How to Get Hired in Data Entry
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How to Get Hired in Data Entry
Want a remote data entry job? Here’s how to turn your typing speed into a paycheck — and stay hirable in an AI-powered world.
Got typing skills faster than your group chat replies? Or a built-in radar for spotting typos? A remote data entry job might be your golden ticket to working from home.
Sure, data entry careers don’t sound thrilling. But they’re actually one of the most flexible gigs in the remote world — and you can land one with zero experience (if you know what you’re doing 😉).
This guide explains everything you need: must-have skills and certifications, resume tips, how to compete with AI, and more.
But before we cover how to get hired in data entry, let’s explore what the job actually is.
🤔 What Is Data Entry?
Data entry is all about inputting, updating, and verifying information in computer systems, databases, or spreadsheets.
It’s the unsung hero of smooth business operations, especially for remote teams that depend on organized data.
You’ll see data entry clerk jobs in nearly every industry: healthcare, law, finance, ecommerce — you name it. If there’s data, someone has to wrangle it. And that someone could be you.
🧑💻 What Does a Data Entry Clerk Do?
- Typing up scanned documents
- Transcribing audio files
- Entering text or numbers into databases or software
- Transferring data between PDFs, forms, spreadsheets, databases, etc.
- Updating sales logs, contact lists, or customer records
- Inputting survey responses
- Catching and correcting errors
- Keeping records organized, current, and easy to find
It’s not just mindless typing. Think of yourself as a digital librarian — streamlining info, ensuring accuracy, and keeping everything running behind the scenes.
💻 Is Data Entry a Good Career Choice?
Online data entry jobs are perfect if you’re detail-obsessed, want to create your own flexible schedule, and actually prioritize work-life balance.
Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, digital nomad, side hustler, or career changer, they can be a solid stepping stone to other remote roles.
Your goal to get a data entry job today could be the first move in building a long-term remote career in project management, customer support, or administrative work.
So, what data entry skills do you need to impress hiring teams?
💪 Skills Needed for Data Entry: Build Your Remote-Ready Stack
Data entry job requirements and qualifications vary by industry, but most companies look for a core set of skills. These include:
⚡ Blazing Typing Skills & Accuracy
Your fingers need to fly! The average typing speed for data entry pros is around 70 words per minute (WPM).
Though many employers set a baseline between 50–60 WPM, they secretly hope for closer to 100.
🏁 Speed isn’t everything. Data accuracy skills matter just as much. Even simple typos can cause major headaches for companies.
🔢 Bonus points: Show employers you’ve mastered 10 key skills (aka using the numeric keypad efficiently).
⌨️ Practice with an online typing test. Sites like TypingTest.com or Ratatype check your speed and precision and even provide a certificate.
📊 Database and Spreadsheet Skills
You don’t need to code, but you gotta know your way around the digital tools of the trade. We’re talking software like:
- Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, etc.). Get comfy with formulas, sorting, and basic pivot tables. These skills instantly level up your resume.
- Database Tools. A little knowledge goes a long way. Familiarity with Microsoft Access or even SQL can be a plus for some roles.
- CRMs & ERPs. A basic understanding of CRMs (customer relationship management), ERPs (enterprise resource planning software), or industry-specific platforms listed in the job description will give you an edge.
Best part? You can upskill or reskill fast with free or low-cost online courses and become the perfect catch.
✨ Soft Skills That Slay
Computer skills get you in the door. Emotional intelligence and soft skills prove you’re reliable, trustworthy, and remote-ready — the kind of person a team wants to work with.
These are the top soft skills needed for remote data entry work:
- Attention to Detail. This is where perfectionists shine. Spotting errors is your hidden superpower.
- Organization. Juggling tasks and keeping files neat is essential.
- Communication Skills. Clear written (and sometimes verbal) communication is vital, especially for teams following async workflows.
- Time Management. You’ll need to stay on track, hit deadlines, and work independently, even more so if you’re working across time zones.
- Data Confidentiality. You’ll often handle sensitive info in healthcare, finance, and customer record keeping. Knowing how to keep it safe is non-negotiable.
If you’ve got these down, you’re halfway there. Now let’s talk certifications that back up your skills on paper.
