A data entry and information processing job is one of the entry level positions. A school graduate who fulfills the requirement of a company for keyboarding speed is generally preferred. There are many people who took the data entry and information processing job as their first job after graduating from high school. Quite frequently many people are stepping up to higher paying jobs with added responsibilities through this job. Transfer to various administrative jobs like statistical clerk, administrative assistant, secretary, or promotion to a supervisory position in data entry and information processing job is quite common in this field.
After completing or near completion of graduate studies from a business school, you would like to prepare for an entry level job. There are schools that help you to decide the exact position within your field. There are certain organizations also that provide assistance in your search for a position in the workforce.
A large quantity of data and information is needed to be processed by organizations. Smooth and efficient handling of this information and data is done by this entry level work force. Operation of various office machines, text feeding, entry of data in the computer and various other clerical works are performed by these workers, and keep the organization up to date with information. There are numerous job titles assigned to the workers involved in data entry and information processing jobs, like a work processor, data entry workers, typist, transcribers, keypunch technicians, and electronic data processors.
The qualification requirements for this job include keyboarding speed besides skill in spelling, punctuation and grammar which is considered important and familiarity with office procedures and equipments. It is also expected from a candidate to have training and experience in word processing and data entry tasks. Certain skills, like your knowledge of computer and languages are considered important by employers.
Other skills required are the knowledge and ability to learn and apply under supervision and/or guidance. Learning is not normally aimed towards a specific occupation. The qualifications for entry level are designed in such a way that a candidate can be recognized for their achievements. Through further study, the basic level qualifications can be further enriched. These qualifications are designed to keep in view different types of learners like those who are underachievers or have difficulties in learning, candidates on taster courses, and the adult returnees.
In May 2004, word processors and typists earned a median annual earning of $28,030. The earning of the lowest 10 percent was less than $18,960, and highest 10 percent earned over $43,190, whereas the middle 50 per cent had median annual earnings between $22,850 and $34,900.
Data entry workers had median annual earnings of $23,250 in May 2004, of which the lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,480 and the highest 10 percent earned over $34,410, whereas the middle 50 percent had earnings ranging between $19,630 and $28,150.
During the year 2004, there were about 525,000 workers in data entry and information processing jobs who were spread to every sector of the economy. There were 330,000 data entry workers and 194,000 word processors. 20 percent of data entry and information processing workers were employed in companies offering administrative and support services.
In the year 2004, the companies which employed the largest numbers of entry level workers as data entry workers include Insurance carriers, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services, depository credit inter-mediation, employment services, data processing, hosting, and related services.
As predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for data entry and information processing jobs till 2014 are showing a declining trend. But numerous job openings are likely to be created due to replacement needs on account of transfer to other occupations, leaving this occupation, or for many other reasons. Persons having the best technical skills, especially in appropriate computer software application, are likely to see the most favorable entry level job prospects. In order to remain marketable, workers in this field must be willing to keep him updated with upgraded skills.