The Best Ergonomic Chairs for Transcriptionists Under $200

/2 Comments/in , , /by Tyler Marshall

What do you need to support your body while transcribing?

Ouch! My aching back and neck!

If you transcribe for long hours, you can relate to this statement. In fact, you’ve probably already looked at various remedies like taking computer breaks, going to yoga class, visiting the chiropractor, using ice packs, and more.

Well, part of the answer to your body aches and pains might be right below you… in your chair.

In fact, when was the last time you actually took a close look at what you sit on each day?

Does it really support your body the right way?

How old is your chair, anyway?

And we know what you’re thinking… Sure. There are many, high-tech chairs out there that promise the ultimate in comfort and style. Unfortunately, they come with a high price tag too.

But, the good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a supportive office chair while you transcribe.

 

What should you look for when buying a transcription chair?

Obviously, comfort is key. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to get as much work done! But, with comfort, you also need to keep your body in a specific alignment to avoid pain and optimize health.

To find out more, we reached out to Dr. Theresa A. Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LMT, CEAS, of Educise.com. Dr. Schmidt is a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy and a certified, ergonomic assessment specialist.

And here’s what she had to say:

  • Look for Full Spinal Support.

“The right ergonomic position fully supports your spine with your head level, neck upright with its normal inward curve, and your shoulders relaxed in alignment with your ears.

  • Rest Your Arms.

Bend your elbows to ninety degrees at the height of your work surface. Rest your forearms on the armrests to relax your shoulders, and keep your wrists straight. A wrist rest is helpful to reduce pressure on sensitive forearm nerves. Remember, the work-surface height should allow for your arms to be at the level of your desk.

  • Put Your Feet on the Floor.

Keep your thighs parallel to the floor with your knees at ninety degrees. Place feet flat on the floor when possible.

  • Place Your Computer Monitor Just Below Eye Level.

A computer monitor should be positioned 18-24 inches away from your face, just below eye level. And, be sure you wear proper eyeglasses if you cannot see the monitor well.”

Dr. Schmidt recommends choosing a chair that is “individually adjustable for seat height, backrest height and angle, lumbar support, armrest height and width, and tilt.”

 

5 of the Best Ergonomic Chairs under $200

With Dr. Schmidt’s advice in mind, we conducted some research to find popular choices for supportive office chairs under $200. Now, prices vary depending on which website or store you visit and whether or not assembly is included, but this will give you a good idea of what other people are currently buying.

Could one of these chairs be right for you?

 

  1. Office Star ProGrid Back Managers Chair – About $182

This company offers several chairs online including the Office Star WorkSmart Screen Back and Eco Leather Seat Managers Chair. The Managers Chair offers more of an executive look with a broad, breathable mesh backing and metal base. The back and arms are adjustable with dual function control, a seat slider and wheels to move freely around your office space.

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  1. Alera Mesh Mid-Back Multifunction Chair – About $156

This chair comes in black and offers back angle adjustment relative to seat, adjustable tilt, and forward tilt. You also get a great, breathable mesh back, a contoured seat cushion, and premium fabric.

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  1. Lorell Mid-Back Task Chair – About $148

The waterfall, contoured seat and molded foam on this chair provide back support for all-day comfort. The arms and seat adjust with tilt tension and control. A 360-degree swivel allows for simple mobility, and the fabric is 100% polyester.

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  1. Space Seating Professional AirGrid – About $143

This chair offers a clean look with mesh siding for breathability. You can make adjustments to the seat height, seat tilt and angled arms. Plus, the chair’s wheels offer freedom of movement. It was voted a top pick by BestReviews.com for value and all-day seating comfort.

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  1. AmazonBasics Mid-Back Mesh Chair – About $65 on Amazon

This chair lacks adjustable arms, but can be a nice compromise for those on a tight budget. You can still adjust seat height and it comes with a supportive back with breathable mesh and 360-degree swivel wheels.

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Find the perfect chair for YOU.

Everyone is different. The only way to find a quality chair that meets your specific needs and comfort is to test various models. Visit office supply stores and see which features you like the most. Then, conduct some online research to find out what is available with the style and features you like at your price point. Also, ask friends, family members, associates, and other transcriptionists what they like.

Once you find the right chair, check for extra delivery costs and if assembly is needed. And find out what the guarantee and return policy is on your purchase. If you buy a chair and it doesn’t work out, you’ll want to be able to get a refund.

“Look for the maximal adjustability in an economical chair,” says Schmidt. “You can always add a lumbar pillow and seat pad for extra support later. If you cannot afford a better chair, make up for it by keeping in great physical shape with plenty of exercise, and move around frequently while working for the best result.” 

The right chair for your body, specific needs and budget is out there. You just need to do a little research and testing to find the perfect one!

Do you have a favorite office chair under $200? Please share your insights here.

Angela Shorter Finds More than a Work-from-Home Transcription Job at Allegis

/7 Comments/in , /by Tyler Marshall

Freelance transcriptionist enjoys fulfilling career, flexibility and family time

A busy mother of two boys, age 11 and 6, was looking for a work-from-home transcription job to fit her hectic schedule. Along with homeschooling, taking her sons to baseball games, karate lessons, theater rehearsals, and more, she also had a host of household responsibilities to manage on a daily basis. Plus, she wanted to earn money in a field she was passionate about.

Sound familiar?

Well, meet Angela Shorter, a busy wife and mother who found true career happiness with Allegis Transcription. We caught up with Angela via phone (working from home in her pajamas at 2:45 p.m.!), and here’s what she had to say…

The Early, Freelance Transcriptionist Days Were Rough!

Angela started as a freelance transcriptionist in 2007 in the medical field. However, she was not a fan of the terminology used in that industry and lacked passion for her work. “I’m all about finding your passion because if we’re not passionate about what we’re doing, we’re not going to have the desire to keep doing it,” she says.

Because of this, Angela stopped doing transcription and took a few years off to spend time with her young children and successfully move her family to a new home in Loganville, Georgia. Once they were settled, she decided to try transcription again and began pursuing opportunities at companies outside of the medical field. This is when she discovered the world of general transcription where she could “relate more to the material.”

Angela also researched numerous companies via online forums and chat rooms specifically for transcriptionists. And after hearing good things about Allegis Transcription and their tier system on Transcription Haven and other sites, she decided to apply to the company. However, on her first try, she was rejected. “In my heart, it felt like complete rejection, and I was so upset,” she states.

Rejection Leads to Transcribing Success.

