Data entry clerk

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could take a college course to develop your computer skills while looking for work. Courses include:

• Level 1 Certificate for IT Users
• Level 2 International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) Certificate in IT User Skills, previously called European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
• Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do a business administrator advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could move into data entry work if you've got office experience, for example, as an administrative assistant.

Employers will give you training on the job, covering their data entry systems.

DirectApplication

You can apply for jobs directly if you've got experience of word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Employers may also ask for GCSEs in English and maths.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• customer service skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work on your own
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• active listening skills
• maths knowledge
• concentration skills
• business management skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• excellent written communication skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Data entry clerks type information into databases and systems and create letters, reports and other documents.

Your day to day tasks will depend on the type of organisation you work for.

You may:

• transfer information on paper on to the computer
• update existing databases with new information
• take customer, client or patient details to add to a database
• create spreadsheets and run reports on data
• regularly back up data to make sure nothing is lost
• process invoices
• organise paperwork and follow data confidentiality processes

Location : You could work in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £25,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor or team leader. You could also train and mentor new employees.