Working from home is gaining popularity every day. And who wouldn’t want a flexible job where you set your working hours? Transcribing is one such career. This job allows you to make money in the comfort of your home.

Even better, it requires little to no prior proficiency and you don’t have to be on the phone all day. You control how much you make offering translation services. However, with transcriptionists flooding the market every day, you need some tips to kickstart your career and become successful.

The Role of a Transcriptionist

The work of a transcriptionist involves converting audio and video files to written documents. To offer transcription services, you need perfect listening skills and an outstanding command of English to turn what you hear into written words.

Transcriptionists work in different settings including doctor’s offices and courtrooms. There is a lot of flexibility to work in any setting provided you are offering translation services. You can produce written records of interviews, lectures, programs, conversations, or more. Such records help in so many ways including providing accessibility for the deaf.

Transcribing jobs don’t involve strict set hours. If you don’t want to be on the payroll, you can get gigs on a contract where you are paid by the amount of work you transcribe. Freelance transcriptionists choose when to work. You can work part-time or full-time depending on your needs and schedule. This can be an excellent option for stay-at-home parents as they get to earn income and juggle childcare duties.

How to Start a Career in Transcribing

As mentioned, this career requires little to no experience. Anyone can start a career in transcribing. If you are thinking of joining the transcribing industry, here’s how to get started:

1. Decide what to venture in

Do you want general transcription jobs where you offer translation in any industry? Or would you rather venture to specific industries and become a legal or medical transcriptionist?

Consider the hours you wish to dedicate to the work, any prior experience in the industry and whether you want to freelance or be hired by companies before making a decision.

2. Practice typing

Transcribing involves a lot of typing so perfecting your typing skills would make your work easier. You can either practice on your own or pursue advanced training. The faster you translate, the more you earn. As you practice, check for certification programs as they come in handy when you are applying for work.

3. Create a resume

Once you complete your training or earn a certificate, update your resume to suit the jobs you are applying for. Even if you don’t pursue formal training, revamp your resume to fit transcribing roles and include transferable skills like fast typist.

4. Apply for jobs

Since you are just starting out, it’s safer to get work via a transcription outsourcing company like Norwegian transcription job, instead of establishing yourself as a freelancer. This helps you build your portfolio which may come in handy in the future when you choose to be a freelancer.

5. Deliver pure gold

Once you land your first gig, deliver your best. Take your time to do the work perfectly and stand out. Remember, your primary focus as a beginner is to stand out in all your gigs so aim at being the best. This will not only create direct clients for you but also create referrals and that’s how you start your journey of becoming a freelancer.

6. Upgrade your skills

Don’t be stagnant. Just because you are working doesn’t mean you stop learning and upgrading your skills. Take more typing tests to become faster and welcome any new skill that will help grow your career in transcribing. That’s how you keep at per and attract more and bigger projects which means more money for you working in your pajamas.

Bottom line

A transcribing career is perfect for those stay-at-home parents or anyone who has been instructed to reduce their mobility for medical reasons. You can specialize in audio transcription or video transcription provided you have perfected your skills. Anyone can get started. You just need to have the zeal and with the above steps, you sure will thrive.