In case you’re wondering what is a transcriptionist, it can be simply defined as a person who listens to audio recordings of someone speaking and creates a written transcript of that recording. Working on this kind of job ranges from the courtroom to pharmaceutical establishments, to lecture halls.

Also known as captioning, this job is not an easy one. To be truly efficient at it, you have to acquire a high level of focus and accuracy. If you think you have what it takes to convert spoken words into written words, then be grateful because you can make a living out of it.

Since it is a sure way of making a stream of income, it is a good thing indeed. In order for you to get started, here are a few things that you need to know.

How important is the job of an audio transcriber?

As stated above, there is a need for spoken words to be converted into text, and to emphasize it even further, the media industry has great demands for people who can convert video or audio content into a format that people can read.

You might think that since watching videos are easier and more enjoyable, most people will surely pick videos or audio instructions over books and articles. From a particular perspective, that’s quite true. But here’s something that you may have not thought through: Reading materials are something that people can easily skim to, or scroll through.

With videos or audiobooks, you can’t do that. You really need to listen to what the speaker is really talking about before you can actually know if the topic discussed is really the kind of information you’re trying to find. But with an article, you can easily find the right words and key points that you’re really looking for because you can speedily skim through the stands of words and paragraphs.

Such is the reason why Google prioritizes articles over video guides whenever you search for something in its search bar.

For these reasons, people who can make words out of videos and audio recordings are so in-demand today, and will be in demand still in the next years to come.

Why should you consider working as a transcriptionist?

Here are the best answers to the question that might strongly motivate you.

You only need very minimal computer equipment.

Like any other online jobs, you need to have a computer and an internet connection. The good thing about captioning jobs though is that they don’t require you to have powerful computers and super-fast internet speeds. Any machine with a typical speed will do just fine.

So to hop into the job, here are the only stuff that you need:

• a computer

• a set of earphones

• an internet connection

Some transcription companies even allow you to work using only your phone or tablet, although an external keyboard must be added to your equipment. Obviously, typing with just your thumb would be very counterproductive considering your job is mainly about typing.

Some seasoned captioners use a transcription foot pedal – a device that allows you to control audio playback with your toes. This can really make the job easier. Thankfully, however, this device is not strictly required whenever you apply for the job.

For software, there is no need to install special apps on your computer. Since most companies just need you to submit a standard document for your transcription, any word processor will do. Some companies also provide their own entry boxes on their websites where you can type in your words.

For a faster captioning experience, you may choose to use an auto-transcriber software. This tool is super-useful because it can create a transcription of an audio file that it listens to. After such a file is generated, you can then just edit it for some errors. But you have to bear in mind, nothing beats human common sense even with the existence of high-end computer equipment. In order for you to create crisp and accurate transcripts, never put your entire trust in auto-transcribing software.

The existence of automated software that can help with proper grammar and spelling today truly provides great comfort. No word processor today can ever exist without auto-correct and auto-text features. Where human eyes fail, they offer great editing assistance.

But here’s a very important tip: always proofread your work before submitting them. In addition to the “nothing beats common sense” mantra that I mentioned, software grammar isn’t perfect, although it can really be a great aid in computer clerical tasks.

You only need a minimal set of skill

Though being a fast typist is a huge plus, it is not really a requirement. If you are able to key in 40 to 60 words per minute, that should be good enough.

If you want to have better typing skills, you may want to consider learning the technique called touch-typing -- a skill that can let you type faster without looking at the keyboard.

While this skill isn't really a requirement, it's something that can truly make you work faster and better. It also provides the greatest comfort to your hands and fingers. The inventors of this technique had the intention of equally distributing the strain that your most important extremities.

You should utilize touch-typing as a technique... it offers great convenience for you in the long run, not only as a transcriber, but with computer works in general.

Another good thing is that captioning companies don’t need you to have a specific college degree. Anybody with the skill and accuracy to type can work as a transcriptionist.

Speaking of accuracy, you have to focus on it as you go along with your transcribing tasks. It would be a very wise choice to be accurate at the moment than type really fast and check your work later.

I'm not saying you don't need to check back your work after you've finished typing, what I'm pointing out is that it would be best to minimize errors while at the exact moment of transcribing than having to check back later only to find out that your document is racked with too many typos.

It would be truly wise to avoid errors before they even take place.

Also, being an accurate typist isn't the only important thing. You also need to broaden your vocabulary so you can key in the best words that truly match those that are spoken in the audio files you're working on.

When given some transcribing assignments, your clients could come from various countries which means they could have differing accents -- it could be difficult to figure out what they're really saying.

Lucky for you though, there are lots of online tools that can help you work easier. Read about such tools here.

To learn more about captioning jobs and where to apply, read this.