Data Entry Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Data entry jobs involve typing information into electronic formats, whether that’s word processing, spreadsheets, or specific software. It’s a great career option for detail-oriented people—or even those who prefer to work remotely from home. Data entry jobs typically use a computer to enter data or information, often from a hard-copy paper format, into a software application. Some positions may include scanning documents and using optical character recognition or OCR. Some examples of data entry job duties include transcribing, updating customer information, and entering accounting records.

Most data entry jobs require a high school diploma or GED certificate. In many cases, no college degree is needed to get a job in this field. To be skilled at data entry, you need to be detail-oriented, possess excellent reading comprehension, and have at least basic knowledge of whatever word processing program or software you will be using. Many employers also require a typing test to be completed before making an offer to a data entry specialist. The exact words per minute (WPM) that you need may vary from employer to employer. But, of course, being a speedy and accurate typer is always a benefit if you’re aiming to secure a position in this field.

Do your skills line up with what hiring managers are looking for when they are reviewing resumes for a Data Entry position? ZipRecruiter scanned over 9,000,000 job postings and created a list of the most commonly required abilities for Data Entry jobs below.

Based on our assessment, mastering the skills below and listing them on your resume is critical in getting your Data Entry job application to the top of the stack.

1. Typing
2. Data Entry Experience
3. Attention to Detail
4. Communication Skills
5. Customer Service
6. Clerical Skills
7. MS Office
8. Receptionist
9. Administrative Assistant
10. Written Communication

Data entry jobs are required in a wide variety of industries and fields, but there’s one thing you can expect from all of them: Lots and lots of typing. Working in data entry, you will spend the majority of your time typing information—whether from a hard-copy source (like a form or an application) or an outdated computer file, entering it into a new format, a shared document, a piece of software, or something similar.

Job Summary

The data entry position will be responsible for transferring data from one source to another through data entry equipment, word processing, or verbal recordings. The ability to accurately type and at a fast speed is highly desired.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Entering data into appropriate fields; databases, records, and files
• Transferring data from paper formats via computer, recorders, or scanners
• Handling numerical data accurately; creating spreadsheets
• Organizing spreadsheets with large numbers
• Curating data directly from speech or interviews
• Updating databases or records with new information as it becomes available
• Correcting and modifying inaccurate files and records
• Typing data directly and accurately
• Complying with security backups and regular checks to ensure data is saved and stored properly
• Summarizing data for standardized reports
• Viewing and verifying confidential or private customer/client information; protecting the information and identities of customers/client
• Verifying data by correctly checking and comparing source documentation
• Organizing paper formats, paper backups, and material source files as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• Accurate and precise attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management skills; able to prioritize
• Skilled knowledge in generating process documentation
• Assists team members when needed to accomplish team goals
• Fast and accurate typist
• Able to speak confidently, clearly, and professionally for voice recording data
• Understands data confidentiality principles and follows them to the letter
• High school diploma; associate's degree, or bachelor degree in business, administration or related field not required but preferred
• Prior experience handling data entry responsibilities or equivalent experience in a related field
• Highly organized multitasker who works well in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn and to grow with the company
• Self-directed and able to work without supervision
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly of Excel spreadsheets
• Pays strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of touch typing system preferred

Job Summary

The data entry position will be responsible for transferring data from one source to another through data entry equipment, word processing, or verbal recordings. The ability to accurately type and at a fast speed is highly desired.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Entering data into appropriate fields; databases, records, and files
• Transferring data from paper formats via computer, recorders, or scanners
• Handling numerical data accurately; creating spreadsheets
• Organizing spreadsheets with large numbers
• Curating data directly from speech or interviews
• Updating databases or records with new information as it becomes available
• Correcting and modifying inaccurate files and records
• Typing data directly and accurately
• Complying with security backups and regular checks to ensure data is saved and stored properly
• Summarizing data for standardized reports
• Viewing and verifying confidential or private customer/client information; protecting the information and identities of customers/client
• Verifying data by correctly checking and comparing source documentation
• Organizing paper formats, paper backups, and material source files as needed

Requirements and Qualifications

• Accurate and precise attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management skills; able to prioritize
• Skilled knowledge in generating process documentation
• Assists team members when needed to accomplish team goals
• Fast and accurate typist
• Able to speak confidently, clearly, and professionally for voice recording data
• Understands data confidentiality principles and follows them to the letter
• High school diploma; associate's degree, or bachelor degree in business, administration or related field not required but preferred
• Prior experience handling data entry responsibilities or equivalent experience in a related field
• Highly organized multitasker who works well in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn and to grow with the company
• Self-directed and able to work without supervision
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly of Excel spreadsheets
• Pays strong attention to detail
• Knowledge of touch typing system preferred