Data Entry Jobs.......

[NoCalMike]

So, I went to a temp agency a couple days ago, and I met the qualifications for the general data entry application. Then today I get a call for a job. I am just wondering what the atmosphere at these types of job is. The lady told me it is business-casual dress, which is fine, but I am wondering if this is like slave work, just on the keyboard instead of a forklift, or if it is somewhat laid-back. Is there a quota to meet everyday, or do they just want to know that you are working? The company is called National Imaging Assoc. So it sounds like it is sometype of design company, and maybe the temps do all the dirty data entry work for them.

 

So, help me out here, what should I expect when I go into work tomorrow?

[kkktookmybabyaway]

To be treated like crap since you're a lowly temp...

[Guest Museite]

Your average chimpanzee would meet the requirements for a data-entry job. Don't get me wrong I've done it in the past. It's usually very slow, very dull and very long and very very very boring. The only thing which made it for me less suicidal was that I was allowed to listen to my CD player.

 

Most database programs will allow employers to track how much and how often you are entering date so they can keep tabs on you especially if each user has to log in to a database/file. Quotas will probably vary from company to company. HOwever I'd recommend finding a different job ASAP

 

I wish you good luck and may God have mercy on your soul that you have a cool boss.

 

EDIT Also cute co-workers are good too.

Edited May 7, 2004 by Museite

[Guest Agent of Oblivion]

I vastly prefer warehouse work, if that tells you anything.

[NoCalMike]

well after day 1, I'd say I have mixed feelings. The work itself is easy, I mean typing data into a computer. We are allowed to have radios which is good, we take our breaks at our own leisure, which is good. The only thing I am afraid of is the style of the data entry is like the worst style for my typing skills. I am fastest at straight typing, like typing out long pieces of data. This is more the alphanumeric, tab, tab, enter, shift-tab, press x, type a number here; kind of bullshit. I am pretty sure I can do enough to keep the job, but who knows. I am buying a radio with a headphone jack this weekend so I can bring it in. Oh and hey, I get my own cublicle....LOL.

[kkktookmybabyaway]

In a way I guess this could be good considering you'd actually have to pay attention to what you're doing.

 

Do you have a quota to fill or anything in regards to how much data you have to enter?

 

The closest thing I've ever come to a job like yours was a graphic artist-type position with Jostens Printing and Publishing -- I helped create yearbooks by mostly entering photos and art designs. It was third shift and I got to listen to my CDs all night. Can't complain about that...

[sfaJack]

Data entry was good for me because I didn't have to deal with dumbass people all the time, as opposed to when I worked in a secrearial-type job where I had to do all the data entry stuff in addition to answering the phone and helping all the morons that came into the office. The other bad thing about that job was that my boss's desk was right behind me so I couldn't even screw around on the net.

[NoCalMike]

As far as quotas go I am not sure, but the other temps there told me that when it is slow, we aren't forced to go home or anything, we basically still get to sit around, and if any odd jobs come up like filing some returned letters, we will do it. Also, they said Fridays are ALWAYS SLOW, which is nice~!

 

If what they told me is correct, I will be a good distance from the supervisor. Also another temp told me "we are allowed to check stuff on the net, as long as we just don't sit there all day on it" Still, I am gonna be hesitent to use it, unless I see a good number of other folks using it as well. And even then, I am gonna try to avoid people seeing me on it.

[Tawren]

Just out of curiousity, how much are you making?

[NoCalMike]

Just out of curiousity, how much are you making?

it starts at $10/hr.

 

Ok so in my 2nd/3rd day they switched me to something harder. I guess the company works on a variety of accounts, and they decided to train me on a harder plan. Now I basically have to actually fix problems in people's accounts, rather then just sit there and input data from a sheet. The only thing that sucks is that when you can't find an ID# you have to call the Blue Cross to get it, which usually means sitting on hold forever. It is actually easier and less typing then the other thing I was doing, but that is only when there aren't problems with people's accounts.

 

There is no quota perse, but they say if the que is not empty by the end of the day, the company is fined, and they have been known to pressure folks to stay after their shift to finish the que off.(from what I hear) I however will have none of that, since I have class an hour after I leave work,(and with rush hour traffic at 5pm, it takes me ALMOST that entire hour to drive 10 miles to my school from work) and my schooling is certainly more important then some temp job.

[Steviekick]

Wow. Your job sounds exactly what I'm dong. It gets boring. Instead of going out and buying a radio, just use the computer's CD player. That's what I do. Nothing says fun like data entry to Cephallic Carnage.

[Guest Museite]

When i was working doing the data entry, someone conviniently left WinMx installed on the PC as well as the PC unit having a CD burner...good times. I just had to be uber-vigilent that I didn't get caught.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

About how long does a temp stay employed and what are the qualifications for a data entry job? I think I might need to do sometihing like that for the next 6 weeks.

[NoCalMike]

About how long does a temp stay employed and what are the qualifications for a data entry job? I think I might need to do sometihing like that for the next 6 weeks.

It depends. There is different classifications for temp jobs:

 

I am under "long term temp" which basically means, you will be working there for as long as you want, barring they don't fire you for some reason, it is just that you shouldn't expect to be hired on as part of the actual company, barring some miracle job opening.

 

Temp to Hire usually means, that the company is bringing in a bunch of temps and will be looking to keep the best ones on as part of the company.

 

Short term temp is like taking a job that is only for a fixed amount of time, could be 2 days, or could be a month or longer, but you will be told when the job is offered to you.

 

Oh and I was put back on the other plan I was doing the first couple of days, which is good, cause I don't have to worry about the wretched que. Hahaha

 

Oh and I would use the computer CD player for CDs, but I like listening to AM sportstalk radio in the morning. And News/political talk in the afternoon.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

How easy do you think it would be to be placed with a broken leg?

[NoCalMike]

How easy do you think it would be to be placed with a broken leg?

for a data entry job? Well as long as you make it clear that you can get to the job, and perform the tasks, I don't see why a broken leg should matter.

[Guest pinnacleofallthingsmanly]

Well, at the one job that I had that I was still working at after the accident, I was told that I can't work until I get a note from the orthopedist stating that i can work. They said that I'm a liability right now.

[Internet Warfare]

What qualifications/requirements did you have to meet for the job?

[Guest Fook]

I'm doing a temp job for data entry right now...or I would be if I wasn't screwing around here.

 

Ah well, back to work.