For Angela, this rejection gave her the determination to improve her skills. “I’m stubborn, and I don’t like the word ‘no,’” she exclaims. “I don’t like the fact that there’s a possibility that I can’t do something or the feeling as if I’ve failed and I knew I wanted to be with Allegis!”

Because of this drive, Angela continued to hone her skills while working at other, freelance transcription jobs, which involved transcribing everything from company earnings calls to focus groups. Many of the audio files were in the two-to four-hour range.

She liked her general transcription work, which became increasingly enjoyable as her level of experience grew. “In the transcription field, the more experience you have, the easier it’s going to be to flow into the format, transcription styles, expectations, and guidelines that you have to meet for each company,” she says.

After about a year, Angela found that she needed shorter audio-jobs that would work better with her hectic schedule so she applied at Allegis again. And this time, she was accepted! “It was like a weight had been lifted from me because our life is chaotic, but I still want to be able to work,” she says. Now, when her husband gets home from his job, Angela says they are able to “fill in the gaps for each other.” The shorter audio files, which are fifteen minutes long on average, are easier to work into her day.

Angela’s Work-from-Home Transcription Job Offers Numerous Benefits.

This control over her workload was a priority for Angela. “I did not decide to do transcription for the money,” she states. “I did it because of the flexibility to be able to be at home and reap the rewards of being with my children. I only have a short time in the lives of both of them before they are grown and moving on, and I want to make sure that I am here. That aspect of it means more to me than the monetary aspect.”

And Angela has even used her transcription work at Allegis as a teaching tool for her children. With the flexibility she has in choosing assignments, her family travels “wherever they feel they want to go.” And, she uses this opportunity to homeschool her children in different locations, taking her work with her. In fact, she recounts one job where she was transcribing detailed information about street names, and the next week, she was actually with her boys in Florida driving down that same road!

On another occasion, Angela’s grandfather passed away, and she was able to jump in the car and drive up to Virginia at the last minute with her mother. And when her mother was driving, Angela was transcribing in the passenger seat with her foot pedal and laptop!

“When we were driving up to Virginia, the whole time I was thinking, ‘this is where I need to be,’ and my transcription work provides that kind of flexibility to even be able to work while I am on the road,” she says.

Transcriber Gives Insights on Working for Allegis Transcription.

While Angela experiences a lot of flexibility, educational opportunities, and other benefits from Allegis, she also has the opportunity to make a good income.

“With the Allegis pay structure, I am very goal-oriented and break out how many days I want to work during the week and make it happen,” she states. “I figure out what I need at the end of each week, monetary wise, and what I need to complete to make it happen.” In fact, Angela gets up at 4:00 a.m. (with her husband who drives to Atlanta for work) during the week and starts working on her transcripts. “That’s my quiet time, and nine times out of ten, that’s when I choose to work.”

As a freelance transcriptionist, Angela enjoys numerous benefits. But, she also tells us about some challenges too. These include dealing with recordings where: people are talking over one another, there is a lot of swearing or background noise, the voices are difficult to understand, or the audio quality is poor. Plus, she mentions that occasionally, you can get an upsetting audio that describes an unfortunate auto accident, injury or situation.

At the same time, Angela says that she hears some interesting, strange and humorous stories on the audios too. For example, on one occasion, she listened to an older woman, “let the interviewer have it” when he repeatedly asked her the same questions trying to evoke a different response. “It was hilarious, and my kids were asking me why I was laughing so hard,” says Angela.

Persistence Pays Off.

With all of the aspects involved in her transcription work, Angela enjoys it and recommends Allegis to other, high achievers. But, she offers some advice. “The Allegis training process is difficult, and this is not a business for everyone,” she states. “In order to succeed in this, you have to have a passion for it and be determined, persistent and coachable.”

Angela also notes that it took her about six months working for Allegis to begin feeling comfortable with the verbatim transcription. “It’s not just about typing, it’s the training and doing better than you did yesterday so that you can meet higher goals,” she says.

And for those thinking about pursuing a career in transcription, Angela recommends that people get the necessary skills, practice, research reputable companies, and start testing. She says, “You’re truly never going to know if you like it unless you do it. The reason I do what I do is because I love it!”

As an independent contractor, Angela is thankful for where she is. “Not only can I take it with me, but I can work at home, I can homeschool my children, I can be where they need to be, and I can help financially at the same time.”

We’d like to thank Angela and congratulate her on her success.

 

Now, how about you? Are you ready to find out more about work-from-home transcription jobs at Allegis?

Check out our available positions and the testing process here:

 

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General Versus Medical Transcription Jobs: What’s the Difference?

/4 Comments/in , /by Tracy Theodoroff

The transcription industry is a wide and varied world. How do you even start to explore your career options?

Why not begin with medical and general transcription, which are two of the most popular options out there?

The career path to becoming a medical transcriptionist is more clearly laid out than for a general transcriptionist. You’ll find numerous medical training programs out there, but far fewer in the general category. Ask several general transcriptionists how they landed in their current job and you’ll probably get a wide variety of responses regarding their career path.

Both career destinations provide excellent opportunities for satisfying work. I’ll provide some basic insight into several of the differences between both career options, as well as some of the pros and cons of each.

 

First, what does medical transcription involve?

So, what does a medical transcriptionist do? These folks work in both clinical (non-hospital setting) and acute care (hospital setting) roles where transcription services are often required.

To give you an idea of the topics involved in each, clinical work deals with typical ailments on a daily basis, such as common colds, flus, and even routine preventative care. Acute care offers an emergency room backdrop and challenging surgical work, as well as the introduction of new procedures and drugs that might not yet be well documented (yep, that’s code for tough-to-research).

You can further subdivide clinical work and acute care into many different specialties. Think about every ‘ology’ and body system out there—cardiology, immunology, neurology, and the list goes on.

For days.

That sounds like a lot of opportunities to keep you busy as a medical transcriptionist, doesn’t it? But wait, there’s more!

 

What’s general transcription all about?

So what is this thing called “general transcription,” you ask?

General transcription jobs are often work-from-home positions encompassing practically everything that’s not strictly legal or medical. So it’s quite broad. Industries utilizing general transcriptionists include (but are not limited to):

  • Academia
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Insurance

It’s easy to see that there are numerous and varied general transcription job opportunities out there for you.  And the list is far from complete.

 

Medical transcriptionist pros and cons

What you really want to know is if the grass is greener on a particular side, right? Honestly, that’s a personal thing—the choice is going to be different for each individual.

If you have a strong interest in the medical field and the money/time to spend on the training, medical transcription might be the thing for you. You’ll be dealing with one-speaker files and better audio quality (usually).

