There are a number of transcription jobs for beginners. Perhaps that’s why work from home transcription is one of the most popular home-based jobs around.
And since so many people use transcriptionists for everything from police interviews to academic research, this industry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon!
If you always thought you’d make a great transcriptionist, you’ve landed on the right page. Here, you’ll find a roundup of all the Work from Home Happiness transcription articles conveniently located in one spot.
This gives you a chance to read up on everything (and I do mean everything) you wanted to know about entry level, freelance, and beginner’s transcription jobs!
What is a Transcriptionist?
Simply put, a transcriptionist is a person who listens to audio and types what is being said into a document, referred to as a transcript. Transcriptionists can work for themselves, contract with large companies, or complete one-off assignments on a freelance basis. Sometimes transcriptionists are trained in a specific niche, like medical, or build their skills through practical experience.
Would I Make a Good Transcriptionist?
It depends. Many people tend to over simplify transcription when really it requires quite a bit of skill to get the job done well. Not only can transcriptionists type quickly and accurately, they are able to proofread their transcripts to the point where the final product is almost always error-free. This requires a solid understanding of English including grammar, spelling, and syntax.
Think You’ve Got What it Takes?
First things first, check out this complete beginner’s guide. It’s an in-depth look at what transcription is, what equipment you’ll need, and what it takes to be successful. This is a good starting point, especially if you’re not exactly sure what you’ll be getting into as a home-based typist.
I’m Ready to Apply
When you’re just starting out, it can be difficult to find work when a lot of companies require previous transcription experience. But how do you gain any experience if no one hires beginners? Thankfully, there are quite a few companies that give newcomers a chance.
Keep in mind, you’ll probably have to pass an unpaid test before being offered a contract. But don’t worry. If you take your time, double check your work, and as a final touch run your completed transcript through Grammarly, you should be just fine!
Ready to apply? I’ve written a number of posts about transcription opportunities for beginners. These are great articles to read when you’re ready to try your hand at transcription:
- 3 Very Different Transcription Jobs for Beginners
- 19 Transcription Jobs Online for Beginners
- 7 Real Transcription Jobs You Can Apply for Right Now
Transcription Training
If you like the idea of becoming a home-based transcriptionist but don’t want to contract with a company, consider starting your own freelance transcription business. Transcribe Anywhere has a lot of helpful information for aspiring transcriptionists. It’s definitely the place to start when you want to get a general transcription business off the ground.
In addition to tons of informative blog articles, there’s a comprehensive e-course that was developed especially for beginners who want to build a general transcription business from scratch — no experience required.
Before jumping in, check out their free 7-lesson mini course. In it, you’ll learn whether or not you’d make a good transcriptionist, what the job really entails, and how you much you could expect to earn. Hint: Transcription won’t make you rich beyond your wildest dreams but you can make good money and live comfortably!
I’d Like More Information
Still unsure whether working from home as a transcriptionist is right for you?
That’s okay! It’s definitely not a decision you want to enter into lightly. One of the best ways to learn a lot about working from home as a new transcriptionist is to go straight to the source: current transcriptionists.
The WAHM Transcription Forum is really active and filled with a ton of helpful advice for newbies. It’s a good idea to read some of the posts geared at beginners to get an honest, unfiltered idea of what it’s really like to work from home as a transcriptionist.
Have Any Questions?
I’ve had the opportunity to work from home as a transcriptionist — so I know a thing or two. While not an expert, I certainly can point you in the right direction if you have a question. Feel free to get in contact with me at ashlee(at)workfromhomehappiness(dot) com and I’ll do my best to help. And if I don’t know the answer, I’ll find someone who does!
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