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Experience in computer work or word processing is useful for data entry operators/transcriptionists.

Court reporters need to know relevant technical and legal words and phrases. Previous work in a legal office is useful.

Data entry operators/transcriptionists may do some or all of the following:

• copy information from one form to another – for example, from handwritten forms to computerised forms
• type verbatim (word for word) from recorded conversations or dictation
• check, edit, print and email documents
• proofread written work.

Falling demand for data entry operators/transcriptionists

Demand for data entry operators/transcriptionists is falling due to software developments reducing the need for manual data entry and transcription.

Tasks traditionally performed by data entry operators/transcriptionists are increasingly being done by people in other positions. For example, personal assistants or office administration staff often do this work themselves, meaning fewer data entry operators/transcriptionists are needed.

The number of data entry operators/transcriptionists is projected to drop to 3,000 by 2019, down from 3,450 in 2013.

Chances best for medical transcriptionists

Your chances of securing a job are best if you have specialist medical knowledge because there are still vacancies for medical transcriptionists.

The National Transcription Service employs about 130 court reporters for the Ministry of Justice. However, turnover among court reporters is low, so vacancies are rare.

Although the number of data entry operators/transcriptionists has declined, positions still regularly become available as people often don't stay in the job for long.

Jobs for data entry operators/transcriptionists are often part time or for temporary periods.

Types of employers varied

Data entry operators/transcriptionists may work for:

• banks
• government departments
• private businesses
• courts
• hospitals and private medical practices.

Data entry operators/transcriptionists may progress to become personal or executive assistants.

• Personal assistant job information

Data entry operators/transcriptionists may specialise as a:

Court Reporter

Court reporters take down verbatim (word for word) all the evidence, comments and decisions made in court hearings, during the court proceedings.

Medical Transcriptionist

Medical transcriptionists transcribe medical information, or type from dictations by health professionals, and edit and check the content to make sure it is accurate.

Data entry operators/transcriptionists need to be:

• accurate and good at listening
• reliable, efficient and focused
• able to keep information confidential
• able to work well under pressure.

Court reporters also need to be able to cope with information from trials that may be unpleasant to hear.