Turnaround requirements are generally tighter for medical transcriptionists. So you will want to consider how much time you need (and want) to complete files. If you’re working on numerous accounts with tons of different specifications, specialties, and doctors–particularly doctors for whom English is a second language—all these factors can slow you down.  Working with one doctor who says the same things repeatedly will, of course, be faster and easier.

 

General transcriptionist pros and cons

If medical lingo and tight turnaround times aren’t your cup of tea, no worries!

Turnaround times are usually longer for general transcription services. The number of speakers, subject matter, and audio quality will depend on the type of general transcription job you have.

From my personal experience, insurance transcription usually involves two-person interviews, and the interview setup is similar regardless of the type of claim involved. Both factors certainly lend themselves to higher production levels.

While you’ll likely find more on-site opportunities as a medical transcriptionist than a general transcriptionist, freelance, work-from-home jobs have largely become the norm for both industries. And whether that’s a good or bad thing largely depends on your personality, which brings me to my next point.

 

Consider your personality traits

Are you suited for either a general or medical transcription job? Regardless of the transcription flavor, certain personality traits are ideal. If you have a keen eye for detail, are self-motivated, enjoy working alone, are a bit of a perfectionist, can sit for long periods of focused time, and are an intuitive listener, then transcription might be a perfect fit for you.

Conversely, if you abhor repetitive activities or need constant social interaction, transcription is probably not a good choice. Working from home without much supervision means no conversations around the water cooler and a whole lot of personal responsibility for getting the work done.

 

Do your research and then go for it!

There are several significant similarities and differences to consider when comparing medical and general transcription service jobs. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Be sure to do your research before choosing a career path. Talk to other transcriptionists. Take a look at pay rates for both medical transcription jobs and general transcription jobs.

If you decide the general transcription field interests you, I recommend digging into your options here because there are many. You can transcribe sermons, board meetings, job interviews, and the list goes on. But you’ll usually end up working for a vendor (or finding direct clients) with a specific industry focus. Allegis Transcription focuses almost entirely on insurance transcription. This means transcribing recorded statements, which primarily involve files with two speakers.

So, take a look around, talk to other transcriptionists, and start applying! Any questions? Post in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them!

 

Need help? These four online transcription forums have your back

/8 Comments/in , /by Tracy Theodoroff

We don’t have to “go it alone” just because we work from home. The world is more connected than ever, so working as a freelance transcriptionist doesn’t need to result in social or professional isolation.

Luckily we have plenty of options to engage with like-minded individuals online. Sure, there’s always Facebook and LinkedIn, but are there other options?

Yes. Online transcription forums.

Online transcription forums are a valuable resource for newbie and experienced transcriptionists alike. You can learn new tips and tricks, find job opportunities, keep up with the latest industry trends, and even forge professional and personal relationships.

Just found out about a job opportunity with a company you’ve never heard of? Well, that’s the perfect opportunity to check with forum members. Chances are, someone else has had an experience with that company they can share.

Plus, because several of the best transcriptionist forums are closed to the general public, members often feel freer to speak their minds.

What’s not to love?

Here are four of the best transcription forums every transcriptionist should know about.

MT Stars

As the name suggests, MT Stars is a “community of U.S. medical transcriptionists” and primarily geared toward the medical transcriptionist (MT), although you’ll still find discussions and job posts for other types of transcription.

Beyond just being able to post questions and peruse job ads, you can also upload a resume to help subscribed employers quickly find you. If you happen to work for either of the two major medical transcription companies, Nuance or M*Modal, you’re in luck. There are dedicated boards on this online transcription forum for each, so your ‘co-workers’ are just a click away.

MT Stars is an open forum, meaning membership is not required, and all posts are publicly visible. Some of the posts can get quite…heated. So bring your thick skin, dive in, and enjoy!

WAHM

Work-at-Home Moms, like MT Stars, is also an open public forum. Here, you’ll find a much broader array of topics. The website and forums offer tons of resources and advice for those wanting to launch just about any type of work-at-home business, so you’ll find a lot more here than just transcription.

While it is an open forum, you’ll still need to register with a username and e-mail address. Registration cuts down on some, but not all, of the advertising, which can get distracting at times. There are also different membership levels, starting with the free basic level and progressing to a paid professional membership that comes with additional perks.

While many experienced transcriptionists are active in the WAHM forum community, you’ll often see newbies posting here, which can result in some basic topics being repeatedly discussed. To avoid rehashing already asked (and answered) questions, make sure to search the forum to see if someone else has already asked the same question.

Transcription Haven

This is a private forum. If you want to join, you must apply and be approved for membership, which is well worth the time it takes.

Once you’re accepted, you’ll find this online transcription forum is an excellent resource, despite having less activity than some of the other forums. It’s also a bit more tailored for those new to the transcription industry. There’s a treasure trove of everything, from pay rate surveys, to information on company reputations, equipment recommendations, and more.

Transcription Haven’s tagline says, “A safe place to post and ask questions regarding transcription and working at home.” That speaks volumes. This is indeed an extremely friendly, welcoming, and upbeat forum with very kind, knowledgeable, and professional members.

However, the downside of the overall positive tone of the forum is that it sometimes results in controversial topics fizzling out. This can be a pro or a con depending on your viewpoint. Some people love to trash talk, but it can be uncomfortable for others. You’ll find most posts are quite polite—which isn’t a bad thing, but can sometimes mean avoiding diving deeper into topics.

Transcription Essentials

Transcription Essentials is another private forum. It’s a useful place for both newcomers and experienced transcriptionists, but everyone is encouraged to do their own due diligence and research before posting questions. Because of those frequent friendly reminders (from top notch moderators), you won’t find as many repetitive posts here which is part of what makes it such a fantastic resource for transcriptionists.

Transcription Essentials is also very well organized so you can find the information you’re looking for quickly — whether it’s details about a particular company, current transcription job openings, or a poll on pay rates.

Beyond having very experienced, wise members who are willing to share their expertise, this online transcription forum is also good for taking the pulse of the transcription industry, whether it’s general, medical, or legal. The discussions here don’t shy away from what changes might be on the horizon and what we can do about them.

Four great options to suit every taste

As you can see, forums can be valuable resources for creating a sense of community with fellow transcription professionals. If you’re not already an active forum member, I encourage you to take advantage of these great resources.

Just remember that forums are about interaction, and that means both taking and giving. There’s nothing wrong with being a silent observer, but if you’re going to get the most value from the time you spend on forums, you should engage. Comment, react, share your knowledge, and connect with fellow transcriptionists. Pay it forward!

