Transcribing is one of the best flexible remote jobs requiring little to no experience to start. It enables you to make money while giving you the freedom to plan your schedule. You are responsible for converting video or audio files into written documents. Even though you do not require prior experience, you must have excellent listening skills and have an exquisite command of the transcription language to grasp what you hear and turn it into a written document. Read on for steps told by CJIS transcription company a beginner needs to take to excel in this job category.
1. Research and Decide Your Preferred Type of Transcription
Do your due diligence to understand different transcription services and establish an area you are well versed with and can execute successfully. Having a particular area of specialization enables you to work effortlessly to come up with excellent documents. It also helps decide whether you want to be a freelancer or work under a company and how many hours you wish to dedicate to this type of work. You can be a legal, medical or corporate transcriber.
2. Develop Transcribing Skills
You are expected to have various skills to excel in this type of job. You must have stellar listening skills and the capability to decipher audio files with heavy accents, multiple speakers, and background noises. Another essential skill is the ability to type fast. As a beginner, you will find typing swiftly quite challenging, but you can build on the speed as you progress and adapt to the job. You must have an impeccable understanding of the language in question to transcribe accurately and even take up translation services in your area of expertise. Excellent command of a language like English enables you to develop a copy with an excellent vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling and transitioning. Good skills will enable you to take up diverse tasks such as editing tests for editors besides the regular transcribing services.
3. Training
Training is essential since it sharpens your skills and gives you insights into everything that concerns transcribing. It will help you understand how to set up your transcription and translation businesses, secure better ratings, and sustain clients. Training will enable you to understand this job in-depth that nobody will ever tell you. Specializing in a specific area, such as legal or medical, requires you to have background knowledge; thus, training will come in handy.
4. Invest In Transcribing Equipment
The pieces of equipment might vary with your type of work or the company where you work. The most basic types of equipment include high-speed internet, a good working computer, and a pair of headsets or earbuds. Your laptop or computer must have adequate storage space and the ability to run various basic programs such as Microsoft word. Install an internet browser if you are required to download some software such as google chrome. It would be best if you have invested in transcribing tools to enable you to work right away. As a beginner, you should purpose to have the basic tools and invest in others as you continue to grow in the job.
5. Apply For Beginner Friendly Transcribing Jobs
Once you have done some practice and settled on your transcribing career, aim to climb the ladder systematically. Do not rush and start taking up complicated jobs that might sabotage your progress and credibility. The pay might be lower for a beginner; however, you will be able to apply for better-paying gigs after you gain experience.
6. Learn How to Use Transcribing Style Guides
Before you apply for a job in any company, it is essential to research their style guide. A style guide means how they want you to carry out their video or audio transcription since every company has its preferred style that aligns with its brand. The guides are set to ensure the company’s standards are met and establish consistency between multiple transcribers. Visit the company’s website to access its style guide.
7. Promote Your Services in Social Media Platforms
As a new transcriptionist, set up your social media profiles to depict what you do. Post the content that aligns with your transcription services to promote your venture and engage with organisations that might need your services. You can also join the freelance community to be updated on the market dynamics.
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