If you’re new to the transcription industry and want to learn how to become a transcriptionist, you’ve come to the right place. Transcriptionists convert audio and video files into text files. This work pays well, and most importantly, it can now be done from home.
Working as a transcriptionist was once considered a great way to earn money part-time. However, this situation has shifted over the last five years. Indeed, as an increasing number of people worldwide jump on the transcription bandwagon, it has evolved into a full-time freelance career.
Here is a detailed guide. It covers everything you need to know about being a transcriptionist. Shall we hop straight in?
How To Become A Transcriptionist – Steps
To work as a Transcriptionist, you must have the necessary skills;
be a quick typist, and put in plenty of practice time. To learn how to do transcription, follow these steps.
Step# 1: Must have Transcriptionist Skills
The first step in becoming a transcriptionist is to have the requisite skills. They are usually the same from one company to another. Skills included:
- Excellent listening abilities.
- Typing speed and accuracy range from 65 to 75 words per minute.
- Excellent command of the English language.
- Awareness of Microsoft Word or related software.
- Skills in editing, grammar checking, and proofreading.
- Multitasking abilities
- Project completion skills that are effective.
- Skills in time management.
It’s fantastic if you have those abilities! But don’t worry if you’re unsure about any of them, such as your typing or grammar skills; the following steps will assist you.
Step# 2: Meet Technical Requirements
Companies also have similar technical requirements, which include:
- You’ll need a computer that’s not too old.
- With download speeds of around 10mbps, reliable internet is a must. (check your internet speed at speedtest.net)
- Most entry-level transcription companies require you to work on their software, which is usually a quick and straightforward installation.
- Some businesses require you to have Microsoft Word installed on your computer.
- Depending on the company, you may be required to use Google Chrome to evaluate its program. (TranscribeMe is one such company.)
- To work with any transcription service, you must wear headphones.
- Higher-paying transcription companies will allow your separate transcription software and a foot pedal.
As a newbie, you don’t have to worry about meeting all these technical requirements. You only need time and a quiet place to work when first starting. Initially, all you’ll need is your laptop and a pair of earbuds.
Investing in better equipment is a smart option as you progress and decide this is your job. As you advance to higher-paying positions, you must buy transcription software and a foot pedal.
Now, let’s move on to the next step.
Step# 3: Create an Online Presence
Having an up-to-date and relevant CV was once crucial for job hunting. You can now deliver the same information via your web presence.
Whether through your website, an online portfolio site, or a Facebook page for your transcription service. It’s time to shout about your skills,
services and how hiring you to transcribe for them will benefit them.
Once you start an online presence, it’s time to go out and look for work. Or, as is more likely these days, stay home and look for work. There are several options.
- Networking
It’s time to contact the business connections you’ve made over the years. Make sure your LinkedIn (or local equivalent) is up to date. And begin informing people that you provide transcription services.
You can use various marketing techniques, from introductory offers to referral bonuses. Take a personalized approach rather than spamming your entire contact list with a generic template letter.
- Utilizing Agencies to Apply
There are numerous transcription agencies available online. And many of them are willing to give newcomers a chance. They may not pay as well as work that you can source directly. But they can provide a steady income. Agencies are a priority in the early process of creating a transcription career.
- Internships and Volunteering
If you cannot find paid work due to a lack of transcription experience, consider volunteering or internships. You’ll gain valuable knowledge that you can use in the future to get other jobs.
You may soon realize that your volunteer or internship role progresses into something more long-term – and financially rewarding!
Step# 4: Make a Choice: Would You Like To Become a Transcriptionist?
It would help if you now understood what transcription is. How much can you earn? And how to pass some practice tests. It would be best if you had made a choice. Do you wish to work as a transcriptionist? Do you want to make money as a transcriber?
If you think transcription would be a good fit for you. Then, familiarize yourself with the style guides of the most reputable transcription companies. Most companies follow similar guidelines, so knowing what to expect will help you.
Step# 6: Study the Transcription Style Guidelines
Before you start working for a transcription company, learn how they anticipate you to transcribe their files.
This will assist you in passing the initial transcription test when you join a company.
Assume you’re thinking about working for Go Transcript. Please take a look at their Transcription Guidelines before applying. They will help you understand their expectations for handling exceptional cases.
For instance, what do you do if you cannot hear what’s being said? To mark it as inaudible, follow the exact guidelines Go Transcript provides.
Not every transcription company adheres to the same guidelines. Some will require you to transcribe verbatim (exactly as it sounds); others will not. Some jobs require you to identify many speakers, such as ‘speaker A, speaker B.’ In contrast, others require you to identify them by name.
So, before you sign a contract with a company, read their policies.
Step# 7: Find an Entry-Level Transcription Job
Now that you know how to do online transcription and are willing to do it, it’s time to get paid. Many transcription companies hire newcomers and people with no experience.
Without a doubt, a lot of remote transcription jobs pay very little. All the “seasoned” transcriptionists will scoff and tell you not to bother with these companies.
But WHY Not?. After all, you’re just starting and need to gain some experience.
What Exactly Is A Transcriptionist?
A transcriptionist is a documentation specialist. He converts voice or video recordings into written words using a word processor like Microsoft Word.
- There are numerous opportunities to work as a stay-at-home transcriptionist. Some of the advantages of transcription as a home-based job are as follows:
- Working from home
- Simple and low-cost
- Hours are flexible.
- A good salary
- There is plenty of online work available.
There are several types of transcription. So, if one doesn’t tickle your funny bone, try another until you find your groove.
How To Become A Transcriptionist – Types
A transcription is a written version of an audio file. In other words, you listen to an audio file and write out what you hear. Transcription has three types:
· General
The most popular type of transcription is general transcription, which covers the most extensive range of jobs. The newest and most sought-after genre is transcribing videos and podcasts for blogs.
· Legal
Legal transcription is used while dealing with courts and law enforcement.
· Medical
Medical transcription is still commonly used and essential in the medical field. But it is not as popular as it once was as a remote job.
Transcription is a flexible job that fits your schedule. It can be done part-time or online, and it requires no prior experience.
To simplify, transcriptionists listen to a file and type what they hear. It’s easy to do, but it can be tedious and time-consuming. Poor audio quality, faint voices, broken English, and thick accents all make the transcription process take longer. However, as with everything, the more you practice, the better you will become.
Transcriber Training & Equipment – What You Require?
There are no certificates or formal training requirements. That’s fantastic news for anyone wondering how to become a general transcriptionist. However, a specialized transcription course will help boost your training time. And become an advanced transcriptionist much more quickly.
Transcriptionists should be proficient in the following areas:
- writing,
- listening,
- critical thinking,
- time management,
- concentration, and
- computer use.
However, many states require certification for legal and medical transcription. So, look up your state’s requirements online.
Conclusion
Do you have any experience transcribing? Or perhaps you’re becoming interested in transcribing? If this is the case, you can easily earn money online by transcribing. But how much money can you make? It all depends on your abilities and skills.
Many high-paying transcription sites seek transcriptionists who can provide accurate, high-quality work. This is one of the best online jobs for beginners who want to master new skills. Working as a transcriptionist entails spending plenty of time watching videos. Or listening to audio files and accurately typing what you hear.
The best online transcription jobs for beginners are general transcription jobs. It includes tasks such as converting YouTube video files into text or voice recordings into written reports. Transcription is an area with great potential and a promising future. Hence, now is a great time to start working as an online transcriptionist.