So, How to start a freelance transcription job as an inexperienced beginner? I received some emails regarding transcription jobs for newbies. And, I know that a lot of people may not be as fast typists compared to those who’d been working for years in the office. As well as those who didn’t have the chance to take transcription courses.
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March 2020 updated
I feel you guys, I am one of those people who seem to just go typing anyway, anyhow. So let me tell you how you can start transcribing when you literally have no experience transcribing.
Once you get used to this kind of work, getting the hang of it. Experienced are now gained. And voila you can now move from a beginner to an experienced transcriber. Thus, giving you the opportunity to choose which online companies you would like to work with, with your preferred pay.
How to start?
Let me introduce to you this company (This is not a sponsored post btw) called gotranscript.com. If you’ve been reading my past posts. You will notice that I mentioned this company many times already. But for new readers, you’re in luck because today I would walk you through on how you can start working with them as well as gaining experience. One of the awesome freelance transcription jobs.
First, you need to go to
As long as you make sure that once you start a project you will finish it. All you need to do is to sign up or log in to your Facebook account or Google account and you are done.
Second, Click the “apply now” for transcribers. You will be directed to the test. Now, before you go answering those questions. I suggest opening the guidelines first in a new tab. or click this for the guidelines. Once open you can now start reading the questions and reading the guidelines as well.
Make sure that you’re answers are 100% from the guidelines. You can not make a single mistake on this test. But don’t you worry. If you’ll just read and understand the guidelines, passing this test would be a lot easier than you think.
Third, once done with the first test. You will now move to transcribing test. Like just what I’ve mentioned earlier. Reading and understanding the guidelines is a must. Guidelines will be your savior and it will also be your way to be better at transcribing. getting better means more companies you can apply for.
It may take some time for beginners to finish but if you understand the guidelines you will surely pass this test. It may take up to 60 days for them to review your file. You will receive an email that you can now start transcribing.
TIP: Here’s a tip, If you really are a beginner. Like you have no experience whatsoever and would like to start transcribing as a career. You may want to check the link to the old test. This old test would let you practice your listening skills as well as showing your mistakes. It will determine if you’re ready to take the second transcribing test. Once you think that you are ready. Go take the test. Remember, It’s not how fast you finish the test it’s the quality of your test.
As you can see from the image below you can practice first before you take the test. This old test will show your mistakes. Making it easier for you to improve on the spot. Giving you a bigger chance to get approved and start working.
Why GoTranscript?
1. Noob friendly
Once you got in. You will have enough time to finish a chosen project. All projects have due dates of course, but it’s just enough time to finish transcribing. You can choose once a day or twice or more. it’s all up to you.
2. They have a steady stream of projects waiting for you.
Choosing which project you can start with is a breeze. Especially if you’re just starting. You have all the opportunities to check which project you would like to take. Which projects you would like to try after some time, sooner or later.
3. Grow your skills.
This is one of the reasons why this is a good place for inexperienced peeps. You have the chance to grow. Because of the steady projects, enough time, great support team. Gradually, you’ll find yourself getting the hang of it and speeding up.
4. Practice time.
Even if you’re not accepted yet. You have the chance to practice your transcribing skills before you can pass your test for review. You can practice typing with the guidelines. While speed is not a big factor, the faster you finish the more projects you can take.
5. Get Paid ASAP
Payments are sent through Paypal and
6. Available Worldwide
Even if you’re not from the UK, You’ll still have the chance to apply. They hire transcribers worldwide.
As long as you produce good quality (according to the guidelines) and you pass them on time. Speeding up will soon follow, which means higher earnings. Once your account has been approved you are now a transcriber. You can now choose which project you would like to begin with.
Everything is on your dashboard. Always remember to pass the projects on time. In the beginning, Projects may take some time for you to finish. But, That’s totally fine. As you continue doing this you’ll find yourself getting better and typing faster. Again, one of the best freelance transcription jobs you can find nowadays. Good luck!
How does transcribing work for someone out here on Guam? Most of the sites that I have come across does not recognize my region and they would not pay me. Any ideas??
Hello Fia,
There are still other transcribing companies out there. Can you check my previous post here. THave you tried go transcript already? They accept applicants regardless of your location. Best of luck!
Sales
I am in
“…you don’t need to create an account to start working with them…”? My guess is that you wanted to say how GoTranscript doesn’t require from applicants to submit resumes or CV’s in order to get started with them? The moment you used your facebook account or gmail to sign up, you already created an account, so, this is a bit confusing statement. One more addition, PayPal isn’t their only option, they are also paying via Payoneer as well, which can be of help for people where PP isn’t supported.
Hi Anica,
I stand corrected. I just updated this post. Appreciate the comment. God bless!
Hi!
Lovely article!
I have just completed the practice test on GoTranscript’s website. I 100% followed the guidelines (which I studied for 2 days prior to actually taking the practice test). However, I had several mistakes marked on my practice test that were direct results of my following the guidelines.
For example, in a Clean Verbatim transcription, the guidelines say to omit filler words like, “you know.” The speaker used this phrase twice within her speech and I omitted it twice. Both of these instances were marked as an error.
Also, the guidelines say to cut out conjunctions in places where they are not necessary to create short and grammatically correct sentences. I did this on many occasions and received red marks for each instance as well.
Did you run into this? How do I wrap my mind around this?
Thanks in advance!
Regards,
Brittany