Call center data entry jobs are an essential part of the customer service and support industry.
These jobs involve entering and updating customer information into databases and other systems, as well as ensuring that the data is accurate and complete.
In order to be successful in a call center data entry role, there are several technical skills and personal qualities that are important to have.
How much can you make doing call center data entry? Keeping reading as we look at salaries, technical skills and the data entry qualities employers look for.
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Table of contents: Call Center Data Entry
Call Center Data Entry Salary
The salary for call center data entry workers can vary depending on a number of factors, such as location, experience, and the specific employer. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median hourly wage for data entry keyers, which is the closest related occupation, was $18.14 in May 2022. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $13.70, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $25.47 per hour.
Salary also varies depending on the industry they are employed in, call center data entry worker employed in the financial sector will likely have different salary ranges than those employed in other sectors. Additionally, certifications and other qualifications may also affect the salary of a call center data entry worker.
It’s also worth noting that call centers often have different pay scales and benefits depending on the type of call center. For example, a inbound customer service call center may have different pay scales than an outbound call center that focuses on telemarketing.
Keep in mind that the above mentioned information from the BLS is a national average and the salary can vary widely depending on location, the specific job and company, and other factors. It’s always best to check for local salary information to get a more accurate picture.
Technical Skills needed for call center data entry
Call center data entry requires strong typing skills, proficiency in using computer and keyboard, knowledge of data entry software and tools, familiarity with databases, good organizational skills and attention to detail. With these technical skills and a strong work ethic, a career in call center data entry can be very rewarding. Let’s drill down on each of those:
Strong typing skills
One of the most important skills required for call center data entry is strong typing skills. You’ll be required to enter information quickly and accurately, and good typing skills are essential.
Proficiency in using a computer and keyboard goes right along with these data entry qualities, as you’ll be working on a computer for most of your shift.
Knowledge of software and tools
An important skill for call center data entry is knowledge of data entry software and tools. This includes proficiency with Microsoft Excel — along with customer relationship management (CRM) systems (like SalesForce and Keap(r) – InfusionSoft).
Familiarity with these tools allows you to quickly enter, update, and retrieve needed information.
Familiarity with database editing
Being able to navigate and update databases is also important — as it’s an important part of data entry and management.
Good organizational skills
Aside from the technical skills just mentioned, good organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. With large amounts of data to manage, it’s important to be able to keep track and organize information well.
This includes making sure that the data is entered correctly and for following procedures to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
Call centers are key to the success of many businesses. The role of data entry can not be underestimated. As a data entry professional working with a call center, it’s important to have those technical skills to be efficient and accurate while managing large amounts of information.
Personal Qualities That Make the Work Seem Easier
Call center data entry professionals need to have several qualities. Among these are excellent communication skills, a strong work ethic, the ability to work well under pressure, have patience when dealing with customers, the ability to multitask, and being proactive in problem-solving while seeking continuous improvement within the organization.
The work can be less demanding and more fulfilling when looked at through the lens of these qualities. Let’s talk further about each of these.
Excellent communication
One of the most important personal qualities is excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This includes effectively communicating with customers — whether it be over the phone, through email or chat, or in person. Being able to communicate clearly and concisely can prevent further confusion and mistakes.
This ultimately leads to a better customer experience.
Strong work ethic
A key personal quality for call center data entry is a strong work ethic and to work well under pressure. Call centers are fast-paced environments and it’s important to stay focused when the pressure is high. This helps to maintain a positive reputation for the data entry call center.
Patience and understanding
Patience and understanding when dealing with customers is also an important personal quality — and may keep you from getting ulcers. Not every customer is going to be easy to deal with. It’s important to be able to stay calm, composed and professional.
This will help you understand the customer needs and provide the best possible service. It reflects the good qualities of data entry clerk.
Ability to multitask
The ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively is crucial. With this type of work, there are often have multiple tasks to complete simultaneously. Being able to prioritize and manage these tasks well can help make sure that deadlines are met.
Proactivity in problem-solving
Proactivity in problem-solving and continuous improvement is another key quality. You’ll score points with the boss when you’re on the lookout for ways to improve the data entry process. Be willing to act on ideas to make the process more efficient.
This means taking initiative to identify and address issues and also to look for opportunities to improve the data entry process. Often those opportunities are found through new software, improved workflows or optimizing procedures. Think along those lines each day and new thoughts will come your way.
Data entry professionals are responsible for managing large amounts of information while also communicating with customers. The role can be demanding and requires a combination of technical skills and personal qualities will make the work feel easier.
Education Opportunities
For those who are looking to gain the necessary skills for a call center data entry role, there are several online education websites that can provide training. The top three are:
- Udemy: Udemy offers a wide variety of courses on a range of topics, including data entry, excel, and customer service.
- Coursera: Coursera partners with universities and organizations to offer online courses, including ones on data entry, excel, and customer service.
- Skillshare: Skillshare is an online learning community that offers classes on data entry and other topics.
Job Descriptions
When it comes to call center data entry, there are several different types of jobs that one may be able to find.
There are various roles with titles like Data Entry Clerk, Customer Service Representative, Technical Support Representative and Quality Assurance Analyst. Each role has several data entry qualities that employers like to see.
All these jobs play an important role in the operation of a call center. The main purpose of a call center is to be profitable — and accurate, timely, and efficient management of customer data will help get to that profitability.
Here’s a brief description of each of these roles.
Data Entry Clerk
These individuals are responsible for inputting and updating customer information into databases and other systems. They’re equally responsible for accurately and efficiently capturing customer information and updating customer records.
This includes inputting data such as customer names, addresses, phone numbers, and purchase history into a storage system. They must be able to navigate databases and other software tools to ensure that the customer information is accurate and timely.
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative provides support and assistance to customers over the phone or via email. They’re responsible for answering customer questions, resolving complaints, and providing information on products and services.
There’s so many people in these positions, that there’s a good chance you’ve probably talked to at least one customer service representative in the past month. They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.
Technical Support Representative
A Technical Support Representative provides technical assistance and support to customers who are experiencing difficulties with a product or service. They are responsible for troubleshooting technical issues and providing solutions to customers.
Most times they represent a specific organization — but they could be contracted to work for several organizations. They must have a strong understanding of technical products and services, as well as the ability to communicate technical information to non-technical people.
Quality Assurance Analyst
A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for ensuring data being entered into the system is accurate and complete. Hence they monitor the quality of incoming data.
They’ll review data for accuracy and completeness — and identify (and report) any errors or inconsistencies. They also work to improve data entry processes and procedures as a way to further quality. They must be detail-oriented given that they are the front line for quality data.
Call centers play a vital role in many businesses, and data entry professionals are a critical part of the team. As you can see, there are several different job descriptions and each has their own expertise and unique responsibilities.
One thing they all have in common is that these jobs require strong technical skills and personal qualities to be successful. Online education websites like Udemy, Coursera and Skillshare can provide training towards these qualities.
All of these jobs play an important role in the operation of call centers and ensuring the accurate, timely, and efficient management of customer data. This affects the bottom line of each business and reinforces how we’re in the “age of data.”
