If you are looking for a flexible and interesting job, transcribing might be a good fit.
Transcriptionists receive audio files from clients and are tasked with typing the audio they hear. Typical clients are from academia, medical settings, or law offices. Transcribing can be a great way to earn money from home and on a flexible schedule.
If you want to be an effective (and cost-effective!) transcriptionist, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Be a Good Typist!
Strong typing skills are crucial for successful transcribing. Transcriptionists are usually paid by the audio hour, not the workload hour. So if it takes you a very long time to transcribe one hour of an audio file, you will make less money than someone who can do it faster.
2. Hone your Hearing
As a transcriptionist, you do not usually have the opportunity to ask for clarification from your clients. If you have difficulty hearing, your ability to transcribe will be very limited. Sometimes this is unavoidable, such as when the client gives you an audio file of poor quality.
It might be helpful to have a good pair of headphones to help filter out any background noise in your setting.
2. Equip Yourself
Fortunately, there are now many software programs that can help improve your transcribing ability. These can be of tremendous help once you learn how to use them.
Some transcriptionists also like to have a special transcribing pedal that helps control the speed of the audio. Others utilize keyboard shortcuts for the same purpose.
3. Keep Comfortable
Sitting at a computer for hours can be exhausting. It is especially difficult if you are transcribing a file that you find very dull or tedious. Make sure that you are sitting in a comfortable position with good posture. Take frequent breaks to refresh your mind, rehydrate, and grab a snack. If you start to wear out, you will be more likely to make mistakes.
5. Be Resourceful
Unless you work for the same client over and over again, you will likely be exposed to a lot of unfamiliar language and jargon. Medical and legal files can be particularly challenging if you don’t have a background in those fields. When in doubt, use a search engine.
7. Set Expectations
There should be clear expectations set by both the client and the transcriptionist.
You should make sure the client knows what your hourly audio rate is ahead of time. And you should know what the client is expecting to receive from you.
Do they want the final product to have timestamps?
Do they need it delivered ASAP?
Some clients want you to use a particular style guide, such as APA or MLA, while others just want consistency and accuracy.
Transcribing efficiently requires a lot of focus and preparation. If you have a good work setting, steady clients, and strong typing skills, transcribing is a wonderful professional opportunity.
