3 answers
Joana
Student
Santa Ana, California
13
Questions
Asked
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How can I get a job as a data entry clerk?
I don't know what classes to take to work on my skills to get a job as a data entry clerk or administrative assistant. Any suggesstions? #web-development #in-business #web-development
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Joana,
There is a big difference between the two! Data entry personnel have limited human interaction, whereas an Administrative Assistant many times is the one responsible for making sure the office runs smoothly!
If you want to do "data entry," you might look at medical coding and billing. It pays better than an entry-level data entry position. But, let's talk about data entry for a minute- which is more important, speed or accuracy? Actually, one is no good without the other. I know there are typing tests on-line, and believe I've seen 10-key practice exercises on line. I would start there. You should strive for at least 45 wpm on typing, and preferably at least 60. Do you want a job that is pretty routine, or do you want some variety in your day?
Here is a class on medical coding: https://www.ed2go.com/courses/health-and-fitness/medical/ilc/explore-a-career-in-medical-coding
An Administrative Assistant's responsibilities vary with the position. Some of the common things would be ordering supplies and scheduling repair services (copier, etc). Sometimes supervising other office personnel, making sure if someone is off that their workload gets covered. Creating presentations - powerpoint, charts, graphs, etc. Maintaining the office calendar (outlook, etc), and the databases. Taking notes during meetings. Creating and updating forms. Being super-organized on the computer so as to be able to find anything and everything on short notice. Dealing with competing demands, staying calm and poised under pressure.
As you can see, top notch computer skills are essential. There are all sorts of on-line classes. Some of these are pretty expensive, but, just reading the descriptions will give you some more ideas of what the job entails.
https://www.ed2go.com/courses/business/administrative/ilc/administrative-assistant-applications
https://www.ed2go.com/courses/business/administrative/bundle/administrative-assistant-suite
Basically, you can start with a data entry job and work up to admin asst. Become as proficient as you can on the computer!
There is a big difference between the two! Data entry personnel have limited human interaction, whereas an Administrative Assistant many times is the one responsible for making sure the office runs smoothly!
If you want to do "data entry," you might look at medical coding and billing. It pays better than an entry-level data entry position. But, let's talk about data entry for a minute- which is more important, speed or accuracy? Actually, one is no good without the other. I know there are typing tests on-line, and believe I've seen 10-key practice exercises on line. I would start there. You should strive for at least 45 wpm on typing, and preferably at least 60. Do you want a job that is pretty routine, or do you want some variety in your day?
Here is a class on medical coding: https://www.ed2go.com/courses/health-and-fitness/medical/ilc/explore-a-career-in-medical-coding
An Administrative Assistant's responsibilities vary with the position. Some of the common things would be ordering supplies and scheduling repair services (copier, etc). Sometimes supervising other office personnel, making sure if someone is off that their workload gets covered. Creating presentations - powerpoint, charts, graphs, etc. Maintaining the office calendar (outlook, etc), and the databases. Taking notes during meetings. Creating and updating forms. Being super-organized on the computer so as to be able to find anything and everything on short notice. Dealing with competing demands, staying calm and poised under pressure.
As you can see, top notch computer skills are essential. There are all sorts of on-line classes. Some of these are pretty expensive, but, just reading the descriptions will give you some more ideas of what the job entails.
https://www.ed2go.com/courses/business/administrative/ilc/administrative-assistant-applications
https://www.ed2go.com/courses/business/administrative/bundle/administrative-assistant-suite
Basically, you can start with a data entry job and work up to admin asst. Become as proficient as you can on the computer!
Terry Diggs
Retired
42
Answers
Columbia
Updated
Terry’s Answer
Hi Joana
I would not focus much on data entry when looking for a job. Most companies don't describe that type of work as data entry. I would focus on getting more involved with software platforms such as Office 365 or Google Docs (there are many). Using these tools would put you in a position to do more assistant type work. Data entry does exists, but a lot of companies have software that feeds into a data base where assistants input data.
I hope this is not confusing.
I would not focus much on data entry when looking for a job. Most companies don't describe that type of work as data entry. I would focus on getting more involved with software platforms such as Office 365 or Google Docs (there are many). Using these tools would put you in a position to do more assistant type work. Data entry does exists, but a lot of companies have software that feeds into a data base where assistants input data.
I hope this is not confusing.
Sanober Charania
Registered Nurse (RN)
73
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sanober’s Answer
Hi Joana,
I would apply to many different entry-level positions near you or that are remote for the time being on a website such as Indeed. While applying for these jobs, you can simultaneously take courses that would aid in your resume. I did a quick google search and found a course on data entry for beginners: https://www.udemy.com/course/data-entry-course-for-beginners-become-virtual-assistant/?ranMID=39197&ranEAID=vedj0cWlu2Y&ranSiteID=vedj0cWlu2Y-xeQYmvRFO3Q_i9fASM7NdA&utm_source=aff-campaign&LSNPUBID=vedj0cWlu2Y&utm_medium=udemyads
Additionally, there are many free courses on coursera.org that would give you a chance to grow your knowledge in the business field. Put yourself out there and see what happens!
Hope this helps :)
Sanober
I would apply to many different entry-level positions near you or that are remote for the time being on a website such as Indeed. While applying for these jobs, you can simultaneously take courses that would aid in your resume. I did a quick google search and found a course on data entry for beginners: https://www.udemy.com/course/data-entry-course-for-beginners-become-virtual-assistant/?ranMID=39197&ranEAID=vedj0cWlu2Y&ranSiteID=vedj0cWlu2Y-xeQYmvRFO3Q_i9fASM7NdA&utm_source=aff-campaign&LSNPUBID=vedj0cWlu2Y&utm_medium=udemyads
Additionally, there are many free courses on coursera.org that would give you a chance to grow your knowledge in the business field. Put yourself out there and see what happens!
Hope this helps :)
Sanober