How To Hire A Transcriptionist
Complete with job descriptions, skill profiles, and interview templates. Use this Transcriptionist hiring guide to help you make the right decisions, fast.
Transcriptionist Recruitment Guide
What does a Transcriptionist do?
A Transcriptionist is a person who listens to audio or video recordings, or attends live meetings and types a written document of the conversation. The recordings vary in their nature–it can be interviews, meetings, phone calls, conference calls, and the likes.
Day to day tasks of a Transcriptionist
- Regularly update the client about progress and status.
- Listen to recordings and type in word per word.
- Attend live meetings or hearings and type communication with a high level of accuracy.
- Research on some technical terminologies to better understand the context of the recording.
- Complete transcriptions promptly and review for any grammar or spelling errors, as well as for clarity in thought.
- Constantly check in with the client about any specific requests or instructions.
Transcriptionist definition
A Transcriptionist’s primary responsibility is to listen to recordings (audio or video) and type it word for word. Because of this, they require fast typing skills and an excellent hearing capability.
HIRING PROCESS
Transcriptionist Hiring Process
Build the ideal candidate profile
Skills needed for a Transcriptionist
A Transcriptionist must have fast typing skills as they would be working on a lot of typing materials. They must also have excellent hearing ability as the job would heavily rely on listening to audio or video recordings.
- Grammar
- Transcribing
- Listening
Pro Tip
For entry-level roles, you may receive more applications compared to more senior positions. You can provide details about some of the company’s perks and benefits, and what will the position contribute to the company’s success so that applicants can determine if they are a good fit.
WRITE A JOB DESCRIPTION BASED ON SKILLS
How to write a Transcriptionist 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 Transcriptionist 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 Transcriptionist must have excellent typing speed and listening skills, but it would be nice to have knowledge on transcription softwares.
SELECTING THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Sample skill tests for a Transcriptionist
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Question 1
Transcribing
Question Type: Text
Please listen to the recording and transcribe.
(This is an excerpt from Jamie Oliver’s tips for cooking pasta)
Question 2
Listening
Question Type: Multiple Choice
Please listen to the recording and choose all correct statements
Question 3
Grammar
Question Type: Text
Is it more important for you to get the work finished on time or make sure it’s of a high standard? Why?
INTERVIEW TOP PERFORMERS
How to interview a Transcriptionist
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 Transcriptionist?
The US average for a Transcriptionist is $42,500 according to Payscale.com, while Glassdoor.com reports it at $65,568. The lowest salary reported is at $30,000, while the highest is at $158,000. Some employers or companies can offer additional pay through commissions or incentives.
Transcriptionist Salary United States
Transcriptionist salaries in the United States range from $30,000 – $158,000. The average falls between $42,000 – $65,000. Salaries can still vary depending on the education, years of experience in the field, additional skills, and the location.
Source: Glassdoor.com; Payscale.com
Transcriptionist Salary United Kingdom
Transcriptionist salaries in the United Kingdom range from £18,000 – £27,000 (GBP). The average falls between £20,000 – £22,000 (GBP). Salaries can still vary depending on the education, years of experience in the field, additional skills, and the location.
Source: Glassdoor.com; Payscale.com
Transcriptionist Salary Australia
Transcriptionist salaries in Australia range from $45,000 – $58,000 (AUD). The average falls between $48,000 – $55,000 (AUD). Salaries can still vary depending on the education, years of experience in the field, additional skills, and the location.
Source: Glassdoor.com; Payscale.com
