Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners

Introduction

A transcriptionist is a professional who listens to prerecorded audio or lives video, podcasts, and converts into the text file. Transcriptionist work is in demand in the medical field, legal field, and transcription industry. Here, let’s know about Online Transcription Jobs for Beginners.

Companies use general transcription services to bring value to their podcasts and videos. Through the transcription services, the companies gain exposure to a broader audience. The quality of work is critical. Especially in a courtroom or marketing workplace. A good transcriptionist should quickly capture and accurately translate the content to text with little or no error. Good training is essential, especially for non-native speakers. The transcriptionist must translate the original content with proper intent and exhibit the idea conveyed in the source material. A transcriptionist requires a computer, transcription software, foot pedal, headset, and text expander software.

Businesses feature the transcribed text of their videos and podcast content on their blogs and websites. The SEO optimizes this text and gets the ranking higher in search engines. The better rankings, the more exposure their content has.

Why become a Transcriptionist?

Currently, the pandemic has affected the environment of work and popularized work from home. For women and people who want to restart their careers, to earn through a side business, if you are looking for a job, which you can manage comfortably in an independent environment, love language, love writing, and have a good head for details then this job is the best option. 

• A transcriptionist earns an average of $36000, according to the Bureau of U. S statistics. 
• A transcriptionist requires specialization in certain fields, such as medical and legal sectors. Even if you start your career as an amateur transcriptionist with no experience. To further grow in the career, and if possible to go freelance, you may require a proper certification from a valid institute. You can research the courses and specializations for medical transcription and legal transcriptionists. 

• https://www.transcriptioncertificationinstitute.org/

1. An excellent transcriptionist should have a wide range of Skillset and the ability to multitask and fast learner and thinker. The most basic skill is the enhanced ability to listen. They should understand the speech at whatever speed, random environment the speaker. An efficient transcriptionist should listen carefully and type fast to convert the speech to text with the least error.
2. Ability to conduct enhanced research about a topic, knowing where to look especially in a narrow -period. The companies test the efficiency of the transcriptionist when they have to race against time to complete a deadline. The payment for the transcriptionist also depends on the quantity of the work done in a short amount of time.
3.  A good transcriptionist must have a fantastic command over their language, colloquial, formal, whether that is grammar or punctuation.
4. Working knowledge of various transcription software applications such as Microsoft Word, autocorrect functions, formatting tools, equipment such as a foot pedal will help you increase the speed and efficiency of the work.
5. A business transcriptionist should have a working knowledge of business practices.
6. Insurance transcriptionists transcribe recorded discussions regarding permits, property, life, and coverage and convert them into a composed structure. This converted document is extremely valuable for future references, especially for the insurance claim process.
7. A general transcriptionist should have an enhanced ability to find knowledge about any topic transcriptionist has to work with poorly constructed files. Translate files, which have heavy noise, multiple speakers in the audio. With patience, they have to identify the essential components and translate the audio file into speech. 
8. Proofreading skills help to detect typos, errant commas, spelling mistakes, etc. improving the accuracy of the work.
9. Regarding performance, general transcription is harder compared to legal or medical, as there is no certain format or previous structure to follow.

1. Go Transcript

Go transcript is a web-based transcription and translation company. They found the company in 2006, with its location in Edinburgh, Scotland. Go Transcript provides transcription services from $0.92/minute. They claim 99% + accuracy for their services. They complete their services for a single file within 6 hours. 

Some agencies use speech recognition software to transcribe audio or video file. This has created an issue of reliability in using software, as the accuracy of the product was not accurate. 

Go Transcript employs only experienced, talented international transcripts for their work. They also use tools and are exceptionally accurate in their delivery. Once they receive the file, they divide it into sections. They merge the transcribed sections. all sections, edit it, and time-stamp it separately. To ensure accuracy, they proofread the text two times. For every audio you transcribe, they pay you $0.60/minute.

• How do apply for the job?

• First, sign up by email for your go transcript account.
• Complete their test job, i.e. to transcribe a file they have uploaded on their website and send it for review.
• They will contact you through your registered email id. The reviewing process usually takes 60 days. 
• If you did not pass on your first try, you can always try again after 3 days. 
• They provide ratings for the editors regarding the work they have submitted. I panned mistakes. Five is the highest rating with an accuracy of 96 to 100% accuracy.
• Three is the cutoff rating with an accuracy of 88-91%.
• If a transcriptionist scores less than three, they will fire them.

2. Rev

Rev is a freelance transcription services platform; Founded in 2010 by a group of MIT classmates, they provide the world’s best automatic speech recognition AI. They are also the world’s largest speech-to-text freelance community. They combine the expertise of professional transcriptionists and AI, giving the best quality work at a good cost.

Rev Prefers freelancers who are detail-oriented and follow their styling rules and guidelines.

