The internet is full of opportunities to work from home, and the data entry industry is one of the most profitable. If you have the right skills and are looking for a job from home, you can explore numerous options, such as supplementing the income you already earn from freelance employment or looking for a full-time position that can help you improve your resume. Teleworking requires some discipline and organization, but for some it can be a great opportunity.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Finding a Home Data Entry Job
Step 1. Start looking for a job in the data entry industry by considering freelance websites
There are numerous web pages you can use to find work from home. Typically, they offer temporary jobs and one-off projects, so they aren't always viable sources of steady income. However, they can allow you to gain valuable experiences that will come in handy when you later apply for a full-time job.
- Fiverr offers small projects that allow you to earn around 5 euros.
- Flexjobs and Freelancers offer projects that you can do from home, with variable income.
Step 2. Make sure you work for websites that have a good reputation
Online scams are the order of the day, in fact, someone tries to take advantage of people who go looking for a job from home. Be sure to inquire about the company before proceeding, as you will need to provide personal information in order to receive payments.
- You need to research companies to make sure they don't have any shady ends.
- If the company is US, do a search using the Better Business Bureau's website, www.bbb.org, so you know if it's trustworthy.
- Even if the company is US, sites like Consumer Fraud Reporting can also help you identify potential scams.
Step 3. Look for full-time data entry jobs on job posting sites
Web pages offering freelance projects are great for supplementing your income, but it's hard to make a good profit and get the basic benefits that traditional employment guarantees. Look for a company that allows you to work from home full time.
- Use websites like Monster and Indeed to search for data entry jobs that allow your employees to work remotely.
- Sites like Craigslist are just as good, but find out how to avoid scams.
Step 4. Use social networks to expand your search
Platforms like LinkedIn are useful for looking for open positions and networking with people who already work in this industry. Make sure you enter words like "telework" and "work from home" in the search bar.
- To get started, open an account on LinkedIn.
- Search for vacancies and contact other professionals in the sector to help you find a job that fits your skills.
Step 5. Have a telephone interview, which is often the first step in hiring
You will be contacted by a human resources employee to do a short telephone interview to determine if you qualify to be interviewed by the hiring manager.
- A telephone interview should be approached like any other interview: don't be late, be polite and professional, talk about your strengths in the field of data entry and emphasize that you are able to work without direct supervision.
- Make sure you present yourself at your best during the phone interview.
Step 6. Introduce yourself to the actual interview
If the phone interview went well, you will likely get a call to arrange another one. Since you will be working remotely, chances are you will need to support him via a teleconferencing site, which will allow you to see and speak to the interviewer right from your home.
- Even though you will likely have a virtual interview, take it seriously - dress well and interact right. Observe the practices necessary to have a good job interview.
- You may also be required to do the interview in person. Make sure you are on time and bring some copies of your resume.
Part 2 of 3: Working Efficiently From Home
Step 1. Prepare the workspace
The hardware and software equipment for working in the data entry industry depends on the company that hired you and the exact type of work you will be doing. Before you begin, make sure your workspace and computer are ready for this project.
- Install all the software you need to do this job. Many companies use portals instead of programs, so make sure you have the correct data to log in and train to learn how to use it.
- You need to open a PayPal account or set up another payment method, such as direct deposit. Ask your supervisor or manager how payments are made and what you need to do to receive them.
- You must have a phone, printer and all other devices needed to work in this industry.
Step 2. Set up a well-structured work schedule
Working from home has numerous benefits, for example you have the possibility to organize yourself according to your needs. This guarantees great freedom, but it can also be more difficult to fuel in the morning.
- Set a morning work schedule to avoid postponing.
- Decide what time to finish work. When you work from home, you risk overdoing it because you can't physically leave your workplace, but it's important to take time out to rest and take care of household chores.
Step 3. Take a break when you need it
It's important to keep a schedule, but so is taking breaks. The freedom to work from home allows you to do it when needed.
- In most professional environments, you can take two 15 minute breaks and one 30 minute break for eight hours of work per day. Try taking breaks following a similar pattern.
- Breaks are important for refreshing the mind and fighting fatigue. They will help you be more productive during working hours.
Step 4. Don't worry about personal matters at work
Since you work from home, it can be tempting to do some household chores or your children. However, it is a very bad habit and can dramatically decrease your productivity. Also, you will stress yourself out more than you should, as you will feel compelled to juggle work and home care in the same amount of time.
- Imagine you are in an office: during working hours, you have to dedicate yourself to work.
- If you have kids, take them to daycare or hire a babysitter so you can focus on your work.
Step 5. Communicate actively with your managers
They need to know that you are taking care of the project with punctuality and productivity. In most work environments, employees see their supervisor or manager regularly throughout the day, so when you work from home be sure to communicate constantly.
- If you communicate by email, keep your email account open or set it to receive mobile notifications so you can read your manager's messages right away.
- If you miss a call or text from your supervisor, make sure you call them back as soon as possible.
Part 3 of 3: Assessing Your Skills and Equipment
Step 1. Make sure you have the necessary skills
As with any other job, data entry has specific requirements for hiring. Before you look for a job and apply, you need to make sure you have the right skills.
- This job requires the ability to type quickly and accurately.
- Having basic computer skills is essential for any remote data entry job.
- It is often necessary to have work experience with word processing, database or presentation software (such as PowerPoint) to be hired.
Step 2. Set up a space entirely dedicated to work
For teleworking, you need to be well equipped. The best way to get organized is to set up a home office, to be used solely for professional purposes.
- You should have enough space to keep all your work materials in one place and well organized.
- It is preferable that the office gives you enough privacy to allow you to avoid any distractions and interruptions.
Step 3. Prepare a resume
Even if you are applying for a remote job, you still need to have a well-made resume. Having a CV makes a difference, in fact it increases the chances of being hired.
- Emphasize that you have the necessary skills to work in the data entry industry.
- Make sure the resume is well organized and professional.
Step 4. Try to have the right equipment
Those who choose the teleworking mode usually have to buy everything they need to carry out their job. The requirements will vary depending on what you actually do, but in principle you need to have the following:
- A reliable computer with a fast internet connection.
- A special telephone line for making business calls.
- Office software such as Microsoft Office or Apache OpenOffice.
