What Does a Data Entry Clerk Do?
Accurate, updated data has never been more critical for companies of all sizes. A data entry clerk plays a key role in data-driven businesses, assuring that all information is entered accurately, thoroughly, and on time.
The data entry clerk role is one for motivated people with excellent computer and typing skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to manage their time well with minimal supervision.
A data entry clerk is a valuable “behind-the-scenes” member of the team, reviewing and fact-checking information, fixing errors when found, and maintaining accurate records. Now more than ever, a company’s data helps to drive the decisions it makes and illuminates its understanding of its market and customers. The role of the data entry clerk is central to that process.
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National Average Salary
Data entry clerk salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for a Data Entry Clerk is:
$35,760
Data Entry Clerk Job Descriptions
Example 1
Job duties
- Prepares source data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information
- Maintains data entry requirements by following data program techniques and procedures
- Secures information by completing database backups
- Maintains operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes
- Maintains customer confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed
Job qualifications
- 1+ year data entry experience required
- Advanced computer application skills including MS Office Suite with advanced functions in MS Excel
- Advanced mathematical skills
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
Example 2
We are looking for a Data Entry Clerk to type information into our database from paper documents. The ideal candidate will be computer savvy and a fast typist with a keen eye for detail. You will report to a data manager or another senior data team member. Understanding data confidentiality principles is compulsory. The company will rely on you for having accurate and updated data that are easily accessible through a digital database.
Responsibilities
- Transfer data from paper formats into computer files or database systems using keyboards, data recorders, or optical scanners
- Type in data provided directly by customers
- Create spreadsheets with large numbers of figures without mistakes
- Verify data by comparing it to source documents
- Update existing data
- Retrieve data from the database or electronic files as requested
- Perform regular backups to ensure data preservation
- Sort and organize paperwork after entering data to ensure it is not lost
Skills
- Proven experience as a data entry clerk
- Fast typing skills; Knowledge of touch typing system is strongly preferred
- Excellent knowledge of word processing tools and spreadsheets (MS Office Word, Excel, etc.)
- Working knowledge of office equipment and computer hardware and peripheral devices
- Basic understanding of databases
- Good command of English both oral and written and customer service skills
- Great attention to detail
- High school degree or equivalent
Example 3
We are looking for a data-driven expert who has great attention to detail and looking to thrive in a dynamic, growing environment. You will be expected to have intermediate experience in spreadsheets and proficiency in database management. Do you have rapid and error-free typing skills and impeccable organization? Then this is the Data Entry position for you.
Your responsibilities
- Submit information into spreadsheets, databases, and customer relationship management systems
- Methodically review completed work, checking for computation errors or duplicate values before submitting the final product
- Examine reports and sheets of data
- Correct, verify, and delete non-required data and combine data from several different sources
- Seek further information for documents that are considered to be incomplete
- Retain detailed accounts of tasks, files, and progress
- Explore the internet for information
Requirements
- Substantial computer skills including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, as well as databases and customer database systems
- Command of Microsoft Excel
- Computer Data Entry experience desired
- The ability to multitask and attention to detail is critical
- Consistent typing accuracy
- Sound written and verbal communication skills
How to Hire a Data Entry Clerk
When hiring a data entry clerk, first consider the following:
- Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
- Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
- Duration: Is this a one-time project or an ongoing need?
- Management: Do you have the time and expertise to direct the work effectively?
- Urgency: How soon does the work need to be completed?
- Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?
Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:
1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)
The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.
This is the best route to take when:
- You need to fill the position quickly
- You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
- Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
- You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
- You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
2. Hire an experienced freelancer
The freelance, or gig, economy continues to grow, with more talent available daily. Freelancers provide high-quality work without a long-term commitment. They can offer you a fresh perspective, more flexibility, and increase efficiency. While the freelance market isn’t ideal for every position, data entry clerks are often a great fit.
We recommend this option when:
- Your need is project-based
- The work can be performed remotely
- You do not intend to direct the daily work activity
- You are hiring for expertise your internal team does not possess
- You do not require an employee to work onsite or follow a specific schedule
We recommend using either Upwork, Fiverr, or both.
Upwork
Upwork is a freelance talent network that helps individuals connect with experts in a variety of fields to accomplish project-based needs. When you have a specific, well-defined goal in mind, this can be a great path to hiring an experienced data entry clerk. If you are satisfied with the outcome you can continue to book the same freelancer through Upwork’s easy-to-use project interface.
Fiverr
The freelance platform Fiverr can be a great place to find someone to do data entry for you. Their easy-to-use platform helps you connect with vetted experts, execute every project, and expand your team capabilities. Their freelancers cover a wide range of areas your business can take advantage of.
3. Advertise your opening on a top job board
Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.
We recommend using a job board when:
- Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
- You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
- You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
- You are prepared to respond to all applicants
There are many career sites out there. Here are the two we recommend for a data entry clerk opening:
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.
LinkedIn is a social network for job seekers, professionals, and businesses. With this popular job site, you can enhance your brand and advertise your open position to a wide audience of motivated, qualified candidates. Job postings on LinkedIn are also extremely streamlined and user-friendly, making it even easier for candidates to apply. Additionally, applicants can use their LinkedIn profile instead of a resume to expedite the process.
4. Leverage your internal resources
You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.
A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.
We recommend these options when:
- Your brand has great name recognition
- You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
- You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
- You have an effective employee referral program in place
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.
Sample Interview Questions
- Tell me about your experience with data entry.
- Are you comfortable working with computers and software?
- Do you have strong attention to detail?
- Can you work quickly and efficiently under pressure?
- What type of organizational skills do you have?
- Have you ever worked remotely before? If so, describe the experience.
- Do you have any certification in Microsoft Office or other relevant software?
- What is your typing speed?
- Are you available to work overtime as needed?
- How comfortable are you working with numbers?
- Tell me about a time when you had to enter data quickly and accurately.
- What was the most difficult data entry task you ever had to do?
- Do you have any questions for me?
