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Data entry clerk
Hours
35-40 per week
Starting salary
£12,000 + per year
As a data entry clerk you would update, maintain and retrieve information held on computer systems. You would also transfer information that is on paper to computer files. So if you enjoy working with computers and can type quickly this job could be ideal for you.
To be a data entry clerk, you will need to have good maths and English skills. You’ll be able to work quickly and accurately, and pay attention to detail. You’ll also have excellent customer service skills.
You do not always need qualifications to work as a data entry clerk, although employers may prefer you to have GCSEs or equivalent in English and maths.
You will also probably need a basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
WorkDesc
The work
Data entry work could be in all kinds of areas including:
- entering personal details of customers opening new bank accounts
- entering information for classified advertisements in a newspaper
- transferring paper-based market research results
- updating patients' medical records
- processing sales invoices
- tracking students' test results in a school or college.
In most jobs, you would enter both text and figures into spreadsheets or databases. You may use ready made software packages, or software systems that have been specially designed to meet your organisation's particular needs.
Data entry work is often combined with customer service assistant and contact centre operator roles.
HoursDesc
Hours
Full-time jobs are normally 35 to 40 hours a week. Part-time work and temporary jobs are often available.
You would be based at a computer workstation, often in a busy, open-plan office or contact centre.
IncomeDesc
Income
Starting salaries can be between £12,000 and £15,000 a year.
Experienced data entry clerks can earn up to £25,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
You do not always need qualifications to work as a data entry clerk, although employers may prefer you to have GCSEs (grades A-C) or equivalent in English and maths.
You will need a basic knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and databases. At interviews, you would often be tested on your skills and speed in entering data. Employers normally provide training on their data entry systems when you start work.
You could develop your computer skills before you look for work by completing qualifications such as:
- OCR Certificate and Diploma for IT Users (New CLAiT)
- BCS European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).
See the OCR and British Computer Society (BCS) websites for more details about these qualifications. Check with local colleges and training providers to find out which courses are available in your area.
You may be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. You will need to check which schemes are available in your area. For more information, visit the Apprenticeships website.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
Once you start work, you would usually receive training for new staff (induction training). This would include your employer's office procedures, data entry systems and confidentiality rules. During the first few weeks of a job, a staff mentor or training officer would usually supervise you.
You could take a range of work-based qualifications including NVQ levels 1 and 2 in Contact Centre Operations.
Your employer would choose the qualification best suited to your particular job role.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To become a data entry clerk, you will need to have:
- good computer skills
- the ability to work in a busy environment
- good maths and English skills
- excellent customer service skills
- an understanding of data confidentiality issues
- the ability to work quickly and accurately, and pay attention to detail
- an awareness of health and safety issues.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
OCR 
Tel: 024 7685 1509
www.ocr.org.uk
e-skills UK
1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR
0207 963 8920
www.e-skills.com
British Computer Society
Block D
North Star House
North Star Avenue
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN2 1FA
www.bcs.org.uk
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
Many companies rely on computerised information, so you could find work in a wide range of industries.
With experience, you may be able to progress to supervisor or team leader roles. There may also be opportunities to train and mentor new employees.
Vacancies are advertised in Jobcentre Plus offices, recruitment agencies, the local press and on company websites.
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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Related industry information
Industry summary
The IT industry includes people in IT companies, such as those offering IT services, technology‐orientated consulting, technology development, systems analysis, programming, systems testing and technology sales. It also includes IT professionals working in other sectors, such as people whose primary job role is IT orientated, which includes IT departments and IT support staff in companies. The IT industry together with Telecoms is represented by e‐skills UK Sector Skills Council.
A sector trend is the convergence of telecommunications, computing and networking and the move from hardware intensive to software intensive platforms. Embedded voice communications capability is already part of the internet, which also has to manage voice, data and video and location information.
The social, economic and market forces shaping UK IT skills are evolving as technology continues to progress from the back office to the board room. This is changing the market for IT skills, creating demand for both technology‐oriented business people and business‐oriented technologists – and blurring the lines between traditional business and IT disciplines.
Key facts:
- There is a total IT and Telecoms workforce of 1.5 million of which:
- 890,000 people are in IT and Telecoms products and services
- 600,000 IT and Telecoms professionals are working in organisations outside of the IT and Telecoms industries
- There are around 105,000 businesses in the UK offering IT and Telecoms products and services.
- IT‐intensive sectors represent 55% of the UK's total Gross Value Added.
- Less than 1% of those employed in IT and Telecoms occupations are under 18.
- 22% of companies who are trying to recruit IT and Telecoms professionals report difficulties in attracting applicants with the right skills.
- 58% of the workforce has a degree or higher education qualification.
- The IT industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 2.5% per year for the next ten years.
- There are 100,930 IT manufacturing and services establishments in the UK employing 600,000 people.
- The IT workforce accounts for 4% of the UK workforce.
Jobs in the IT industry include: Business analyst; Games developer; CAD/CAM Programmer/Trainer; IT trainer; Service technician; Software engineer/architect; Technology consultant; Web designer; Systems architect; Technical author.
National and regional data
Across the UK, there is an estimated IT and Telecoms workforce of 1.5 million who are predominately located in London and the South East. The IT workforce can be classified in IT manufacturing and IT services. The largest number of companies is located in:
- IT manufacturing
- South East
- London
- East of England
- IT services
- South East
- London
- East of England
Key regional facts:
- 39% of IT and Telecoms professionals are located in London and the South East
- the East of England has the third highest number of IT and Telecoms employees
- Northern Ireland, Wales and the North East combined comprise just 6% of the IT and Telecoms professionals
- 44% of all types of IT and Telecoms companies are located in London and the South East
- the highest median gross weekly earnings for IT and Telecoms staff are in London, the South East and the East of England, which are all above the UK median
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (April‐June), 2009.]
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