Typically, many employers require only a high school diploma or GED equivalent for job applicants seeking to start a data entry career. However, in some cases (often depending on the industry) a bachelor’s degree may be required. Academic qualifications will be made clear prior to a potential data entry job interview. You may be required to take a data entry test, which measures the accuracy of the data you input. Using data processing software is often a prerequisite as well, so many employers look for candidates who are proficient with platforms like Microsoft Office or the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program.
Outside of technology, candidates with the following characteristics can put themselves ahead of the pack. These data entry skills should be noted in your cover letter:
Organization
Self motivation
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently or as part of a team
Polite and courteous
Deadline-oriented
If you’re wondering how to become a data entry professional, the good news is that there are many employers that hire for entry-level data entry jobs, making it a great way to get on-the-job data entry training and experience. As for the job outlook for data entry, figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics project a growth rate of 3% over a 10-year period ending in 2026.