Translation and Transcription: Basic Techniques and Tips

Introduction

Working from home on translation or transcription is an excellent way to earn a stable income with flexible working hours.

If you type quickly and have certain grammar skills, this can be a satisfying career for you.

In this article, we will explain the basics of online transcription jobs, including the skills and equipment needed to get started.

Almost all but with slightly fewer requirements will apply to translation jobs as well.

What is a transcriber?

A transcriber is a person who listens to audio or video recordings and then types everything that is said with accuracy, providing a clean document with no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

Transcription equipment Some transcription companies require a high level of accuracy, even in capturing every pause or stutter, so attention to detail is crucial in this job.

Some of the things you may be asked to transcribe include podcasts, interviews, business meetings, and lectures.

How to become a transcriber or translator?

You can start as a transcriber with relatively little training, as long as you possess a certain set of skills and the basic equipment needed for the job.

After gaining experience, you can take on better-paying jobs by investing in certifications that qualify you for specialized roles, such as medical and legal transcribers.

Here are some key skills that will set you apart from the competition:

1. Exceptional listening skills: Being an attentive listener is the foundation of accurate transcription. Practice understanding different accents, deciphering unclear speech, and identifying contextual cues. This ability to accurately record every word will ensure the quality of your transcripts.
2. Typing skills: Efficient typing skills are crucial for transcribers to keep up with fast recordings. Regularly practice to improve your typing speed while maintaining accuracy. Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts and transcription software to enhance productivity.
3. Knowledge of grammar and language: A good understanding of grammar, punctuation, and language conventions is essential for creating polished transcripts without errors. Stay up-to-date with language trends and constantly work on improving your language skills.
4. Research and fact-checking: Transcribers often encounter terminology and jargon specific to a particular country or region. Develop research skills to ensure accurate transcriptions. Verify unfamiliar terms, names, and acronyms to maintain the integrity and reliability of your work.

Experience

Many transcription companies are willing to hire freelance transcribers without prior experience, as long as you have the necessary skills.

If you are just starting out, you may be asked to provide a transcription sample or take a test.

There are also online training programs available that can help you get your first job.

Additional certifications

Although you can be employed as a transcriber without formal training or experience, certain well-paying positions, such as medical or legal transcribers, require certifications.

Legal certification

To work as a legal transcriber, you need to enroll in a training program that covers legal systems and terminology, documentation, and research.

You can also obtain an associate’s degree as a legal administrative assistant with a legal specialization instead of attending a certification program.

Medical certification

Transcribing in the medical field requires a one-year certification program or an associate’s degree in medical transcription. Courses include training in healthcare documentation, medical language, and anatomy.

The company Transcribe Anywhere offers online courses and certification.

Simple courses for beginners are free, while advanced ones require payment.

We will soon publish more websites on our blog where you can obtain various certificates.

A company that hires for online translation or transcription jobs should provide the following:

Free application process

Legitimate online transcription companies make money from clients and should not charge you to get started.

You may need to pay a small fee for a background check if you are applying for a company that deals with sensitive information.

A personal ID card, driver’s license, or passport will be necessary to confirm your identity.

Clear instructions

To get started Companies that hire remote transcribers should provide information on their website that clearly explains the steps to apply for a freelance position.

Some transcription companies only provide contact via email or an interest form for individuals who want to work with the company. In any case, it is a good idea to contact them if you have any questions.

Payment plan

Transcription companies should clearly indicate when and how they pay their performers. Most will pay you after a certain period of time, based on the projects you have completed and the quality you have demonstrated.

Platforms for Performing Transcription or Translation Jobs

GoTranscript

GoTranscript is a company that provides transcription services for audio and video content.

Their services are 100% human-generated, affordable, and fast.

They offer various services, including transcription, subtitles, translation, and foreign subtitles.

GoTranscript also offers opportunities for online transcription jobs.

You can sign up and be part of a global team of professional transcribers.

Connected: GoTranscript registration and tests

QAworld

QA world is an online company that provides transcription jobs for freelancers.

Their work consists of listening to audio recordings and transcribing them according to their guidelines.

QA World helps companies worldwide transcribe and quality-check their audio recordings.

After a few steps and educational videos, you can start working and earning money.

You can work from home with flexible hours, at your own pace.

If you are proficient in English (reading and writing), you can apply for this job.

The price is approximately $0.20 per audio minute. It is paid to your PayPal account.

FocusForward

Focus Forward is a company that provides research, coding, and transcription services.

They offer services such as recruiting participants, research support, incentive processing, coding services, online sampling, translation services, and more.

They also offer opportunities for transcription jobs.

As an independent contractor, you can choose the days of the week and hours of the day when you work, from anywhere in the world.

Their pay starts at $0.40 USD per audio minute with opportunities for better-paying tasks during your time with them.

Earn money through transcription at Focus Forward 

Stepes

Stepes Stepes is a global leader in smart, modern translation services and solutions that help global businesses accelerate international success across language barriers.

Stepes logo They offer professional translation services in over 100 languages.

Stepes’ professional translation services are powered by their large team of highly trained certified translators and multilingual experts.

They specialize in matching their clients’ specific industry fields.

To earn money on Stepes, you can join their network of translators and work with their application or on your computer.

On the Stepes platform, you can expand your reach, track your bookings, invoice your clients, and earn money.

Sign up for Stepes

Freelancing

If you believe you are exceptionally good at translation or transcription and want to set your price and work hours, you can always sign up on one of the freelancing platforms.

We recommend Fiverr because we have been there for years.

However, due to the current high competition, this path will not be easy or quick.

Translation and Transcription Software

Online translation and transcription jobs do not require expensive equipment, but you need a computer with fast internet and text processing software, such as Microsoft Word.

For transcription, you’ll need to work with programs recommended by transcription platforms, and these are generally free.

Some platforms may allow you to download transcription materials, which you can then work on with your own software.

We’ve already discussed some of the programs on our blog:

“Transkriptor” – an application for transcription and translation.

There are also some programs for noise reduction and improving audio recordings:

How to remove noise from audio recordings?

And tools for checking grammar and expressions:

How to check if the text is grammatically correct?

Additional Tools

Transcription Headphones:

ECS WordSlinger Deluxe Transcribing Headphones

Transcription Foot Pedal to speed up transcription:

Infinity USB Foot Pedal for Computer Transcription

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Although there are many services on the internet that deal with translation and transcription, many are not accessible to all countries worldwide.

Similarly, we applied to one place and passed the test, but we did not receive any jobs (which probably depends on our rating).

In another place, we did not pass the test, even though, in our opinion, everything was well filled out.

Some jobs that are still being tested will be published soon.

suggested reading

Earn Income Through Transcription On Scribie: Guide To Profitable Work