If you know of a best-kept-secret online transcription forum not mentioned here, leave a note in the comments and let us know!

How LinkedIn Helps Freelance Transcriptionists Find Work

/3 Comments/in , /by Tyler Marshall

If you’re a freelance transcriptionist, and you aren’t on LinkedIn, you could be limiting your job opportunities.

A professional network is your career’s support system. It’s how you learn about new job opportunities, get career advice, and stay up-to-date on industry developments.

To maximize your online transcription job opportunities, you will benefit from having a large, well-developed network in place before you need it. Just like Seth Godin says, “Dig your well before you’re thirsty.”

Most professionals now have a presence on LinkedIn, and the networking site is here to stay.

Despite the site’s popularity, I realize the benefits and relevance aren’t always readily apparent to newcomers. Some still view the site as a fad, a “nice to have,” or irrelevant to their careers. I disagree.

Let’s look at why the site matters for freelance transcriptionists. Then I’ll share a few tips on how to get the most out of the time you spend on LinkedIn.

 

Companies are recruiting on LinkedIn.

Having a profile and engaging on LinkedIn can help you land your next work-from-home job or contract.

In the early 2000s, online professional networking was perhaps “nice to have,” but wasn’t necessary for career success. This is no longer true.

If you don’t have an online presence, you don’t exist to some employers.

An exaggeration? Not at all. In 2015, 94 percent of recruiters used LinkedIn to find candidates. That’s huge. And that figure includes Allegis. We use the professional networking site to find freelance transcription candidates and post jobs.

Sure, we also use online job boards like Indeed and Craigslist, but that’s not enough. Recruiters are increasingly going after passive candidates. Think about it. Why wait for candidates to apply when you can reach them before they leave their current job and entice them away with a better offer?

As Ladders, an online job matching site points out, “If you aren’t on LinkedIn, you are reducing your chances of being discovered.” And why would you want to do that?

Oh, and I should point out before we dive in that I have no affiliation with LinkedIn, and I’m not being paid to sing their praises.

 

Why does being on LinkedIn matter?

So, why am I prodding you to join? Well, partly for selfish reasons. Right now I can’t find you, and I want you to transcribe for us.

I also have a more altruistic reason. I want to help freelance transcriptionists thrive in work-from-home careers. Thriving means having access to a wide and deep network of connections. It’s also about making yourself visible so opportunities can come to you.

Plus, LinkedIn makes it easy to have a slick, professional online resume. I know that the resumes our recruiting team receives vary greatly in quality. The qualifications might be there, but applicants often do an insufficient job of presenting their information in a professional manner. The answer? Let LinkedIn organize your information for you. Just fill out their profile template and you will have a well-presented online resume.

 

But it’s so much work to start a profile.

No. Not really. I think it’s easier to do than filling out a paper application.

Here are the details you’ll be including:

 Basic details, including name, position, and general location
 Profile picture
 Work history
 Skills (e.g. transcription, editing, Spanish translation)
 Education, languages (if relevant)

I recommend filling out the summary section as well. It doesn’t have to be more than two or three sentences, but this is a powerful way to share your professional goals and highlight your expertise.

For your work history, a good rule of thumb to follow is to focus on previous positions related to–or that reinforce–your current position. For example, I’ve focused my career on sales and marketing, so I don’t list the construction company I worked for years ago. But only do this if it doesn’t create significant time gaps in your employment history. This tip is most applicable to those of you who wear multiple hats. If you’re a freelance transcriptionist who, at one point, ran a lawn care business on the side—you might not want to list that because it can be distracting and doesn’t reinforce your transcribing expertise.

 

Put LinkedIn to work and make yourself visible.

Great. You’re on LinkedIn. Now what?

Make it easy for recruiters and potential employers and contractors to find you.

Consider this—when recruiters look for transcriptionists, this often involves heading over to LinkedIn and performing a search. This is where keywords come in.

I might use keywords like “freelance transcriptionist” and “independent contractor” to find potential applicants. If you haven’t included these terms or “keywords” on your profile somewhere, I’m not going to see you show up in results.

Let’s increase your visibility with the following tips.

Keywords

Don’t go overboard, but be smart about including the right keywords in your profile. If you want a medical transcription position, mention this somewhere, maybe in your summary or title.

The goal is to show up in searches. Recruiters often skim search results without ever clicking into profiles. Skimming means they often just see your photo, headline, and location. That’s it. Make sure you have optimized this information.

Not sure where to start? Surf around LinkedIn and look at the profiles of others in your field. Look at the terminology and keywords they use to describe themselves.

Assess your competition. These are the people recruiters will be comparing you to. How do you stack up?

Groups

You might be familiar with the various transcription forums out there (Transcription Essentials, Transcription Haven, etc.). A LinkedIn group is similar.

You can join groups based on professional interests or focus areas. I’m a member of several transcription groups, for example.

That brings me to my next point. Recruiters often join groups where the members have the skills and background they’re looking for.

Makes sense, right?

And don’t just join groups to join them. Engage. This is your chance to network with like-minded individuals. It’s an online community where you can share your knowledge and contribute through commenting and assisting others.

My last tip here is to join a group with plenty of members and lots of activity. Groups like Legal Transcription with over five thousand members and Closed Captions, Subtitles, and Transcription have over four thousand members. I’m not a member of either group, but they seem quite popular and might be worth checking out.

Want to know more about how to use groups effectively in your job search for a freelance transcription job? This post from U.S. News is a great place to start.

 

A word on data privacy.

I know some might have concerns about data privacy and putting your information “out there” on the internet. That’s understandable, and I feel your pain, but fret not. LinkedIn doesn’t require highly sensitive, personal information.

LinkedIn does not require your address (only city and state), phone number, or social security number.

You won’t be risking exposure of your personally identifiable information.

 

So, I’ve convinced you to join. Right?

LinkedIn is big for your career as a freelance transcriptionist. Approximately 414 million users worldwide use the site, and it continues to grow. This site is no longer “nice to have.” Now it’s a necessity.

Remember that LinkedIn is a place for professionals. That’s exactly what you are. You are a highly skilled, transcription professional.

As a freelancer, you’re essentially running your own business. That means you’re responsible for bringing customers in the door, whether it’s from contracting with vendors or serving your transcription clients directly. This makes your business network all the more important.

I hope I’ve encouraged you enough to check out LinkedIn and to begin building your presence and profile. It’s not difficult and will pay dividends well into the future.

