28 Jul UK-Based Online Transcription Jobs Advertised Here
What to look for when hiring or applying for a UK-based online transcription job.
UK-based online transcription jobs will require typing tests, so first and foremost, we would recommend you test both your copy-typing and audio-typing speeds to ensure they really do match any wpm claims you are making on your CV, as you will inevitably be tested at interview stage, and it could avoid a red face if your ’95 wpm’ turns out to be closer to 40. If you want an transcriptionist job in the UK, this article should help you.
Try this audio transcription test: https://gotranscript.com/practice-transcribing?test=1
PLEASE NOTE: As of July 2024 – we do NOT HAVE ANY VACANCIES, I’m afraid, for transcription jobs in the UK.
If you are looking for a transcriptionist or proofreader, please call us on 02071170066, as our team can start straight away!
However, when it comes to securing an online transcription job, it’s not all about speed.
In fact, accuracy is probably the most crucial factor when applying for UK-based online transcription jobs. We don’t believe one audio transcriptionist can be relied upon to deliver totally accurate transcripts with zero errors (nor have the time to research and check name-spellings, continuity errors by the speaker, etc). So, for that added ‘polish’ and assurance of quality, with VoiceNotes’ two-step service, your audio file is first transcribed, then proofread by another UK-based expert in our team. Accurate transcripts are essential in business: the omission of the word ‘no’, homophone confusion of ‘compliment’ with ‘complement’ or mishear of ‘free’ and ‘three’ will change the entire meaning of the sentence and could have unfortunate consequences if not spotted by the recipient.
Try this proofreading test: https://www.proofreadnow.com/blog/can-you-ace-this-basic-proofreading-quiz
Transcriptionist jobs in the UK – what are the rates per hour?
This can really vary. You must bear in mind the price you are paid per audio minute isn’t the audio minute you spend transcribing. A one-hour file can take 2-5 times longer to transcribe it – then you have to proofread it, so work on 5-6 times as a rule of thumb.
Some companies pay an annual salary for full- or part-time work (VoiceNotes Ltd does). Many of the others pay per audio minute. It can vary from 70p upwards depending on accuracy and experience.
Will you specialise in an industry sector?
If you have prior experience of working within, for example, the medical, legal or financial industries, it is true that a recruiter may well assume you already possess a good knowledge of sector-specific terminology, which could increase your ‘brownie points’ above those of other candidates. It would be understandable, then, if you felt it wise or safer to restrict your application campaign to your comfort-zone sector. However, if your skills are strong, no recruiter worth their salt would automatically discount an applicant from a different background if your experience suggests you are adaptable, have initiative and could be easily and effectively trained into a new arena – maybe even bring a refreshing new outlook to the table – and the opportunity of a new chapter could be rewarding and stimulating for you too, so don’t be put off from branching out.
Financial online transcription jobs – our most popular role
Indeed, this has guided our own approach to business and recruitment at VoiceNotes: our origins lie in specialist provision of transcription and proofreading services to the financial sector, but, not only have we worked very successfully with clients from variety of other market categories, we have also not restricted our recruitment to financial transcriptionists and editors – skills and talent come first! When they are present, requisite sector knowledge is easily trainable.
Single-voice versus multi-voice transcriptions
Multi-voice transcriptions will always present more of a challenge for the transcriptionist. They take considerably more time. This is due to having to discern one voice from another and recognise who is speaking (while filtering out the inevitable over-talk, which makes even hearing WHAT is said, let alone by whom, a tricky exercise) in order to be able to accurately convey each person’s contribution to the dialogue. UK-based online transcription job roles invariably involve multi-voice projects as much, if not more, than simpler, single-voice dictation.
How long does it take to transcribe an hour of audio?
In general, it takes about 5-6 times the length of the audio file to transcribe and proofread. At VoiceNotes, we have at least two people working on a voicenote transcription for accuracy. In most companies, it’s all up to one person – you – to both transcribe and proofread. Online transcription jobs will not necessarily prove lucrative if you aren’t both fast AND accurate, once you take into consideration how many hours it will take you to transcribe – and proofread – the audio. So, you need to be confident of your skills before taking on an audio transcription project.
Will transcription jobs increase due to the increase in Zoom and other online meetings?
This is already proving to be the case. Despite some platforms, such as Zoom, promoting auto-transcription of meetings, those in business who require accurate, grammatically-correct and professionally-formatted capture of the discussion (and who do not have the time to waste in subsequent painstaking proof-reading, while cross-referencing against the audio, to amend the inevitable errors and ‘digital mishears’), quickly realised that what may have seemed to be the thriftier route inevitably represented a tangibly false economy, and allowing an expert provider to take the strain made both financial sense and ensured a more polished – and, critically, secure – result.
