Pioneer Transcription

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Job Overview

• Transcription opportunities are available only to U.S.-based contractors; applicants outside the U.S., including California, are not eligible due to AB-5 law restrictions.
• They currently seek transcriptionists skilled in working with video files and on-screen timestamps.

Application Process

1. Submit an online application form (found at the bottom of the page); include references and ensure attention to detail—this is the first impression they assess.
2. If your application is promising, you’ll be invited to take a short transcription test.
3. Upon passing, you’ll be added to the subcontractor list, allowing you to log into their system and claim available jobs at your convenience.

Candidate Preferences & Requirements

• Applicants are expected to be independent subcontractors committed to maintaining a high standard of excellence.
• Possession of a foot pedal is preferred, as they generally only test candidates who already have one and are ready to start. They recommend the FTW Transcriber, though any transcription software is acceptable, and provide a link to a compatible Infinity Foot Pedal.

Style & Formatting Guidelines

Candidates must follow specific formatting rules, including:

• Use [inaudible] or [unintelligible] with timestamps when speech is unclear.
• Spell names phonetically with [phonetic] if unsure of correct spelling.
• Default formatting: 1″ margins, Times New Roman, 12 pt.
• Spell preferences:
  • Use “all right” (not “alright”), “yeah” (not “yea”), “okay” (not “ok”).
  • Write “going to” and “because” instead of “gonna” and “‘cause”.
  • Use “e-mail” rather than “email”.
• Numeric rules:
  • Spell out numbers one through nine.
  • Use numerals for numbers 10 and above.
• Date formatting example: “March 6” (not “March 6th” or “sixth”).
• For affirmative/negative responses: use hm-hmm, uh-uh, followed by [affirmative] or [negative].
• Capitalize Bay Area, and use correct spelling—e.g., workers’ compensation, not “worker’s compensation”.
• When unsure of names or places, research via Google; if still uncertain, note it in an email along with the completed job.
• Pay meticulous attention to proofreading—while Pioneer has quality control, ensuring a polished final transcript is the typist’s responsibility.
• Punctuation matters:
  • Use an ellipsis (…) for trailing off (“if…”).
  • Use an em dash (—) without spaces for abrupt interruptions (“to the—No”).
  • For repeated words, separate with commas (“We, we, we went…”).

Summary Table