Join before you need it. Having a large, active online professional network helps ensure you will always have a source of work.

 

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Psst! We’re hiring. If you’re an awesome transcriptionist looking for something new, click below to see our open positions.

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Please Meet Tracy, Our Newest Blogger

/6 Comments/in /by Tracy Theodoroff

We’re excited to welcome Tracy!

She is the newest member of our blogging team. As a professional transcriptionist, avid writer, and work-from-home freelancer, Tracy is in a unique position to create relevant, valuable, and insightful content for our wonderful community of transcription professionals. We asked Tracy to introduce herself and share a little about her background.

This is what she had to say…

 

A 9 to 5 job isn’t for me

The scenario replayed every Sunday night—Monday morning dread.

It’s that paralyzing sensation of anxiety and impending doom you feel at the thought of having to face another single minute of that job that doesn’t suit your personality and was never right for you in the first place.

Boy, was I ever there.

Finally, I realized it was time to do something before I lost whatever sanity I had left.

It’s not that the 9 to 5 I had was horrible or anything because it wasn’t. At least, not for anybody else that wasn’t me.

It’s just that compared to my previous life as a professional dancer, it didn’t inspire me much. And it’s just that answering to someone else’s rules, in someone else’s office, on someone else’s schedule was leaving me feeling…like someone else. Not me.

 

I started researching what my options were.

I knew I wanted work that offered schedule flexibility for better life balance. Something working with language, perhaps, because I love writing and everything related. I’m a geek like that.

And the ability to work from home without anyone breathing down my neck? That was just icing on my tasty cake.

Then I looked into transcribing. My research led me to transcription, which I’ve now been doing for 12 years. More than half of that time I worked as a medical transcriptionist until eventually, I moved into insurance transcription.

(And no, that transition wasn’t easy for me. It’s a bit like saying because you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a Harley-Davidson. Not so much. But it can be done.)

So here I am now, a transcriptionist for Allegis, who also happens to enjoy writing novels, short stories, and other fun things in my spare time. And I’m writing this blog to share the things I have to say because maybe they’re things you have to say too.

 

I love working from home

My commute is shorter than anyone I know, so no more wasted hours sitting on a road that looks like a parking lot. I save oodles of money on gas and car maintenance. The only speed bumps I encounter are cats who think my office chair is theirs (um, which it is, of course) and dogs who think it’s always time to play. I don’t believe in alarm clocks, nor do I have to. And if I need a nap in the middle of the day, well heck, I take one.

An added personal bonus is that my family tends to relocate. A lot. Being able to hit the ground running in new, unfamiliar territory and get right back to work once my internet is hooked up? Priceless!

 

Working from home does have its challenges

Whether I’m having work done on the house or dealing with nosy neighbors who lack appropriate social boundaries, I’m the one who has to handle any issues that arise.

When you’re an independent contractor, no work generally means no pay. That’s a harsh realization if you formerly had such benefits as sick pay or vacation days.

For many transcriptionists, working from home suits our personalities, so we just take the hard stuff in stride.

 

Feeling disconnected

But maybe the toughest thing is that while working from home is a huge perk, it can still feel isolating.

The thought of returning to an office environment makes me cringe, but that’s just me.

Maybe part of the isolation some of us feel as home-based transcriptionists stems from feeling out of sight, out of mind, and like we have no power because we’re behind the scenes.

I have personally seen this affect the morale of far too many transcriptionists who think they’re all alone and their thoughts and opinions don’t matter.

But they do matter. We matter.

 

Creating a sense of connection

So is there a way to remedy the disconnection many of us feel despite being happy with our work? What if the concerns we have were somehow addressed and given a voice?

Maybe we can talk about handling burnout, because yes, it does happen. Or we can educate others on the value of what we do. I’m personally quite interested in how technology might affect the work we do, whether positively or negatively. And nobody can deny that the “gig” or “sharing” economy is here to stay, but that trend too might affect us as new regulations arise in an ever-changing landscape.

Anyone game?

 

So, why blog for Allegis?

Because I think we, the workforce of home-based transcriptionists, need a voice. Maybe this blog can be a step in that direction. If there are topics you want to see addressed, please let me know!

 

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Psst! We’re hiring. If you’re an awesome transcriptionist looking for something new, click below to see our open positions.

Click to Transcribe for Us_button

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Freelance Transcription Jobs: How Much Can You Make?

/21 Comments/in , /by Tracy Theodoroff

“Where do you work?”

“I work from home as a transcriptionist.”

That response almost always elicits a blank stare, requiring explanation. People might feign interest in online transcription jobs because their vision of “working” from home includes sitting around in their PJs with an endless supply of caffeine and Netflix.

But let’s face it. What they want to know is how much money does a transcriptionist make working from home, right?

Well, it depends.

Here are three things to consider:

 

1. The type of transcription job

Medical transcription work used to command higher wages than general transcription. Unfortunately, medical transcription jobs no longer pay commensurate with the knowledge and skill required.

What happened, you ask?

That’s another post. Suffice it to say, outsourcing, offshoring, a shrinking industry, electronic medical records, and voice recognition contributed to the demise. “Customers demand more for less, and they can find it,” according to Lee Tkachuk, CEO of Keystrokes Transcription Service.

Many of us demoralized MTs were financially forced to put our skills to use elsewhere.

Thankfully, “elsewhere” still exists.

Viable, work-from-home job opportunities are out there if you know where to look.  It’s true that some transcription jobs pay more than others. The key is finding what works for you.

Maybe you’re interested in an insurance transcription job, but strict verbatim just isn’t your thing, because no matter how hard you try, you cannot, like, um, train yourself to, like, capture every single, uh, utterance. But if it is your thing, expect a higher wage.

Perhaps you have legal experience, or your niche is focus groups with ten participants who all sound exactly the same (shudder to think). Great. More doors will be open to you.

Depending on the environment and tasks you prefer, there are definitely jobs out there for freelance transcriptionists.

 

2. How you get paid

Most work-from-home transcription jobs pay per production. How much you earn as a transcriptionist—and your resulting hourly rate—will depend on your skills, the audio quality, and the subject matter.

Cents per line is a common type of pay calculation in the medical transcription industry, while per page or audio hour are more common in legal and insurance transcription fields. You’ll occasionally see companies paying per word, but it seems less common.

The following are production rates one might expect:

Word

A typical per word rate range is .5 cents to .695 cents. So, for example, to earn $10.00 an hour at a rate of 6 cents per word, you’re looking at transcribing 1667 words every hour (approximately 6 to 10 pages, depending on the format and content). Is it possible to do more an hour and make more money? Sure.

