What makes a good transcriber?

This is a question we are frequently asked by would-be transcribers, keen to reap the many benefits of working from home.

We receive hundreds of applications from both experienced and aspiring transcribers in the course of our work but only a few of these go on to become a part of our regular transcription team.

What is it that makes the successful few stand out from the crowd?

Well, there is a basic list of ‘must have’s which includes everything you might expect:

• Excellent English skills, including good grasp of punctuation, grammar, and spelling
• Fast, accurate typing – minimum speed ideally 70 wpm-plus
• Good hearing and listening skills
• The ability to carry out online research to a high standard
• A quiet, dedicated work environment and suitable equipment (PC/laptop, transcription software, a foot pedal and high-quality headset)

In addition to the above, industry-specific knowledge always helps – for example, experience in a particular area of medicine, property expertise or experience working in the legal field.

But as well as all of this, there is one important quality which we look for and which is impossible to teach: someone who takes pride in their work, for whom ‘accuracy is a passion’ (one applicant put this in her CV when she applied to work with us seven years ago – she still works with us today); someone who has the determination and dedication to go the extra mile to make sure her or his completed transcript is as good as it can possibly be.

If you think you have this quality as well the skills listed above, we would love to hear from you….