For freelancers looking for work at home opportunities in transcription, we offer these six tips to landing your dream job.
Fine-tune Your Resume
You should focus your resume and cover letter to your online transcription experience. When you include too much ancillary information about your past careers, it can hurt your chances. Instead, you should tailor your focus by elaborating on work experience that is related to the transcription position for which you’re applying. Selectively include additional relevant information that highlights your skills and experience that relate to the position.
Double check your resume with your job application as well. Don’t introduce inconsistencies by submitting information that varies. It is easy to get dates confused so cross-check your application data as you go. Proofreading is essential. Because the nature of transcription is to produce error-free documents, your cover letter and resume should be highly-edited and polished. Precisely, follow all instructions during the application process. This is vital for you to secure a job interview and to not be instantly rejected. Failure to do so is a red flag to prospective employers who are looking for detail oriented transcriptionists.
Research the Transcription Company
Why is the company looking for freelancers? The answer may not be as obvious as you think. For example, if the company is fulfilling a large order, they may not have work available for the longer term. This is standard. However, it is better to know the situation going in.
Also, the more you know about the company, the better able you will be to position yourself as an applicant. Do some research before applying. If you can determine the clientele and needs, you may be able to emphasize better the assets and unique skill set you bring to the table.
Demonstrate Your Soft Skills
In addition to typing and transcription speed, there are other skills which are valuable. Communication, self-sufficiency and critical thinking are a few of the skills needed to prove you can work from home, independently. Don’t send emails full of unnecessary questions. Read through the website and ask for clarification if you have questions. In correspondence with hiring managers, be sure to summarize your understanding first, then ask appropriate and relevant questions.
Understand Financial Investments
Freelance transcriptionists often incur work-related expenses beyond your foot pedal, headset, and computer. Be sure to ask about software licensing. Transcription management systems (TMS) may be licensed on a per user basis, depending on the company. It isn’t uncommon for businesses to require applicants to pay for a background check, as well.
Have a Positive Mindset
Conduct all communications with a positive, upbeat attitude. Pay attention to the words you use that convey negativity. While being truthful, also be mindful of how you come across. For example, when describing past employment settings, keep your personal feelings to yourself. Let’s face it, people who have a positive outlook generally do better in life and are a joy to be around.
Be Realistic
Know what you need from your contract position going in. Transcription support, flexibility, and pay are all considerations in determining if this is your dream job or even if it is worth your time and effort.
Having a successful freelance transcription career is possible. Prepare to dazzle your prospective company by having your resume ready, making sure you have realistic expectations and positive mindset and continuing the process of evaluating and developing your skills.
By Jenny Holt