Line

As Cynthia Ann Lewis points out, in the late 1990s it was common to see per line rates ranging from 8 to 20 cents. Today, it’s not at all unusual to see job listings for 7-9 cents per line. (Tip: If you’re trying to compare per word and per line rates head-to-head, the average line contains roughly 11 words.)

Ouch.

Now, to make an hourly rate of just $10.00 at 7 cents per line, you’d need to transcribe 143 lines per hour. Good luck if you have a challenging dictator or poor audio quality. And if you’re a freelance transcriptionist, that $10.00 per hour is even less after accounting for taxes and other expenses.

The public forum MT Stars changed their job posting requirements earlier this year in an attempt to fight these low wages. What impact, if any, this might have on the declining pay trend remains to be seen.

Audio Hour

Someone not privy to the industry will see “earn $25 per audio hour” and think this means $25 per hour of their time worked.

Yeah, no.

So, how much does a work-from-home transcriptionist make when transcribing by the audio hour? An experienced professional can transcribe one hour of audio in about three hours for a 1:3 turnaround time. A newer transcriptionist will need even more time. This means $25 per audio hour means that…well, it’s probably not worth your time.

A respectable place to start is somewhere around $50 to $60 per audio hour. Increase that rate for more difficult work or if you have your own clients.

Page

How much can a freelance transcriptionist get paid for per page jobs? Page rates often fall in line with audio hour rates, touting the overestimated “a page per minute” reasoning. Regardless, an absolute minimum place to start is $1.00 per page, preferably more. Most general and insurance transcription companies are in the $1.25 to $1.50 per page range.

Keep in mind that template formats can greatly affect what you earn.

Single-spaced, tiny font, anyone?

Yikes.

 

3. Are you an employee — or a freelance transcriptionist?

As an employee, you’ll probably still be paid by production instead of hourly. In exchange for your employer determining when and how you work and how much you must produce, you’ll be entitled to certain protections and benefits like insurance.

The self-employed have to provide all of their benefits, which can be quite costly.

Also, as a self-employed freelancer, say hello to your nemesis—the self-employment tax.

That portion of Social Security and Medicare that an employer would normally pay on your behalf? Yep, that’s all you now.

A true freelance transcriptionist with her own clients and no middle man will make need to make more money to compensate for not having benefits provided. A subcontractor won’t have such leeway. But the right position can provide consistent work versus the feast or famine that can come with trying to maintain your own client base.

 

So, how much does a freelance transcriptionist make?

The bottom line?

Answering exactly how much a transcriptionist can make is more complex than you may have initially anticipated. The type of transcription, per unit pay structure (word/line/hour/page), and worker classification all play a role in how much you can expect to make in a transcription job.

Allegis expects transcription positions to continue trending toward work-at-home positions. According to the company’s Director of Sales & Marketing, “We pay well for quality work. If you convert our per page pay rate to an hourly basis, most see a pay rate in the $13 – $17 range.”

Skilled transcriptionists can still earn a livable income.

Just know your value. Understanding transcription job pay averages and methods takes some of the mystery out of how much YOU, a skilled transcriptionist, can (and should) be earning. Demand your worth.

 

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Psst! We’re hiring. If you’re an awesome transcriptionist looking for something new, click below to see our open positions.

Click to Transcribe for Us_button

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Transcription Headphones: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

/17 Comments/in , /by Tyler Marshall

Think having quality transcription headphones isn’t such a big deal?

Think again.

Picture this—you’re several hours into transcribing an interview and the audio quality is migraine-inducing. Voices are muffled and hard to distinguish. You wonder if the interviewer turned on the digital recorder and threw it in her purse.

Yikes.

Suddenly your dachshund spots the FedEx guy walking to your door and goes into full red alert. The usual 5-minute barking session ensues. You reach to turn up the headphone volume when you realize you’re already maxed out.

How are those iPhone headphones working out?

Ready to purchase some new transcription headphones? We’ve combed through reviews, spoken with vendors, conversed with transcriptionists, and done all the necessary legwork to bring you several of the most popular and highly-rated transcription headphones available.

 

Transcription headphones: What to consider before you buy?

USB vs. Headphone Jack: Ever wonder why you might choose one connection option over the other? Standard 3.5mm headphone jacks use your computer’s onboard soundcard. If you have a great soundcard, you’re in luck and this connection style might be a good option for you.

Desktop computers will often have better soundcards because manufacturers have more space to fit better—and often larger—components.

USB headphones include onboard soundcards, bypassing your computer’s card entirely. The three headphone vendors I spoke with all recommended USB over headphone jacks.

Sound Controls: Many transcriptionists find in-line volume control very handy, which is why you see this option on so many headphones. Be aware that some transcription headphones enable switching between stereo and mono sound; a feature you might need when transcribing an occasional tape. Some headphones even boost volume as a built-in feature—a major plus when cranking the volume to 10 just won’t cutting it.

Weight: Hold your arms out to the side, parallel with the ground. Hold that pose for 10 minutes. Notice how heavy your arms get? The same applies to any weight you’re putting on your head, adding strain and requiring your neck to work even harder. This is why transcription headphone manufacturers strive to reduce weight.

Cord Length: Some transcriptionists hate long cords. Chair casters are the arch enemy of cords and, the longer the cord, the more likely you end up running it over. Alternatively, with longer cords, your headphone doesn’t get pulled off when you stand up or lean back in your chair.

Budget: Decide how much you can spend before looking. (Remember how much you spent last time you went to Target without a budget)? I mention this consideration last because all the options we include here are very similar in price range and all are well under $50.

 

What are the best headphones for transcriptionists?

UNDER-THE-CHIN STYLE

This is by far the most popular headphone style for transcriptionists and offers the comfort of earbuds with the security of headphones. The under-the-chin band applies continuous inward pressure, keeping the earbuds firmly in place—no more worrying about your earbuds slowly loosening and falling out.

These models are all lightweight and most have in-line volume control. The design is also great if you wear glasses.

 

Caliber

Caliber headset

The Caliber is TranscriptionGear.com’s best-selling headphone for transcriptionists. At $24.99 it’s a steal.

This product is a reliable choice for transcriptionists requiring a 3.5 mm headphone jack connection.

Why?

  • The in-line volume control also contains a stereo/mono switch.
  • The headphones have built-in bass-reduction technology, ear cushion replacements are easy to come by, and the 5-foot cord has a sturdy braided nylon protective covering.
  • Plus, this full-featured headphone comes in at just under an ounce.

