One of the most common questions I’m asked about working at home is how to find typing jobs. The problem with looking for online typing jobs is that most are deceptive schemes or scams. With that said, if you know what to look for, you can find many types of legitimate typing jobs from home.
One of the most common online typing jobs is transcription. However, transcription is much more than just typing. Businesses hiring transcriptionists are looking for people who can type fast and accurately, and often they need knowledge of terms used in specific industries, such as the law. In the case of medical transcription, most employers want two to five years experience, as well. General or business transcription covers a variety of typing projects, including transcribing webinars and seminars, dictation, captioning and more.
Transcriptionists make anywhere from minimum wage to $15 per hour, more if you’re knowledgeable in the industry, are exceptionally fast and accurate, and/or require specialized training or certification.
To get hired in a transcription job you need:
1. Typing speed and accuracy: Many transcription jobs will ask you to take a typing test. You can test yourself using a free online typing test offered at a variety of sites. Some jobs will ask for a specific typing speed, anywhere from 40 to 80 words per minute (wpm). But speed isn’t the only skill you’re tested on. You also need to be accurate, which means you can’t make many mistakes. Fortunately, if you don’t do well on the typing test, you can practice to improve.
2. Basic understanding of spelling and grammar: You’re creating a written document out of spoken word. You need to know when to remove the ‘ums,’ add commas and punctuation, and how to spell the words being spoken.
3. Foot pedal to control audio playback: Many employers will expect you to have the tools and equipment needed to do the job, including a foot pedal that allows you to stop, start and control the speed of the audio playback while you type.
If you’re ready to find work in transcription, below are are 8 places you can check out:
American High Tech Transcription
You might also consider captioning jobs, which pays you to watch and then transcribe TV or videos.
Want more transcription or virtual support resources?
Jobs Online: How To Find and Get Hired to a Work-At-Home Job Print or ebook
Online Job Resource– ebook only
[click_to_tweet tweet=”Want to get paid to type at home? Check out these legitimate online typing jobs. #workathome #typingjobs #telecommute” quote=”Want to get paid to type at home? Check out these legitimate online typing jobs. #workathome #typingjobs #telecommute”]
Before you buy an expensive foot pedal, practice with the hot keys in the transcription software for awhile. A foot pedal is only an absolute necessity for a few obscure programs – most of them work just fine with the function keys on your standard computer keyboard 😉
Then after awhile or after a few jobs you can switch to a foot pedal if you want to use one or if a company you want to apply with requires a certain software.
Thank you for your great tips Loretta!
No problem. I’ve been transcribing for more than 12 years now and I don’t even own a foot pedal 😉