How to get a Transcription Job
We often hear from new typists that are trying to find a job as a transcriptionist is that it is very hard to get hired without experience. However, you cannot get experience until you get hired!
Why don’t transcription companies give new people a chance?
Often services will not hire inexperienced transcriptionists because it takes so long for people to learn the ropes and come up to speed. A common misconception is that transcription is just typing. This is not the case. Transcription requires, for example, listening to hours of focus group discussions, that are poorly recorded, identifying who is speaking, inserting time codes, and googling the spelling of uncommon terms and acronyms. Projects take patience, extreme attention to detail, as well as plain old typing speed. It takes a real investment of time. Be prepared!
It takes time to get used to transcription equipment such as foot pedals and software – and build up both physical and mental stamina to type recordings for 8 hours a day. The trick is to build this stamina slowly, and gain experience and skills before applying.
Our 4 Steps to Finding Transcription Jobs.
Time needed: 2 minutes.
How do you find a transcription job when you are just starting out? How do you build experience? Well, here is a four-step approach to landing your first jobs.
- Complete a Transcription Training Course.
Although you probably don’t want to hear this … but… doing a course should be looked at as a first step. A medical transcription course will provide the basics all transcriptionists need to know.
- Get Transcription Experience.
One of the biggest hurdles with anything is to make a start. Once you complete a course the next step will be to get as many hours of transcribing under your belt as possible. This should be seen as your apprenticeship. What I suggest is starting off bidding for and working small contracts. Although often paying below minimum sites like freelancer, or Fiverr provide great insight and varied opportunities to flex your typing muscles.
- Build a Work History.
Build your client base and reputation. Get references from clients. Start with simple dictation, move to interviews then to groups. Start going for larger and different jobs.
- Become the low risk/high performing Transcriptionist.
Finally, start approaching companies and sell yourself as a “low risk asset”. Nothing is more attractive to a transcription service than a person looking for work who is already doing the same job successfully somewhere else. Prove that you can do the job and are successfully doing the job in your cover letter to an employee. Give examples, refer to clients.
Conclusion
Someone who can show that they have built their own business and client lists shows that they can not only type – but they understand the business and what it takes to succeed. Well rounded transcriptionists are a great asset to a service – don’t forget to include transcription jobs with us in your job hunt. Good luck!