Transcription security
Business meetings and professional recordings often feature highly sensitive content, so ensuring the protection of client data is a crucial factor which should never be taken lightly by any transcription company in its service delivery. Security due diligence should extend from the delivery platform to the individuals in its employment. Similarly, every individual should take personal responsibility towards adherence to security protocols. This is perhaps even more critical in the remote-working universe. VoiceNotes’ delivery platform passes all penetration tests. All employees pass CRB checks, in addition signing confidentiality contracts. We work on securely locked-down and encrypted company equipment. All equipment and processes pass ISO 27001 standards.
Read the job spec for the online transcription jobs carefully
It may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how quickly you can get ahead of the competition when you actually take the time to read what the recruiting company is looking for.
To quote our Director of Operations & Client Services, Marian Shepherd, “When I recruit, I always make a point of asking for a covering letter (and add that CVs without covering letters will not be considered). That subsequently helps fine-tune the selection process, as apart from giving me the chance to hear a little of the candidate’s ‘voice’ at an early stage, if a CV then arrives without the letter, you know the sender has either a) deliberately disregarded the request and can’t be bothered to make the effort – NOT our desired recruit, or b) they missed the request for the cover letter entirely – far from ideal when we’re looking for transcriptionists – and especially proofreaders – whose close attention to detail is crucial to the role!”
Our job specs for UK-based online transcription jobs
We always provide specific detail of the roles for which we are recruiting in our job board advertisements. We feel it’s important (and fair!) for candidates to have a clearer idea of expectations and how they will be spending their day, rather than a vague ‘audio typist/proofreader required’. This helps potential candidates to make a more informed decision over whether the role will be right for them. In turn, this helps increase the chance of our receiving candidates who will be a good match for us.
As an example, below is our current job spec for an audio typist’s role, included in our posted recruitment ads:
The role includes:
- Fast and accurate audio transcription of voicenotes and other transcriptions received, both via the VoiceNotes administration system and other audio file formats, with a diligent focus on correct spelling and punctuation.
- Developing, as an ongoing requirement, a broad knowledge of industry-appropriate terminology, names of key individuals and companies etc., to further increase accuracy of transcriptions.
- Becoming fully conversant with the use of relevant internet sites and ‘tools’ (such as the FSA register) to increase sector knowledge as appropriate.
- The senior transcriptionist is responsible for overseeing and training of new transcriptionists who may join the Company, ensuring they are fully aware of Company expectations of their performance in the transcription role.
- Ensuring appropriate prioritising of notes for typing. For instance, that same day turnaround clients, or 24 hours clients nearing deadline, are a priority versus less urgent notes.
- And wherever else you see a need and want to take the role…..!
While the job spec for audio proofreaders is as follows:
This role focusses on highly skilled proofreading. However, it also does also require typing support for transcriptionists when necessary. So the spec includes:
- Audio proofreading of incoming ‘voicenotes’ and transcriptions called in and dictated by clients. You need to ensure the highest standards of accuracy (a keen ear for regional and international accents is a prerequisite in achieving this).
- Demonstration of tenacity in making every effort to ensure there are no gaps in the text. For example, to check name spellings of companies and individuals mentioned.
- Demonstration of excellent grammar and punctuation skills (there will be a test at interview stage).
- Fast, accurate typing to support full-time transcriptionists when required.
- An aptitude for quickly assimilating skills in new IT systems.
- A willingness to expand your role and take on more responsibilities over time.
- And wherever else you see a need and want to take the role…..!
The ads for both roles always conclude with that all-important aforementioned request….!
We would love to hear from you if we have an opportunity (see below). If so, please forward your CV, with a covering letter. The covering letter conveying why the position appeals to you and what you feel you would bring to the role. (Please note, the covering letter is essential for your application)
Are there any opportunities with VoiceNotes now for UK-based online transcription jobs?
I’m afraid not at the moment.
A professional team, ready to work on multi-voice transcriptions is key
The VoiceNotes team is comprised of a full-time, permanent group of employees. We don’t have a long list of freelancers. This is quite unusual for a transcription and proofreading agency. However, we believe it’s the only way to ensure delivery of a consistent, high-quality service to our clients. Additionally, it enables thorough employee security vetting. Training and ongoing performance development is easier with permanent employees. Plus, it enables us to quickly become familiar with our clients, their specific requirements and business terminology. In effect, VoiceNotes becomes your ‘remote, in-house team’!
Feel free to talk to us about our recruiting. We are very open and honest in all aspects of the company. VoiceNotes tries to cultivate a culture of honestly, and we are very approachable.
Good luck with your search. We hope you find a great job soon. Keep positive!