They have a low pay rate compared to other platforms;

For audio, they pay 30cents to$1.10/min,

For video, they pay 54 cents to$1.10/min,

For foreign language, subtitle work they pay 1.50 dollars to $3/minute.

They complete the payments every week.

• How to apply?

Log into their website and sign up, provide your details.

Complete the test audio transcript. They test your grammar, language, and style rules. If approved, you can start right away.

Select the files you are interested in working with and work as much as you want.

Get paid every Monday for all audio transcriptions completed.

3. TranscribeMe

Transcribe Me is another excellent platform for beginners. They convert a large audio file into small sections so that it is easier and more efficient to translate. They will provide audio or video clips, which are 2 or 4 minutes each. Submit the transcription; get the next file for transcription.

They provide hourly rates of $15-$22 per audio hour with an average monthly earning of $250.

• How to apply?

Log in to the website and sign up with your details.

Take an English language test.

Once the results are successful, you can start converting speech to text. They mostly have done the payments through PayPal.

4. Scribie

Scribie offers the lowest transcription rates in the industry. Similar to Gotranscript, Scribie uses manual transcriptionists to ensure the product has 99 percent accuracy. They also have an online transcription editor feature; through this, Quick and efficient verification of the text through the editor is a huge timesaver. For transcriptionists, they offer $5 to $25 audio/hour. The automated editor helps in transcription to save time. 

They follow a four-step manual transcription process, 1. Smaller sections of the files in 2 minutes.

Reviewers check the text, timestamp important parts; add speaker tracking, time codes.

They combine the text into a single file. They proofread the finished product to ensure quality and accuracy.

Checking the accuracy of the file again to maintain quality factor and accuracy of 99%. Proofreading, editing, etc.

• To join Scribie as a transcriber:

Sign up as a transcriber on their website.

Enter your details

They have test audio files, which you can transcribe and submit.

The test is about assessing your English vocabulary, audio detection, speech recognition skills, and grammar. Once the test is over, they will email you regarding the further procedures. You can take the test multiple times.

5. SyncScript

This platform is best for beginners. The starting rates are 57 cents, to 63 cents per minute for one audio file. The requirements for the transcriptionist is that they work a minimum of 4 hours per week with the team. They should have a typing speed of 70+words per minute. In addition, a 98% accuracy. 

• To join SyncScript:

Sign in with your details. The procedure to apply is usual, pass a grammar test and a seven-minute audio test.                

6. FocusForward

Focus Forward allows the transcriptionist to have flexible job hours. They transcribe video files, focus groups, TV loggings, group meetings. The payment they offer is 40 cents per minute for one audio. The payments are through PayPal on a biweekly basis. The benefits are, the longer years you work for the company, the higher the clients you get.

7. Daily Transcription

The company has open vacancies for the new transcriptionist to join their teams. The company has a higher pay of 75 cents to 856 cents per audio minute. They provide the training for the newbie, so you can learn as you go. The payment is weekly through PayPal or via check. Their work focuses more on video and television transcription, occasionally medical and legal transcription. They sent the assignments to the transcriptionist via email.

On their website, click on the position you want to apply for. 

Pass a skill assessment test and an actual transcription test. 

The expected typing test speed is 50 words per minute, the ability to make strict deadlines, and a strong mastery of English.

They have free transcription software called Express Scribe available to download free.

Careers

8. Ubiqus

The company offers legal, general, and medical transcription jobs. They have a pay structure that is different compared to other companies; payment is for per word instead of per audio per minute. The rate of pay varies depends on the content of the audio. The average rate is around $1 per audio minute. It is an average estimate of the pay; how much you make will be completely on your finished work.

9. Allegis

The company specializes in insurance legal transcription. If you are interested in legal transcription services, this company is suitable for you. The company hires experienced transcriptionists but posts openings for novices on their websites. Therefore, it would be best to keep an eye out. Rates are not available on their websites. It depends on their client contracts and the speed of your work. 

Glassdoor reports hourly pay from $2 to $36 for average pay. You can make $15-$250 per hour if you can type over 100 words/ minute. Legal transcription has certain requirements, such as margins, specific lines per page, characters. There is no flexibility in work hours or payments.

10. Audio Transcription Center

Audio transcription center has a higher pay rate compared to all other transcription companies. They offer $1 per audio minute. The transcription test that candidates have to submit is harder than other tests. You require a decent amount of experience with focus groups involving multiple speakers. Audio transcription center services focus on oral history interviews and focus groups. To apply online, you require a resume with a cover letter, a screenshot of the typing test; In the test, type over 75 words per minute with 99% accuracy.

11. GMR Transcripts

The company works with universities, medical institutions, and government institutions. The transcriptionist can expect mostly academic, medical, and legal jobs on the platform. The company pays $1000-$3000 per month for the transcriptions. The payment depends on skill, the level of the task completed, and the highest turnover time. The more difficult the assignment, the higher the pay.

