If you are a good listener with decent typing speed, you should consider becoming a transcriber. It’s possible to work online while earning an income from transcription work. You can even work from home or travel the world transcribing as your online business. Read more to learn how to become a transcriber and where you can find transcription jobs.
Required Qualifications
A transcriber, also known as a transcriptionist, listens to audio files or videos and then manually converts the information into text. Like speech-to-text apps but with human accuracy, you take dictation and “write it down” – by typing, of course. This text is then used by various companies for a variety of reasons, and often is sought out for research purposes. Therefore, the text needs to be detailed and error-free.
To become a transcriber, you must have some core skills, qualifications, and in some cases certifications. Here are the skills and qualifications required in order to become a transcriber:
Educational Qualifications: The educational qualifications for a transcriber vary depending on the job. For some jobs, you do not even need a college degree. However, for professional jobs in the legal and medical sectors, you will need a certificate or associate degree. Then again, some companies may prefer graduates related to the profession since there is often industry-specific terminology involved, and comprehension of the content makes you a much more accurate and skilled transcriber.
Main Skills: Whatever your educational qualifications are, you must have some core skills to become a transcriber. These are:
- Fluency in the targeted language for transcription
- Excellent listening skills
- Fast typing speed (60+ words per minute)
- Attention to details
- Critical thinking
- Comprehensive knowledge of grammar and spelling
- Time management skills
Training and Certification: If you want to become a transcriber for the legal and medical sector, you should have a certificate to prove your ability. To obtain a certificate, you will have to enroll in a training course for legal and medical transcribers.
Where to Find Transcription Jobs
The transcription service industry is rapidly growing and it’s not limited to official work anymore. Today, people can work as full-time or part-time transcribers from home for a variety of sectors.
Due to advancements in technology and the internet, there is an abundance of oral and visual information that needs to be transcribed for data collection and research. The demand for transcribers is also growing in various sectors.
These are the fields and professionals that need transcribers the most:
- Law Sector (Law farms, Court reporters, and lawyers)
- Medical and Health Sector
- Market Research
- Scientists and Researchers
- Teachers and Students
- Podcasters
- Data Entry
- Financial Sector
- Freelance Writers
Online Transcription Jobs
For online jobs, check remote transcription job boards. Some popular online companies that hire transcribers are:
- TranscribeMe
- Speehpad
- Crowdsurf
- Rev
- Daily Transcription
How to Apply for Transcriber Jobs
Now that you have learned what you need to become a transcriber and where you can work, you should learn how to apply to be a transcriber. Here is what you will need to do:
Choose a Field
Choose a specific field. You can work in a variety of sectors as a freelancer online, but a professional sector and specialization can ensure consistent earnings. It can be the legal or medical field, or one of many others. Choose something you are interested in, as that will make your work more enjoyable.
Create an Online Presence
Your CV should be up-to-date, and you must have an online profile like a Facebook page, LinkedIn, webpage, or an online portfolio.
List your skills and previous work related to transcription. Make sure to mention how your skills will benefit your clients or employers.
Apply to Different Companies
Once you have created your CV and online profile, it is time to look for a job. Choose some companies that you want to work for. Check their websites regularly for transcriber vacancies.
Send your CV or apply through their website. Also, check with the companies about whether or not they provide training for their transcribers. The training will help you to understand the job better and help you increase your skill set.
Online Job Application
As I have mentioned before, many online companies post jobs for freelance transcribers. You can search for transcription jobs on their websites. It is best if you create an account or profile that will attract clients prior to seeking out jobs or contracts. On some of the websites, you will have to bid for jobs, and anything you can do to make yourself stand out from the crowd will be helpful.
Don’t stop learning once you get the job; always continue to develop your transcribing skills. Hopefully, the information in this article will help you on your journey to become a professional transcriber. Have fun figuring it out, and be sure to get specific about what you want.
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