursera offers a data entry course for beginners that teaches students Microsoft Excel, basic formulas and calculations, and how to use spreadsheets and make charts and graphs. Because Excel is a big part of data entry, this course will cover everything you need to know about the program.

Conclusion: Do You Have The Skills to Work in Data Entry?

Data entry clerks can work in offices or as freelancers.

Data entry can be a tedious job, but it is important because information needs to be recorded so that a business has the information on hand and in one place for future reference. Different departments in a company will use this information on customers, sales, and more, to make business decisions. Working in data entry can be rewarding because you feel that you are a helpful part of the company.

In this guide, we went over the most important skills for data entry success. Data entry clerks and operators use these skills every day. If you’re interested in working in data entry, you should focus on honing these skills to further your career.

Data Entry Skills FAQ

What is the most important soft skill for data entry?

One of the most important soft skills for data entry is attention to detail. Dealing with high levels of information can be overwhelming, and it is important to make sure the information entered is accurate.

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What is the most important technical skill for data entry?

One of the most important technical skills is fast typing. You may have a lot of information that needs to be processed quickly, so speedy typing will help you meet your deadlines.

How much does a data entry clerk get paid?

They are paid an average of $33,078 per year.

What is data entry?

Data entry is uploading information into a company’s database accurately and efficiently.

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