Got trouble organizing your vast customer database? (Or other databases besides.) As a busy business owner, you might struggle to handle data management tasks effectively.
After all, you need to focus on core business functions to drive growth to your company. However, you can’t totally ignore your data management needs, and hiring in-house staff might be costly.
Guess what? You can outsource a data entry clerk to take care of it.
A data entry clerk is responsible for accurately inputting, updating, and maintaining data in computer systems and databases.
Fortunately, there are plenty of talented Filipino data entry clerks you can hire. However, out of all the applicants available, how do you choose the right one?
Here are 4 essential skills you should look for and how to assess them in interviews.
Computer Proficiency
Data entry clerks mainly use computer software to input, update, and manage company information.
So look for someone who is highly skilled with programs like Microsoft Excel or database management systems because they can work faster and complete tasks more efficiently.
To test their computer proficiency, you can give them a practical test during the interview.
For example, provide the candidate with a sample dataset in Microsoft Excel and ask them to perform specific tasks, such as:
- sorting the data alphabetically based on a certain column.
- using VLOOKUP or pivot tables to extract specific information or analyze data trends.
- calculating the sum, average, or other relevant statistics for a particular set of data.
- creating a chart or graph based on the data provided.
- applying conditional formatting to highlight certain data points based on specified criteria.
- filtering the data to display only specific rows that meet certain conditions.
You can also do a similar test with specific software your company uses.
This exercise helps you see how they handle data and skilfully manage information.
Typing Skills
The faster and more accurately a data entry clerk can type, the more efficiently they can enter information into databases, especially if they’ll be handling large volumes of data.
In general, you should look for one with a typing speed of around 60 to 80 words per minute (WPM).
You can assess applicants’ typing speed with TypingTest.com, which displays results including words per minute (WPM) and accuracy percentage.
This method quickly and accurately assesses if the candidate meets the typing skill requirements for the data entry clerk position.
Attention to Detail
Data entry clerks handle large volumes of information. One small error can compromise the integrity of the entire database.
That’s why you need someone who pays close attention to detail to make sure the information is accurate and trustworthy.
To check this skill, give the candidate a sample dataset or document that requires careful attention.
It could be a spreadsheet or a report. Ask them to look through it carefully and to take note of any mistakes or differences they see.
Discuss their findings to determine if they possess the necessary attention to detail for the job.
Problem-solving Skills
Data entry clerks often encounter errors or discrepancies in the data they handle.
Good problem-solving skills help data entry clerks identify and fix errors on their own, ensuring their accuracy and reliability.
You can test an applicant’s problem-solving skills through the following scenario:
“Imagine you are tasked with entering data from a set of handwritten forms into a digital database. However, some of the forms are incomplete, and others contain illegible handwriting. How would you approach this situation?”
This way, you can evaluate their ability to systematically address challenges encountered in data entry tasks.
By looking for the skills above, it’ll be easier to hire a skilled data entry clerk for your business.
Don’t know where to start? Click here to schedule a callback with Remote Staff and we’ll help you find the right one straightaway.
Leandro is a content creator and digital nomad who started his career as a remote working content writer. He is an advocate of location independent sources of income. And he believes that everyone has the ability to be one as well.