🎓 Do You Need Any Certifications for Data Entry?
Like many entry-level remote roles, you don’t need a fancy degree or years of experience to land a data entry job. But a few well-chosen certifications can definitely boost your credibility:
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). Proves you’ve got more than basic Excel skills.
- CompTIA A+. Shows you’re tech-savvy and won’t get lost in the hardware, software, or network jargon.
- Typing certifications. Plenty of free online tools let you verify your speed and accuracy.
These are some of the best data entry certifications to make your resume stand out and show hiring teams you’re serious.
🙌 How To Get a Data Entry Job (With Little To No Experience)
Landing work-from-home data entry jobs without experience is 100% doable if you follow these tips:
🎯 Set Searches for these Keywords
JobCopilot is one of the best remote job search hacks out there. It auto-applies to roles while you’re working, sleeping, or just living.
Just upload your resume, set your preferences, and plug in these keywords:
- Data entry specialist
- Data entry clerk
- Data entry operator
- Entry-level data entry
- Online data entry
🔎 Join We Work Remotely!
The best remote data entry jobs are right here on We Work Remotely. 🥳
We’ve been the #1 remote job board for over a decade, connecting the top remote companies with superior remote talent.
Use our Advanced Job Search Tool to filter data entry positions by time zone, salary, skills, and more.
🛑 Stop the endless scroll! Create your free Job Seeker account, or learn the benefits of upgrading to Pro to accelerate your search and avoid remote job scams.
📄 Craft a Skills-First Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are your highlight reel, so make them count!
✅ Keywords matter. ATS software scans your resume and cover letter for the right terms. To beat the ATS, you can pull key phrases and data entry resume keywords straight from the job description (like this).
✅ Specify your skills. Create a skills section on your resume to show off your typing speed and accuracy, soft skills, and other data entry skills we highlighted earlier. Don’t forget to optimize your resume for remote work, too!
✅ Tailor everything. Generic apps get ignored. Customize your data entry cover letter and resume for each role. Learn how here.
🏆 Ace the Interview & Assessment Stage
You got the interview — congratulations!
✅ Follow these remote job interview tips and practice answering common data entry interview questions like:
- How fast and accurately do you type?
- Describe your experience with Excel or databases.
- How do you stay focused during repetitive tasks?
- Describe a time you spotted and fixed a data error.
- What software tools are you most comfortable using?
- How do you handle tight deadlines?
✅ Pass your data entry assessment test. Many companies give standardized data entry typing tests to clock your speed/accuracy. Practice with free typing tests or Excel drills ahead of time so you’re ready under pressure.
😎 Fake It Till You Make It!
Worried about how to get a data entry job with no experience? It’s easier than you think.
You don’t need a past title to prove your skills — show you can do the work:
- Highlight transferable skills from school, past jobs, or volunteer work (think: organization, attention to detail, computer know-how).
- Take on practice projects. Help a local nonprofit, build sample spreadsheets, or take an online course (some even offer certs).
- Build your remote work portfolio. Even simple or sample projects prove you have the goods.
Data entry careers are evolving, not disappearing. Keep building and honing your skills, and you’ll be in demand — no matter how the job market or technology shifts.
🤖 Is AI Coming for Data Entry Jobs?
Yes, artificial intelligence is automating some basic, repetitive data entry tasks. But it’s not wiping out all data entry operator jobs.
Human judgment still reigns supreme. Companies still rely on people for:
- Verification and Quality Control
- Handling complex or non-standard data
- Problem-solving
- Process improvements
The future of data entry is about adapting. So if you’re open to learning, AI can actually make your job easier.
💡 Deep Dive: How To Prepare for the Future of Work.
🚀 Let’s Get Your Remote Data Entry Job!
Remote data entry isn’t all keystrokes and spreadsheets — it's your gateway to the work-from-anywhere life you deserve.
Whether you’re a new grad or career-switcher, you now know how to start data entry work, build the right skill stack, and stand out in a tech-shifting world.
💫 When you’re ready to apply, WWR’s got your back. With thousands of new listings, your perfect WFH gig is just a click away. Browse remote data entry jobs here!
🙈 Not sure how to start? Check out our ultimate guide on How To Get a Remote Job next!
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