Being a successful transcriber is not as easy as one might think. Mastery of the skill and commitment to the job is a requirement.

However, it is one of the most rewarding freelancing jobs out there. Your hard work will soon pay off, but you have to know what it takes to be one.

Here are eight signs that you’re cut out for it:

1. As a transcriptionist, you have to have excellent English grammar and punctuation skills. You need to spot commonly misused words and nuances.

If you’re a bit rusty in this aspect, there are transcription training programs that have an extensive grammar and punctuation section that are vital to the quality of the transcription.

2. Transcription work can cover a lot of topics that are unfamiliar to you, so you have to do lots of research as well on terminologies, names, places.

Accuracy of the information you’re transcribing is very important.

3. Great attention to detail is one of the most essential characteristics of a great transcriptionist.

Transcription work doesn’t end with just transcribing. You also need to proofread your work.

4. Another essential skill of a great transcriptionist is typing speed. One who aspires to be one must be able to type 60+ words per minute.

Over time, that can still improve with practice. Your speed will determine how much you can earn.

So test your speed if you want to be sure if you’re qualified by visiting TypingTest.com. If you’re below the minimum speed requirement, this is also a very good avenue to get better.

5. It is really of great importance in this kind of work to always meet your deadline.

Otherwise, you will surely lose your clients and not survive in this industry for long.

6. You have to enjoy your own company doing transcription work at the comforts of your home.

You would make a great transcriptionist doing a job that you love, not having to deal with co-workers.

Working alone by yourself, therefore, would be an enjoyable way to make a living.

7. For you, just like in any other field of work, your job is a fulfilling one if your clients are satisfied whenever you present a transcript on time and done perfectly well.

Happy clients are repeat clients, and they will bring in referrals.

8. If you don’t have patience and cannot stand being in front of the computer for a very long period of time, it would be tough for you to work as a transcriptionist and eventually quit. 

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