How to Become a Data Entry Operator

About Data Entry Operator

With every office and organization seeking to become computerized, the demand for data entry operators is on a rise. Data entry operators are responsible for entering the required data to the computer. They usually work in an indoor, office setting using a computer and other electronic machines. To be in in the profession of data entry, one has to have computer literacy, high typing speed, organisation skills, concentration skills, communication skills and an ability to sit for long periods of time entering and computing data.

The job of a data entry operator is to work for a wide variety of public and private organisations. A data entry operator is responsible to input data in a quick and efficient manner, create data storage and should possess knowledge about the methods for recovering useful data when needed, organising and analysing data in a clear and effective way, navigating computer and database systems proficiently, editing and preparing reports based on the information they have put into the system. They also help the organisations to keep up with recording and analysing the abundance of information received on a daily basis.

Eligibility to become Data Entry Operator

To become a data entry operator, one should at least be a matriculate and a senior secondary pass out. However, to get into reputed private and public organizations, one should have higher education and excellent keyboarding skills. Additionally, if you have completed any computer course and have work experience, then it will be considered as an additional qualification for applying for a job in this field. Some of the organizations also specify age limitation for the job aspirants. The minimum academic qualification required to be a data entry operator is mentioned below:

Subject Combination – Any stream in class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board/university.

Exam – SSC data entry operator exam, Delhi DSSSB data entry operator exam, Haryana HSSC data entry operator exam.

Eligibility and Skills -

• Candidates who have completed their graduation in any discipline are eligible to apply for the vacancy of a data entry operator. However, some of the good organizations like, commercial banks and IT companies require candidates having at least 60% marks in their graduation.
• Candidates can also pursue post graduate diploma in computer applications after graduation and pursue their career as data entry operator. For this, candidates must have completed their graduation with at least 60% marks and appear for an entrance exam to get admission into one year PG diploma course.
• Candidates should be well versed with MS Office (Word, Excel and Powerpoint) and should have good communication and presentation skills to pursue a long-term career in this field.
• The most important skill needed for a data entry operator is the typing speed. Candidates should have a good typing speed as most companies specify a target for the data entry operator.
• Some of the organisations also have an age limit criteria for data entry operator jobs.

Types of Job Roles Data Entry Operator

Computer education and skills can help a data entry operator get access to various jobs. In the field of data entry, one could also be self-employed by starting your own computer center where you may carry out typing and data entry work. Also, one may find work at offices that require computer operators. Some of the data entry job profiles that one can target are listed below:

Accounts Clerk: The accounts clerk performs a variety of general accounting support tasks in an accounting department. He/she is responsible for generating business transaction records, such as invoices and purchase orders, update bank and credit accounting databases and compile data and prepare a variety of reports.

Bank Officer: He/she is responsible for overseeing many aspects of a retail banking environment. A bank officer performs regular audits with other officers, assist the bank manager with customer-calling initiatives, and assist with training duties.

Human Resources Officer: Human resources officer recruits, trains and develop staff and monitor staff performance and attendance. He/she supports the development and implementation of HR initiatives and systems and provide overall strategic HR leadership to the company.

Office Administrator: An office administrator supervises and supports clerical staff, coordinate office and/or departmental operations, provide administrative support for operations team, perform accounting tasks, including invoicing and budget tracking and carries out various functions within an office environment to make sure that all the administrative duties required by a company are carried out smoothly.

Project Support Officer: The job of a project support officer is to support the project manager and project team. He/she ensures that the agreed project management methods, standards and processes are maintained throughout the project lifecycle and also coordinates the production of all reports and produce project summary reports.

Word Processing Operator: The job of a word processing operator is to provide a clerical, typing and word processing service to a department by being familiar with the department's clerical procedures.

Administrative Assistant: An administrative assistant coordinates space and office organization, maintains paper and electronic files, schedule travel, appointments and meetings and greets and directs visitors and new staff to the organisation.

Secretary: He/she performs basic clerical, organizational and office responsibilities for a company, or department and compile data for expense and statistical reports.

Employment Opportunities for Data Entry Operator

The are many employment opportunities for a data entry operator in different sectors. Some of the top sectors that require a data entry operator are listed below:

• Banks and Public Sector
• Marketing Companies
• Accounting Companies
• Human Resources
• Corporate Businesses
• MNCs
• Study Centers
• Schools and Universities
• Hospitals or Healthcare Service Providers
• Insurance Firms
• Small-scale Businesses

Top Recruiting Companies/Agencies for Data Entry Operator

Some of the top leading recruiting companies/agencies where a data entry operator can find employment opportunities are mentioned below:

• Comptroller & Auditor General of India
• Central Vigilance Commission
• Central Bureau of Investigation and other Central Government Departments
• Ministry of Agriculture

Pay Scale/Salary of Data Entry Operator

The salary of a data entry operator depends on your qualification, your typing speed and the type of data entry work. Some of the relative salary figures for different job profiles of a data entry operator are mentioned in the below table:

Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual and company to company.

Books & Study Material to Become Data Entry Operator

To be a data entry operator, one does not require much intelligence, but one requires a lot of hard work and practical hands-on experience. Hence, there are no specific books or study material that can prepare you for this career.

You should have an intensive knowledge of MS Office, basic computer operations, and knowledge of clerical and administrative techniques. Along with this, as a data entry operator, you will be expected to have fast typing speed, accuracy, and efficiency to perform tasks.

Pros of becoming a Data Entry Operator

• Data entry jobs give you the flexibility to work according to your own schedules.
• Data entry jobs are typically paid per entry which means that if you have a fast typing speed, then, you may have a high earning potential.
• As a data entry operator, you improve your computer skills, numerical and literacy skills. These skills can help you expand into a new career path in the future. 

Cons of becoming a Data Entry Operator

• As a data entry operator, one is required to sit for long hours doing repetitive work. So, the job is monotonous and laborious.
• Although data entry jobs are simple, however, it does not offer you a good pay package.