There's more to data entry than mindlessly typing words and numbers on
a computer screen.
Data entry clerks must have good computer skills and upgrade those skills
to stay at the forefront of ever-changing technology. The job requires focus
and careful attention to detail. It also requires excellent spelling and proofreading
skills.
Data entry clerks enter information into computer databases. Data may include
lists of addresses, names or numbers. The information may appear on a form,
or in a recorded voice message. Data entry clerks key the information into
the computer, so there's an electronic record of it. They may also verify
data to ensure its accuracy.
The data may involve customer information, medical information, insurance
information, membership list information, reservation information or transcription
information.
Employers include the government, universities and organizations with large
databases. Many data entry clerks are able to work from home.
Data entry clerks must be able to type quickly and accurately. They must
be able to handle a variety of data entry tasks, some of which are quite repetitive.
They must also work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines on a regular
basis.
Advancing technology is replacing some data entry jobs. For instance, voice
recognition software may eventually replace the need for medical transcriptionists.
Optical character recognition systems are replacing the need for data entry
clerks who work with handwritten documents, such as health insurance claims.
However, data entry clerks may still be needed to verify the results and type
in missing or incorrect information.
To ensure employment, data entry clerks should learn a variety of skills
and tasks, and gain knowledge about the field in which they work.