Providing transcription services is a great work-at-home career. Transcription involves listening to audio files (usually MP3 or wma files) and transcribing what is said. These are typically interviews of different types or business persons dictating reports, letters or legal documents. The transcriptionist usually utilizes a foot pedal that attaches to his or her USB port on the computer. This foot pedal will play the audio when you press on the pedal and will rewind it a bit when you lift your foot off of the control. This allows the transcriptionist to control the playing of the audio and capture every word spoken.
There are all kinds of transcription jobs out there. Most of the larger transcription services utilize independent contractors to assist them in completing the work. There are many transcription companies that do work of a general or legal nature (rather than medical). You can search terms such as “transcription services” or “transcription jobs” to find these companies.
The requirements to work for these services usually involves owning a foot pedal, transcription software of some kind (you can download Express Scribe from the internet for free) and Microsoft Word. Qualified transcriptionists will have excellent grammar and punctuation skills, as well as an ear for transcribing every word that is spoken. Great care must be taken with this. It is what makes the difference in an average transcriptionist and a superb transcriptionist.
Pay rates range all over the map. Many companies pay a per audio minute rate or a per audio hour rate. These range anywhere from $45.00 per audio hour on the very low end to $100 per audio hour when you secure your own clients. Keep in mind it takes four to six hours to type an hour of audio.
The best way to get into the industry without any experience is to practice, practice, practice using any available practice files. Again, use Google to find “transcription practice files.” Then look for volunteer transcription opportunities. Once you feel you are ready you can give the volunteer organization as a reference and try applying with one of the paying transcription services companies.
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