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Doing transcription from home is one of the most popular work-at-home opportunities. Several companies hire online contractors to transcribe audio files. Today we are sitting down with Beth Worthy, CFO and Director of Operations of GMR Transcription Services, about how to get transcription jobs from home through their service and beyond.
Also See: A Beginner’s Guide to Online Translation Jobs
Can you tell us a little about what exactly transcription is and the different types of transcription we commonly hear about in the work-at-home world?
Transcription is the process of converting speech into a text format. Specifically in our case, typing a digital audio recording into an editable electronic document.
There are a few different types of transcription, such as medical transcription, which is transcription of medical reports and doctors notes. Medical transcription requires training and specialized knowledge of terminology.
General and Legal transcription are common work at home job opportunities. Legal transcription is transcription of audios of a legal nature, such as depositions and court hearings, and General transcription is transcription of all different types of audios across all types of industries such as meetings, focus groups, interviews, academic recording, and the list goes on and on. There is little to no training needed for Legal and General transcription.
Also See: How To Not Get ****ed Over Starting As a Transcriptionist
What special skills and equipment does a person need to have to get started in transcription?
To get started as a transcriptionist a person must be computer savvy, have reliable internet, a secure computer with up to date anti-virus protection and Microsoft Office, and have a good understanding of the English language and proper grammar. It is also important to be able to meet strict deadlines, be self-disciplined, and have good communication skills. GMR does not require specific equipment, but having a foot pedal, a headset, and a transcription software is essential to be an efficient transcriptionist. A foot pedal connects to the transcription software making it quick and easy to control the audio while still typing. The headset helps clearly hear what is being said in the audio.
For what type of transcription does GMR hire? Is experience necessary?
We are hiring for Legal and General transcription, along with Spanish transcription and translation jobs. We do not require any experience, but we do test all applicants. When you upload your resume, you will be emailed instructions on how to take the test. We give you an audio file to transcribe and you must follow our strict formatting instructions. We have very high standards on accuracy, so the audio file given for the test is purposely not of good quality. We understand that some parts will not be possible to transcribe, so we keep that in mind while grading. We also grade the formatting very rigorously because we provide applicants a style guide and a sample transcript to follow and we want to hire people who can easily follow instructions.
How much can a GMR transcriptionist expect to earn?
How much a transcriptionist earns is up to how fast they are able to accurately transcribe. We pay per minute of audio, regardless of how long it takes the transcriptionist to complete it. Our rates are based on the assignment details, such as quality of audio, number of speakers, and turnaround time needed. Our rates usually fall between $0.70 to $1.25 per audio minute. For example an audio that is 1 speaker and crystal clear audio and not due back for 2 weeks may pay $0.70, while an audio that has background noise, multiple speakers, and due the next day may pay $1.25. We do not have a set pay rate chart, each assignment is different. We post available assignments with all the details and transcriptionists can pick and choose what files they want to take on. Our experienced transcriptionists usually takes 2.5 times the audio duration to complete a good quality, 2 speaker assignment. If that assignment paid $0.90, the transcriptionists would make around $22 per hour. A newcomer may make less to start until they get in the groove.
Can you dispel some rumors for us? Does GMR require newcomers to pay for a training course or work for free?
We do not require any applicants, newcomers, or absolutely anyone to be trained, let alone pay for a training course. We do accept interns and graduates from Transcription Certification Institute and have found that they are well trained, but we do not and never have required any specific training.
When a transcriptionist passes our test and is hired on, we do have a probation period where the transcriptionist transcribes 2 hours of audio at no charge. This is where we carefully take the time to review and proofread their transcripts to ensure the work is up to our standards. We have never rejected a transcriptionist after probation who submitted 98% accuracy on good quality audio. We find that this is a good period for both parties to confirm the employment is a good fit.
If someone would like to apply to GMR Transcription, where should they go?
People can apply anytime and learn more about Careers at GMR at https://www.gmrtranscription.com/careers.aspx
