Data Entry

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Data entry is simply the transcription of data from one form into another. The majority of businesses require data entry, such as entering sales figures into a spreadsheet, transcribing notes from a meeting, or integrating databases. If you are looking for a data entry role, practice the basic skills to help you to quickly get a job. The key skills that employers tend to look for include fast and accurate typing, customer service skills, computer literacy, and familiarity with basic computer programmes. Qualifications can help to increase your chances of getting a job, so consider completing a data entry certificate course, an internship, or a business degree for better results.

1

Practice typing until you reach a speed of at least 30 words per minute. A large portion of data entry work involves typing. This means that being able to type quickly and accurately is essential. The best way to improve your speed is simply to practice typing. Try spending some each day transcribing some written information onto the computer.^[1]

• Try to focus on your accuracy when typing, as your speed will naturally increase with practice.
• If you get bored practising, search online for free typing games. These are a fun way to increase your typing accuracy and speed.
• Search online for a typing test to quickly find out how many words per minute you can type.^[2]

2

Take lessons if you aren't confident using a computer. It is really important that you can use easily navigate a computer, as the majority of data entry work is done on a computer. If you aren’t confident using a computer, consider asking a friend to give you a few lessons or research basic computer skill courses in your local community.

• The ability to use a computer is generally one of the top requirements for data entry employees.

3

Practice using office equipment, such as printers and scanners. Whilst the majority of your work in a data entry job is on a computer, you will also need to copy and print information. Practice scanning pieces of paper in a scanner and then printing them from your computer.

• Practice using the scanner and printer at your local library or self-service print shop.

4

Familiarise yourself with basic computer programmes. Data entry jobs primarily use word processing and spreadsheet programmes. Spend some time learning to use the Microsoft Word and Excel or Google Docs and Sheets, as these are the most widely used programmes in businesses. Watch tutorials online, ask a friend to help you, or take a short course.

• Don’t worry about learning complex or company specific database programmes, as this will be taught to you as part of your initiation and training.