How Do I Become a Transcriptionist with No Experience? (5 Simple Steps)

Transcription is one of the best ways to make money online while working from home. The job entails converting audio or video recordings into written text. Some of the jobs you can expect include interviews, podcasts, or medical reports.

To become a transcriptionist you need to understand the style guide of the company you are working for and also have a fast typing speed. In addition, you need to have excellent listening skills, and editing skills to proofread and remove errors. If you have a good typing speed or are interested in learning the skill then you are in the right place.

This article shares the step-by-step guide on how to become a transcriptionist with no experience. We also share the benefits of becoming a transcriptionist and some of the skills you need to get started.

Why Should You Become A Transcriptionist?

Transcription is one of the best work-from-home jobs for beginners. Here are three reasons you should consider to become a transcriptionist.

1. Flexible work hours

As a freelance transcriptionist, you have a flexible schedule that allows you to set your working hours. You can also work remotely from whenever you want from anywhere in the world and have a better work-life balance than a regular job.

2. High earning potential

Transcription is a good way to earn extra income on the side if you have a day job or a full-time income if you put in the hours. Furthermore, it has low startup costs because you can learn the skill for free and only have to buy a headset and a laptop.

3. Allows you to improve your skills and enjoy your work

Transcription is a high-income skill that helps you improve your typing speed, and research skills, and understand terminologies in different fields depending on the type of transcription you are doing. For example, medical or legal transcription. You get to work with various files like podcasts and interviews, which makes it interesting.

What You Need To Become a Transcriptionist?

As a transcriber, you double up as a researcher and editor so you need several skills to improve your work performance. Here are some soft and hard skills you need to be a successful transcriptionist.

Fast typing skills: Successful transcriptionists have fast typing skills of about 60-80 minutes per word. Improve your speed and accuracy to submit work on time. You can test how fast you type on this website for free.

Knowledge of transcription tools and equipment: you need to know how to use transcription software such as Express Scribe. You also need to be proficient in Microsoft Word because you’ll use it to type and edit the transcripts. You also need to know how to use a foot pedal and get noise-cancellation headphones for accuracy.

Excellent research skills: as you transcribe audio and video files, you may encounter difficult words. So, you need to research online to confirm the right spellings to ensure accurate transcripts for your clients.

Excellent editing skills: You need to be able to cross-check the transcripts for any grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. It also helps to understand the terminology of the niche you choose. For example, if you decide to be a medical transcriber you need to understand some terminologies to improve your accuracy.

Attentive listening: you need to have good listening skills so that you can understand what the speakers are saying to capture the exact words in the dialogue. You should accurately identify the different speakers in the dialogue understand the accents and transcribe accurately.

Attention to detail: you need to be extra careful because any words you miss may reduce your scores or client satisfaction. Ensure to focus on small details like the tenses, and capitalization to avoid human errors in the final work.

How to Become a Transcriptionist Step By Step

Here are the simple steps to help you become a transcriptionist.

1. Get the required training

The best step to becoming a transcriptionist is to get the required training to understand the different transcription styles such as verbatim and clean verbatim. The training will help you understand the basics of transcription so that you can meet the client’s requirements.

There are several free and paid transcription courses. This article shares the 4 best free transcription courses for beginners. Once you complete the basic training, you also need to learn the transcription guidelines for the specific website you’ll be working for.

2. Get the necessary tools

Quality tools and equipment make a world of difference in transcription. One of the most important tools for transcribers is a high-quality headset with noise cancelation because you will be using it every day. You also need a reliable desktop computer and transcription software to help work seamlessly.

3. Improve your typing skills

Just like any other freelancing skill, transcription improves with practice. Furthermore, speed and accuracy are one of the requirements for becoming a transcriptionist. Practice transcribing sample audio files every day to improve your speed and efficiency so that you can complete tasks on time once you start working for clients.

4. Build your portfolio

Having a professional portfolio will come in handy to get high-paying jobs. Compile the test files into a portfolio to showcase your skills to potential clients. You can apply to entry-level transcription jobs or work for free for your friends or family so that you get samples, reviews, and testimonials. Remember to include the relevant certificates from the training you did in step one.

5. Find transcription jobs

Now that you have acquired the relevant skills and have a strong portfolio it is time to find a job. There are several ways to find transcription jobs. Combine these different ways to maximize your chances of getting high-paying transcription jobs. Ensure to build an online presence to build your brand and improve your visibility to clients. Let’s look at some of them:

Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Guru, and People per Hour allow you to create a professional profile as a transcriber and apply for work posted by clients worldwide.

Job boards like Indeed, and Flex Jobs. Here you will find jobs from different niches posted by different clients. Use the keyword “transcriptionist” or “remote transcription jobs” to filter the search results.

Transcription companies like GoTranscript, Rev, and TranscribeMe which provide transcription services need transcribers to assist work on their client’s projects. You need to follow the job application process before you start working.

Network with other freelance transcriptionists: Join online forums and freelance communities and network with other transcribers who can outsource or share transcription jobs.

Direct outreach to clients: research companies or individuals who may need transcriptionists and showcase your skills. The best way to get direct clients is on social media. Target podcasters or Youtubers because most of them wish to convert the videos into written words for their blogs.

FAQs

• How much do online transcribers make?

The average hourly rate for online transcriptionists is about $15-20 per hour. However, specialized transcribers may make more money than general transcribers.

• Are transcribers in demand?

Transcription is one of the high-demand works from jobs that is suitable for beginners. The types of transcription that are in high demand include legal and medical transcription.

• How do I become a transcriptionist with no experience?

To become a transcriptionist with no experience you need to get the required skills and knowledge on transcription style, improve your typing skills, build your portfolio, and apply for jobs.

• What do I need to start online transcription?

To start online transcription you need to have fast typing skills, excellent listening skills, attention to detail, computer proficiency, and editing skills.

To get started as a general online transcriptionist, it’s important to have the following skills:

Final Thoughts

Transcription is one of the best works from jobs for beginners. All you need is a computer, headphones, and transcription software. You also need excellent research, proofreading, and listening skills.

Once you get the right skills and tools you can find jobs on freelance platforms, job boards, and transcription companies or do direct outreach to clients.

Remember that it takes time to grow a skill. So practice every day and learn all you can to become one of the top freelance transcriptionists.

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