How To Hire A Data Entry Clerk
Complete with job descriptions, skill profiles, and interview templates. Use this Data Entry Clerk hiring guide to help you make the right decisions, fast.
Data Entry Clerk Recruitment Guide
What does a Data Entry Clerk do?
A Data Entry Clerk is responsible for entering data from different sources, usually in paper formats, to an electronic format, in a computer system, for processing and management. They can do this manually by typing the information, or by scanning the documents.
Day to day tasks of a Data Entry Clerk
- Create spreadsheets to build a database of information.
- Manually type information from a hard copy document to the system or the database.
- Update information in the system or the database.
- Organise the information in the system.
- Verify outdated information and ensure to change the data into the updated one.
- Ensure consistent backing up of data for security purposes.
- Organise and maintain the hard copies of the documents.
- Type information quickly but efficiently.
Data Entry Clerk definition
A Data Entry Clerk’s primary responsibility is to provide administrative support, specifically entering data from a hard copy source to the digital system or database. Because of this, a Data Entry Clerk should have excellent typing skills–they can type fast and accurately.
HIRING PROCESS
Data Entry Clerk Hiring Process
Build the Ideal Candidate Profile
Write A Job Description Based On Skills
Selecting The Ideal Candidate
Interview Top Performers
Making An Offer
Build the ideal candidate profile
Skills needed for a Data Entry Clerk
A Data Entry Clerk should have excellent typing skills. They should be able to type as many words per minute and do it accurately. They should also be very keen on details as they will be working on a lot of data.
- Typing
- Following Directions
- Attention to Detail
Pro Tip
For entry-level roles, you may receive a good number of applications compared to more senior roles. Ensure that you highlight the skills needed for the role and clearly emphasize the expectations needed from them.
WRITE A JOB DESCRIPTION BASED ON SKILLS
How to write a Data Entry Clerk job description
Once you’ve determined the skills required for the role, you can write the job description to advertise for your position. Here’s what to include in your Data Entry Clerk job description:
Job Title: What position are you hiring for?
Summary: What makes your company unique? What would it be like to work for you?
Responsibilities: An overview of the role’s day-to-day activities, and how the position contributes to the organization
Requirements: Skills a candidate must have to perform the job successfully
Benefits: Details of compensation, benefits, and any perks on offer
Pro Tip
In building your candidate profile, remember you’ve already identified what skills are needed to succeed in the role. Here’s where to list your “must-have” skills and maybe a couple of “nice-to-have” skills. For example, a Data Entry Clerk must have fast typing skills, but it is also nice to be proficient in Excel.
SELECTING THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Sample skill tests for a Data Entry Clerk
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Question 1
Typing
Question Type: Document
Please retype the poem that is on the word doc below, ensuring the correct grammar, spelling, punctuation etc.
Question 2
Following Directions
Question Type: Text
A prime number is a number that is divisible only by itself and 1 and that is not a product of two smaller natural numbers.
Give a list of prime numbers under 50 without the digit “3”.
Question 3
Attention to Detail
Question Type: Text
How would you rate your ability to follow directions/instructions both verbally and written?
Provide an example of when you have implemented this skill.
INTERVIEW TOP PERFORMERS
How to interview a Data Entry Clerk
Once your Vervoe skills assessment has surfaced the most qualified people for your open role, you can focus on interviewing these candidates. The interview should focus on any skills that require development that were highlighted from the skills assessment.
Now you know that candidates can do the job, the interview becomes more of a relationship building exercise where you can get to know the candidate on a more personal level, understand their motivations, and how they would fit in with the team.
Making An Offer
How much does it cost to hire a Data Entry Clerk?
The US average for a Data Entry Clerk is $35,321 according to Payscale.com. Glassdoor.com meanwhile reports it at $32,407. The highest salary reported for a Data Entry Clerk is at $125,000, but it depends on the skill, experience, and location. The lowest salary recorded is at $25,000.
Data Entry Clerk Salary United States
Data Entry Clerks’ average salaries in the United States range from $32,000 – 35,000 (USD). The salaries vary depending on the years of experience in the profession, additional skills, and the location.
Source: Payscale.com, Glassdoor.com
Data Entry Clerk Salary United Kingdom
Data Entry Clerks’ average salaries in the United Kingdom range from £18,000 – £24,000 (GBP). These figures depend on the years of experience in the field, additional skills, and the location.
Source: Glassdoor.com, Payscale.com
Data Entry Clerk Salary Australia
Data Entry Clerks’ average salaries in Australia range from $48,000 – $58,000 (AUD). The salaries usually depend on the year of experience in the profession, additional skills, and the location.
Source: Talent.com, Payscale.com