IT-ITeS

This question should give you insight into how freelancers view their role. Data entry specialists should be able to transcribe large amounts of information accurately and quickly. Good time-management and interpersonal skills are also valuable.

Data is only useful if it’s accurate. Good candidates should be able to describe strategies they use to ensure that they’re accurately transcribing information. Good answers might include reading the data multiple times before entering, or manually comparing their entries against the originals before submitting. Some database management systems, including Excel and SQL, also have tools for data validation that experienced freelancers will be familiar with.

After accuracy, speed is the most important quality of a good data entry specialist. Traditionally, words per minute (WPM) has been the standard metric for measuring typing speeds. A good rule of thumb is to look for a typing speed somewhere in the neighborhood of 55-80 words per minute (WPM). Touch typing, the ability to type without looking at the keyboard, is important not only because it allows workers to type more quickly, it also allows them to catch (and fix) errors much more reliably.

The right data entry specialist should be comfortable with the tools you use to manage your company’s information. Experience using common word processing and spreadsheet programs, like Microsoft Office or Google Docs, is a good sign.

Depending on your business needs, a data entry specialist may be expected to work with sensitive or even protected information. If your industry is subject to privacy regulations, ask how the specialist can ensure compliance with them.