Reviews are typically quite positive, with many transcriptionists making repeat purchases over the years. Despite the reinforced cord, one user reports an issue with the cord weakening near the volume control connection. The short cord length might also be a downside for some users.

 

Spectra

Spectra headset

Do you find the Caliber appealing, but want a USB model? Then the Spectra Transcription Headphone made by VEC might be the headphone for you. You can choose from four connection options, USB being one of them. At $27.95, it’s very similar in price to the Caliber.

Here are some of the headphone’s specific features:

  • For those who like having a longer cord, this headphone gives you ten feet to work with.
  • The in-line volume remotely controls the computer volume, which is different from the independent sound adjustment that headphone jack models provide.
  • Users report being able to hear even the most soft-spoken interview subjects clearly.

This Spectra headphone has been on the market for over ten years and has attracted a loyal following, with some transcriptionists refusing to use anything else. Reviews rave about sound quality, comfort, and how lightweight (weighs less than 1 ounce) the Spectra is.

Some users find that the in-line volume control adds noticeable weight. Others mention the volume unit is positioned so that it gets in the way of their hands when typing. As with the Caliber, the band isn’t adjustable. This isn’t an issue for most, but some users find the band is too loose and slowly slides off their head.

 

EARBUDS

For transcriptionists preferring a headphone without an under-the-chin band, earbuds are a good option. They’re lightweight and come with the same functionality as the under-the-chin transcription headphones. However, without the band to apply inward pressure, some users might find that the earbuds slowly fall out of their ears.

 

ECS Wordsmith

 

wordsmith headset

The ECS WordSmith is one of the most popular earbud models, designed specifically for transcriptionists. The $49.95 price point is significantly higher than the other models we’ve included, but the extra features can make it worth the investment.

What’s so special about these headphones?

  • The WordSmith contains a proprietary sound card that produces ultra-clear audio optimized around the frequency of the human voice. This means you can adjust the controls to reduce background noise, optimize voice reproduction, and reduce static. One reviewer says they now have the luxury of “listening to almost silent dictation.”
  • This model connects via USB, so you don’t have to worry about a cheap computer sound card causing issues. This headphone bypasses your computer’s soundcard entirely.
  • You have two options for adjusting volume. In addition to the in-line volume control, you can use keyboard commands.

I couldn’t find out how much this weighs, but it looks it should be between 2 to 3 ounces. I’m assuming it’s heavier than the first two models because of the larger in-line control unit.

And be aware that the cord is 10 feet long. Again, a pro or con depending on whom you’re speaking with.

The WordSmith has a loyal following and many find the investment worth it. If your work quality improves, why not spend a little more now to increase your earnings later? You can easily make back your money with increased productivity.

 

What are you favorite transcription headphones?

Transcriptionists have several great headphone options in the $25 – $50 price range – and any of the units mentioned in this post should make you a more effective transcriptionist.

Did you buy one of the transcription headphones on this list? Did we forget your favorite brand? Let us know in the comments!

 

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Psst! We’re hiring. If you’re an awesome transcriptionist looking for something new, click below to see our open positions.

Click to Transcribe for Us_button

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Best Keyboards for Transcriptionists

/0 Comments/in , , /by Tyler Marshall

To state the obvious, keyboards are one of the most important tools for transcriptionists. You’re on it all day and having a low quality or non-ergonomic keyboard can slow you down and even cause injury. When you start out, a basic, non-ergonomic keyboard will do, but eventually you will want to upgrade.

The best keyboards for transcription jobs allow your hands to lie in a natural position. This not only increases efficiency, but also reduces the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and other conditions can reduce your productivity and even necessitate taking time off work. If you’re a freelance transcriptionist, you probably don’t have the luxury of paid time off.

Here we take a look at several quality keyboards. This list is by no means all-inclusive. What’s your dream keyboard? Let us know in the comments section, below.

 

Microsoft 3000 and 4000 Keyboards

Microsoft offers many models of ergonomic keyboards and their primary benefit is price. You can purchase a Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 starting at $24.95 and enjoy a more natural wrist position without spending a fortune. It makes a great entry-level model for your first transcription jobs.

For a more substantial upgrade, consider spending $25.00 more on the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000. The Comfort Curve is described as a “curve” model meaning it’s more comfortable, but technically doesn’t qualify as ergonomic. It doesn’t keep your hands and wrists in ideal alignment. The Natural Ergonomic is truly ergonomic—like the name suggests. If the rest of your workspace is adjusted properly, the shape of the keyboard will improve your hand, wrist, and shoulder position. It also offers a wrist rest and programmable keys to boost productivity. These are all features that the Comfort Curve does not have.

Note that a common issue with ergonomic keyboards is their inability to fit on standard keyboard trays. If you have an older desk set-up where the tray is made for a traditional keyboard, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to fit a Natural Ergonomic model on it. You’ll most likely need to replace the tray along with the keyboard. If you are attached to the idea of an ergonomic keyboard, you may need to consider this extra expense.

 

Kinesis Freestyle 2

Kinesis is a leader in ergonomic products, which is why we feature two of their models here. The Freestyle 2 is the more affordable of the two models. What makes this keyboard unique is that it’s completely adjustable. It’s essentially a keyboard cut in half so you can slant it, raise it, and place the two halves the perfect distance from one another to accommodate your unique anatomy. You can get the VIP3 accessory to raise the center higher than the rest of the keyboard if that’s the angle you prefer. The optional palm supports assist with your wrist alignment.

The Freestyle 2 isn’t as large as some of the other keyboards we mention, so you shouldn’t have an issue fitting it on most keyboard trays. BUT it might not fit if you supplement it with accessories, so keep that in mind if you consider one.

You can find the Freestyle for $79 refurbished or starting at $109 new. If you buy accessories like the palm support, VIP3, or separate number pad, the price will go up. However, this shows the truly adjustable nature of this option as you can literally design your dream keyboard by moving parts to where you need them. Start with just the keyboard now and add accessories later.

 

Kinesis Advantage Contoured Keyboard

This is another great model from Kinesis. It’s also quite a bit more expensive, but if you transcribe a lot and you see yourself performing this work for the foreseeable future, paying up to $349 for one of these might be well worth it.

The Kinesis Advantage is the latest in advanced models. It adopts a sloped design that feels custom-created for your hands. Your wrists rest in perfect alignment with the home row, which are highlighted with blue keys to help you find it swiftly. It also keeps your arms at perfect shoulder width to minimize upper back pain and reduce the chance of repetitive stress injuries.

