How to Get Started in Providing Transcription Services

Some Tips When Testing With an Established Service

Transcription is a great work-at-home job. Transcription entails listening to audio files (usually MP3 or wma files) and typing what is said. These are usually interviews of different types or business persons dictating reports, letters or legal documents. The transcriptionist typically uses a foot pedal that attaches to his or her USB port on the computer. This foot pedal will play the audio when you step on the pedal and will rewind it a bit when you lift your foot off of the pedal. This allows the transcriptionist to control the playing of the audio and capture every word spoken.

There are all kinds of transcription jobs out there. Most of the larger transcription services hire independent contractors to assist them in completing the work. There are many transcription companies that do work of a general or legal nature (rather than medical). You can Google terms such as “transcription services” or “transcription jobs” to find these companies.

The requirements to work for these companies usually involves owning a foot pedal, transcription software of some type (you can download Express Scribe from the internet for free) and Microsoft Word. Qualified transcriptionists will possess excellent grammar and punctuation skills, as well as an ear for typing every word that is spoken. Great care must be taken in this. It is what makes the difference in a mediocre transcriptionist and an excellent transcriptionist.

Pay rates range all over the map. Most companies pay a per audio minute rate or a per audio hour rate. These range anywhere from $40.00 per audio hour on the very low end to $100 per audio hour when you have your own clients. Keep in mind it takes four to six hours to transcribe an hour of audio.

The best way to get into the industry without any experience is to practice, practice, practice using available practice files. Again, use Google to find “transcription practice files.” Then look for volunteer opportunities. Once you feel you’re ready you can give the volunteer organization as a reference and try testing with one of the paying transcription services.

Once you are ready to test, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Tips When Applying to a Transcription Service

Transcription companies get several applicants per day. It is difficult to get an opportunity to test with these companies. If you do get an opportunity to test, these tips will help you to put your best foot forward when taking the test.

1. Be sure you possess all necessary skills to do the job for which you are applying. You are wasting your time as well as the company’s if you do not even have proper grammar and punctuation skills.

2. Read all directions you are given completely and thoroughly. It’s a strong indication how well you are going to follow directions when working for a company, and trust me, transcription services are watching for this. When a sample is given, look at it very carefully for style preferences.

3. Complete the test in a timely manner! Do not give the transcription company an opportunity to forget who you are! I always tell individuals to complete the test when it is convenient for them. I do not mean several weeks to a month later! Attempt to complete it within two days.

4. When there is an online form, complete it fully and carefully. Do not use all capitals or no capitals. Use proper punctuation. Most times this form is all the company has to use to decide which applicants they will test and which they will not test. Read the questions carefully. Our transcription service has a form that asks the simple question “Do you enjoy reading?” We then have a follow-up question of “What do you read for fun?” We often receive applications with the second question answered with the answer yes, thinking the question was asking “Do you read for fun?” Or alternatively what they do for fun. We usually just delete those applications.

5. Make sure you possess the proper equipment to complete the job. How serious can an applicant possibly be about doing transcription work if you do not have their own foot pedal? I usually do not test people who do not already own a foot pedal and the proper software.

6. When you have completed the test, proofread it to audio – and then again! Make sure it is perfect and you will have transcription services seeking you out! An excellent transcriptionist is worth his or her weight in gold.

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