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Data entry clerk skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

Joseph Coyle Ph.D.

One of the most important hard skills a data entry clerk can possess is experience managing computer database because much of the data entry work will be done on specific computer programs. It's also important for data entry clerks to have the hard skill of working with a high volume of information. They may also need the hard skills of experience working with insurance companies, depending on the industry.

When it comes to soft skills,data entry clerks should have strong communication skills above all else. Data entry clerks oftentimes need to work with highly sensitive and confidential information, so confidentiality and discretion are also crucial.

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical data entry clerk skills. We ranked the top skills for data entry clerks based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 23.3% of data entry clerk resumes contained data entry as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a data entry clerk needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 data entry clerk skills for your resume and career

1. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how data entry clerks use data entry:

Comply, sort, and verify accuracy of data to entered alphanumerically into computer via keyboard data entry and optical scanner
Verify accuracy of information prior to keying, corroborate data accuracy after performing data entry procedures.

2. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how data entry clerks use customer service:

Answered phones, completing intake document efficiently, verifying insurance eligibility and benefits, providing excellent customer service.
Facilitated customer service satisfaction, provided high-level customers calls providing company information and forwarding appropriately based on needs.

3. Computer Database

A database or a computer database is a cluster of structured information stored in an electronic archive. This electronic data is administered through a database management system (DBMS), both (data and DBMS) of which are collectively referred to as a database system. The data is normally portrayed in the form of rows and columns for easy organization, management, alteration, and access. The organization of data in computer database enables users to write and query data efficiently.

Here's how data entry clerks use computer database:

Verified and validity and accuracy of various confidential documents in the computer database to ensure accuracy and completeness of the data.
Compared data entered information with source documents, and re-enters data in verification status on computer database to detect errors.

4. Computer System

Here's how data entry clerks use computer system:

Entered personal information into computer system for persons interested in receiving information about starting a life insurance policy with the company.
Received consumer loan applications and input all information into the computer system (extensive data entry ensuring accuracy).

5. Word Processing

Here's how data entry clerks use word processing:

Maintained computerized records and database information by using word processing, spreadsheets and other applications to ensure accuracy of data.
Created, edited and finalized legal documents using Barrister Legal Word Processing System and Optical Character Readers

6. WPM

WPM means words per minute, the average number of characters that a comment contains, which can also be referred to as keystrokes, against the time that person takes in keying them into the device. Mostly professional typists would type at a speed of 50 or 80 words per minute.

Here's how data entry clerks use wpm:

Call Center* Input information into computer* Inbound CallsSkills* Microsoft Office* Typing 60 WPM* Medical Terminology
Processed insurance claims into computer files * Given recognition for being most productive during 1st shift * Customer Service typed 80 WPM

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7. Office Equipment

Here's how data entry clerks use office equipment:

Demonstrated proficiency in professional telephone and e-mail etiquette, use of office equipment and ability to follow company policy and procedures.
Operated office equipment including, fax machine, computer documentation and copiers for increased efficiency and accuracy of operations.

8. Payroll

Payroll is the sum of all the compensation that an organization has to pay to employees at a specified time. Payroll is managed by the finance or HR department while small business owners may handle it themselves. Payroll isn't fixed as it varies every month due to sick leaves, overtime, etc.

Here's how data entry clerks use payroll:

Prepared payroll data for monthly general ledger closings and reconciled various payroll account reconciliations.
Assisted Payroll Supervisor in PTO paperwork ensuring proper management signatures were obtained.

9. Account Data

Here's how data entry clerks use account data:

Entered and verified customer and account data by inputting numeric information of the distribution network following program technique and procedures.
Entered patient and account data by inputting information; maintained data entry requirements by following data program procedures.

10. Source Data

Here's how data entry clerks use source data:

Maintained computerized database; prepared source data for entry by compiling/organizing data; and resolved incomplete and unclear data.
Direct and support the compilation and analysis of technical source data necessary for product development.

11. Data Base Backups

Here's how data entry clerks use data base backups:

Secured information by completing data base backups.
Secured information by completing data base backups and testing accounting system changes and upgrades.

12. Detect Errors

Here's how data entry clerks use detect errors:

Deleted incorrect information and re-entered data in verification format on screen to detect errors.
Deleted incorrectly entered-data and inserted data in verification format to detect errors.

13. Computer Entry

Here's how data entry clerks use computer entry:

Prepared permit batches for computer entry Entered batches by inputting alphabetic and numeric information on keyboard Verified all information for accuracy
Prepared data for computer entry by compiling and sorting information by implementing a strategic strategy.

14. PowerPoint

Here's how data entry clerks use powerpoint:

Collected information from civil and government workers, then designed, stored and maintained Microsoft PowerPoint presentations for reference and monthly updates
Inputted written material into data base system* Created PowerPoint presentations* Created packets for future employees

15. Numerical Data

Here's how data entry clerks use numerical data:

Keyed in numerical data from incoming voices and checks and entering information into computer database in a deadline oriented environment.
Transcribed alphabetic and numerical data from completed township assistance applications, related schedules and other electronic documentation.

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What skills help Data Entry Clerks find jobs?

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What type of skills will young data entry clerks need?

Joseph Coyle Ph.D.

Professor and Chair, Monmouth University

I think one of the most important skills is being able to communicate, either written or oral communication. It is my impression that now, more than ever, we rely as much on our interaction with others as we do the individual skills or content knowledge. It is one thing, for example, to be able to construct a mathematical model of a phenomenon, but to be able to describe it in a meaningful and impactful way to a room full of people is even better.

Of course, I think it goes without saying that being tech-savvy or even just open to learning new technologies, is also important.

Do you want to know more?

List of data entry clerk skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a data entry clerk resume and required skills for a data entry clerk to have include:

Data Entry
Customer Service
Computer Database
Computer System
Word Processing
WPM
Office Equipment
Payroll
Account Data
Source Data
Data Base Backups
Detect Errors
Computer Entry
PowerPoint
Numerical Data
Front Desk
Customer Orders

Database Systems
Entry Priorities
Medicaid
Data Entry Errors
Outbound Calls
Protects Operations
Telephone Calls
Inbound Calls
Customer Accounts
Sales Reports
Customer Inquiries
Company Database
AS400
HIPAA
Insurance Claims
Clerical Support
Optical Scanner

Office Machines
Disk
Medical Claims
Verification Format
CPT
QuickBooks
Bank Deposits
Screen Format
Symbolic Data
ICD-9
Re-Enter Data
IRS
Data Entry Devices
Subsequent Entry
FedEx

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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