Another advantage of this model is the unique placement of the Enter, Space, Backspace, and Delete keys. Except for the bar, these frequently used keys require the work of weaker fingers, which also leaves you vulnerable to pain and injury. The Advantage moves these to a thumb pad which offers your smaller digits relief.

Learning to use the thumb pad will take time, which reduces speed at first. If you are already accustomed to typing by touch, this requires a new technique. However, most people find they adapt to this quicker than expected.

The Advantage is also wider from top to bottom, which introduces the keyboard tray problem once again. However, if you are willing to adjust your technique and it fits with your workstation, investing in this keyboard can take your keyboarding game to a whole new level.

 

BeeRaider

We also wanted to include a keyboard with an alternative layout. BeeRaider is the innovator on this list, with their Radial Keyboard having a completely different layout from our other picks.

The idea starts with the shortcomings of the standard QWERTY keyboard. The well-known layout was originally developed due to the mechanical limitations of early typewriters.  If a typist flew through the keys too quickly, the hammers would knock against each other and jam. The solution was to develop a layout that purposely slowed down typing speed. Jamming decreased, but the QWERTY design prevailed even into the computer age—though we no longer have to worry about key hammers.

Now that there’s no longer a need to prevent jamming, BeeRaider thought it was time to emphasize typing speed and introduced its Radial layout. It includes a round configuration of keys in the middle with two “wings” sticking out with larger keys. Larger keys are used by less dexterous fingers and smaller ones by the most coordinated ones. The space key is right in the center where it can be struck with either pointer finger.

It is offered in both a QWERTY and “Optimized” design. While the first contains the layout you are likely most familiar with, the latter changes this layout entirely in what is again, claimed to be a more efficient and easily-remembered format. The website hopes to maximize successful adoption by offering training to new users of its product.

Prices are fairly reasonable for this state-of-the-art innovation: You can purchase the QWERTY model for $105 and the Optimized one for $113. The biggest issue is that the keyboard and the training program is designed for people with no typing experience. If you are a seasoned touch typist, you will essentially be re-learning how to type even if you choose the traditional QWERTY layout. If you decide to go this route, you will need to factor in the training time that this product will require.

 

The Verdict?

There are many claims regarding the best keyboards for transcription jobs, but in reality, the right choice is the keyboard that works best for YOU. Read other website reviews, try out models at your local tech or office stores, and only purchase online if returns are allowed. You may have to try a few before you find your favorite. Don’t close your mind to completely new ideas either, like the BeeRaider. You never know what will be the best match for your skills.

Will Voice Recognition Software Render Transcriptionists Obsolete?

/2 Comments/in , /by Karla Ellison

Voice recognition is no longer science fiction. Tell Siri to pull up a song from your favorite artist and it automagically plays (well, about half the time… ). If you have a newer car, there’s a good chance that your auto has voice recognition built-in, so you can send texts, initiate navigation, and much more. Fact is, voice recognition technology has made a great deal of progress, especially over the past decade, and it continues to rapidly improve.

So, what does this technology mean for you, as a transcriptionist? Replacing keyboards and transcriptionists with voice recognition software might seem like something that’s right around the corner. It’s an appealing concept to most people to no longer have to type. Artificial intelligence systems for court rooms are already in use to transcribe testimony at trials and hearings. The next advancement is presumed to include automatic transcribers for telephone and in-person interviews.

However, no matter how advanced these systems become, they still require human intervention. One encounter with Dragon Dictate or other voice recognition programs and you learn that speech subtleties remain difficult for machines. This is especially true with verbatim transcription and the evidential weight placed on it during insurance proceedings.

Verbatim Transcription and Insurance Claims

Claim analysts, subrogation specialists, and special investigation professionals rely heavily on witness and claimant testimony when making decisions. Interviews are an essential tool in this process and in order to interpret it accurately, verbatim transcription is also necessary.

Verbatim transcription does not miss a single syllable—verbal pauses (“um”), false starts, stutters, repeated words, mispronounced words, and grammatical errors are all captured in a verbatim transcript. In most jobs, this is not only unnecessary but a distraction. Interviews for journalism pieces, for example, are never transcribed verbatim because finding usable quotes is time-consuming, if not impossible, if the transcription is verbatim.

However, insurance claims are different. Verbal ticks and pauses can help provide context. Heavy stuttering while discussing one fact could indicate exaggeration or dishonesty. Mispronounced words show a lack of expertise that could reduce credibility for an expert witness. Legal testimony in depositions or court hearings is transcribed verbatim for the same reason—having a complete and accurate typed record provides context and facts that an edited transcript misses.

A Good Tool—Not a Replacement

If you use voice recognition software, you will immediately notice its challenges. The most noticeable ones include:

  • Training. This is not just for users who need to learn commands and how to speak in an understandable manner, but the software too. Good quality voice recognition platforms contain an artificial intelligence algorithm that helps them adapt to their users. Particular accents, pronunciation, and idiosyncrasies make the process interesting at first but the software learns to interpret them. There are multi-user platforms available where the voice recognition software saves user profiles so it can apply different rules to each user.
  • Names and Specialized Vocabulary: When dictating a report or letter, you stop and give a command to spell names or words that the voice recognition software will not recognize. The adaptive function kicks in here too by remembering new words and names. As you can imagine, there is no practical way to do this in an interview.
  • Homonyms and Context: Words may be spelled and pronounced the same but have different meanings. Think “the dog barks” and “the tree has bark” as one example. There are also words with the same pronunciation but different contexts and spelling—take “to, too, two” for example. Voice recognition may understand words but sometimes, its grammar and context skills leave much to be desired.

The key difference that sets verbatim transcription apart from other projects is editing. You can edit that letter, memorandum, or medical record summary after dictating it to your software so that you submit a clean product. When the issues listed above create a head-scratching product, you can fix the errors without changing the meaning.

When you apply these shortcomings to verbatim transcripts, you risk losing important, sometimes crucial, detail. As discussed, verbal pauses and grammatical errors can indicate nervousness or misstating the truth. If your voice recognition software gets verbal pauses or context wrong, and you later try to edit it, your best case scenario is an inaccurate record.

Voice recognition is an excellent feature for devices and particular projects. It makes many tasks easier but verbatim transcription is not one of them. Even the most advanced systems in court rooms require real-time editing by a court reporter. If you are feeling apprehensive about starting a career in verbatim transcription, do not fear. Your abilities to assess subtleties and context will always be superior no matter how much future voice recognition products advance.