Many data-entry jobs are transcription jobs. This job involves listening to information recorded in an audio file. This audio recording is often sent to the transcriptionist in an online file, such as an MP3 or MPEG file. The transcriptionist then types out this information, and sends it back to the original sender through mail, fax, or e-mail. Many transcription jobs are medical, which entails a medical professional recording the audio information that the transcriptionist types out for them. These jobs often require the medical transcriptionist to know medical terminology and procedures. Other transcriptionist jobs may require similar experience, such as legal transcriptionist jobs. In contrast, other transcriptionist jobs involve simple note-taking and fact-listing, and require no professional training.
Accounting jobs make up another large portion of data-entry jobs. Like medical transcription, accounting demands a higher level of experience and, many times, professional certification. In addition, online accountants need to download accounting software programs, such as QuickBooks, onto their home computers in order to audit a company’s accounting information. Besides processing sales and payroll accounts, at-home accountants often fill out tax returns for companies and send it to government agencies.
Processing jobs typically require less experience and specialized knowledge. They do, however, require general familiarity with computers and the Internet. One common processing job is rebate processing. This type of processing involves receiving customer information from customers who have sent rebates to the company. The processor then reviews the customer’s information and verifies that information to the company. The rebate processor then sends the customer their rebate. Processors can earn a potential of $15 for each time they verify the customer information to a company. Like many other data-entry positions, they are typically paid on commission. Rebate-processing positions are particularly vulnerable to Internet spam, so it is important for the would-be processor to identify the legitimate positions from the false ones.
Data-management positions involve both data-entry and data-organization. For these positions, companies contract workers to use a program such as Microsoft Access to enter and format company data. The workers then send that data to the company’s own database system. Using Microsoft Access, database managers may also tabulate data and create diagrams for easier reading. Besides having knowledge of software such as Microsoft Access, database managers should also know the computer language SQL (Structured Query Language), which is standard database language. Many database managers have previous computer-science knowledge, though aspiring managers can also enroll in database-management courses and receive certification.
Taking paid surveys is another form of home-based work that requires absolutely no certification, training, or degree. All it requires is that users fill out a 15-20 minute survey on a topic and return that survey to receive a payment between $3 and $8, with some amounts exceeding $50. Those who conduct the surveys are typically market-research companies that find it cheaper to contract survey-takers online, rather than employ staff to perform telemarketing. Therefore, these paid surveys are a win-win situation for both the companies and these online contractors. Again, it is extremely easy to find a scam-based ''survey,'' so it is crucial for those interested in making extra money to find the most legitimate survey firms.
Secretarial jobs are other home computer jobs growing in popularity. These jobs consist of acting as a ''virtual'' administrative assistant or secretary to company managers. As for data-entry, the secretary enters in employee information, spreadsheets, revenues, schedules, and other routine administrative information. Depending on the individual requirements, they may also do website formatting or word-processing, using programs such as Microsoft Word or Microsoft InDesign. If the candidate feels he or she lacks the requisite experience, they can enroll in an online secretarial program that trains them in clerical jobs. Many companies also require certification before they invest into hiring an assistant they may never meet face-to-face. They may also require a certain level of knowledge concerning the business’s trade, so the assistant is already familiar with terminology and regulations.
While home-based jobs are both comfortable and flexible, it is a mistake to rely on them as the sole source of income. They often work best when paired with another part-time job, or as a ''weekend job.'' In the final analysis, any home-based job that advertises a ''get rich quick'' scheme should be altogether dismissed.
