Data entry roles require high levels of accuracy and a great eye for detail. Inputting data in various formats means the candidate must have excellent PC skills and must be able to work on their own initiative, often in a pressurised, time restricted environment.

Job description

As a Data Entry Assistant, your role is to ensure that data is entered accurately and efficiently into relevant spreadsheets or databases. It's an important job as businesses rely heavily upon their records being correct and up to date.

Most businesses require data entry staff (also known as database administrators) so you could effectively transfer your skills and experience from one industry to another. The data that needs inputting does vary though and in some industries you could be required to input names and addresses of new or existing customers and in others it could be entirely numerical, for example you could be working for a financial services company and your role would be to populate a database with details of investment performance for their range of products.

Quite often the job is purely data entry though in some cases you may perform other tasks within the organisation you work for such as general customer service duties or providing reports to other members of staff. Your daily duties could include:

• Inputting data into company spreadsheets or databases
• Liaising with other departments to ensure deadlines are met
• The preparation of reports for senior members of staff
• Ensuring all data is saved in the correct manner
• Interpreting data and ensuring it is added to the correct database
• Checking the validity of existing data and erasing historical records

You'll almost certainly be working the standard office hours though as with any job, this can fluctuate in busy periods. Sometimes, for pure data entry roles, candidates are offered the chance to work from home as many company databases and spreadsheets can be accessed securely over the internet.

Specific business qualifications are not usually required though many employers will require a decent set of GCSEs (including Maths and English) as a minimum entry requirement. Most employers are looking for accuracy, diligence and proficiency in the basic IT packages so a qualification such as the European Computer Driving Licence will stand out on your CV.

A summary of the skills you need to display on your CV include:

• Accuracy
• Attention to detail
• A good head for numbers
• Excellent grammar
• The ability to work on your own
• Good typing skills

As we mentioned earlier, some data entry jobs require some level of customer contact so a good telephone manner and outgoing personality is often required.

Salary Information

The salary you could expect to achieve depends a lot on various different factors, including your level of experience and where and who you are working for. As a pure entry level role, expect around the £10-12k mark annually. Add a bit of experience and some extra responsibilities such as customer contact, then you could expect between £14-16k per year.