Submit the transcription test with your resume and cover letter. You can work from anywhere. Along with other equipment, a foot pedal is mandatory. 

12. TranscriptionServices.com

The company prefers candidates with previous experience in the industry. The transcription test is hard for beginners. The transcriptionist who joins the company has complete flexibility with their work and timings. There are no product commitments. On the website, they have not mentioned the current pay rate. Previously, they paid $25 to $50 per hour word. For every submission, they donate a hearing aid to developing countries.

13. Upwork

Upwork is a freelance platform, a working marketplace where you can sell your work for a price. In Upwork, transcriptionists can set up a profile listing their work experience and skills and offer your services to people who need them. Here, you can create work and sell projects related to video subtitling and captioning, audio and video transcription, podcasts, etc. For the clients, the benefits are there are a wide range of prices and experts whom you can choose from the lot. Even beginners with few years of experience can set up their profile and offer their services. For beginners, it would be better if you start small. The service charge should start at a cheap price. With proper networking and work experience and developing your skills further, you can gain an audience and a reputation on the platform. The frequent service charges range from $5 to $500 for entry-level to expert-level transcriptionists. You can further research about Upwork here:

https://www.upwork.com/freelance-jobs/transcription/

14. Speak Write Transcription services

Speak Write transcription services are one of the oldest companies working in the diction and transcription industry. They specialize in legal transcription, law enforcement transcription, protective services, and business transcription. It is entirely a human-powered company. They distribute the flow of work among several expert-level typists and the turnover rate of 3hours.

• They have a current opening for legal transcriptionists and general transcriptionists. You can work from home with the required equipment, with full control of your schedule. They have a few openings every year. They are looking for an expert-level transcriptionist. They did not mention the payment details on the website. However, the average earnings per month are $450, with the highest pay of $3400.

The candidate should have a typing speed of over 70 words per minute with 90% accuracy. You can apply for the free typing test available on the website.

The candidate must be a legal resident of the U. S or Canada. Proficiency in Microsoft Word; advanced formatting, typing, excellent listening skills. The ability to work in an independent environment is the skill, which they are looking for in a transcriptionist.

• For legal transcriptionists, work experience of more than 1one year in a law firm is essential. Specific experience such as good working knowledge of legal pleadings, court headings, proper format of legal citation. General applicants should have work experience in an office environment in Microsoft Word, data entry, general office, and accounting experience.

15. Transcription Hub

Transcription hub specializes in providing services transcription, medical, subtitle, and captioning services, translation services, research, and academic transcription. Their multilevel transcription quality control process ensures 99% accuracy. They claim to have the fastest turnaround time, one of the best in the industry. 

• You can register free on their website: https://www.transcriptionhub.com/transcriber-registration

Transcribe an audio file. The evaluation is rated in three categories: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. The work hours are flexible. The pay rates are $0.71/minute audio. You can earn an average of $15-$20 an hour.

• Be conscious to be cautious before applying for jobs online

Transcription-based jobs have a low entry barrier. It is easy for people who want to break into the field, but there are maybe rogue companies or fraudulent companies, which may take advantage of you. This can be a frustrating experience for the applicant, especially for the hours you put into your work.

These are some of the warning signs to consider if you are a beginner transcriptionist.

Lack of confidentiality in their terms of service or lack of security

The work you do as a transcriptionist should be confidential. When you are transcribing details of a patient’s records, the company policies should stress and mention their compliance with HIPAA rules. The Health Insurance Probability and Accountability Act has established national standards for the protection of health information.

If the transcription service you are working for does not stress the HIPAA rules confidentiality agreement on their website or in the contract, then you should not engage with the company. Leaking the patient’s information in violation of the confidentiality agreement can affect your career as a transcriptionist. 

Poor performance and critical reviews

When you apply, verify the authenticity of the site; Check the accuracy of the services they provide. If the accuracy is 98% or more, then it is authentic. In addition, the period, which they claim, for the completion should not be less than 7 hours. Check the authenticity by submitting arduous works for them to transcribe. Standard transcription websites provide free trials for their new customers. Check if they provide a free trial 

You can also verify the authenticity of the website, through customer reviews, employee reviews.

Conclusion

Working as a transcriptionist in the 21^st century is convenient. To establish yourself as a beginner, transcriptionists chose a specified field, i.e. medical, legal or general. Familiarize yourself with the work, do research, get certified, get a license. Start with general transcription. Build your portfolio, build your resume, and be up to date with the relevant equipment, software, and resources. Establish an online presence through networking and work your way up.

The most crucial factor is to work for a reputable company. Ensure they paid you for your work. Most companies pay via PayPal or direct deposit. There is no substitute for hard work. A minimum you the company should pay you every two weeks or twice monthly. Overall, being a transcriptionist is rewarding. You can work from your own space. After working for two years or more, and gaining experience, you can work as a freelancer. There are many platforms available where you can make use of your skills as a transcriptionist.