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What does a Transcriber do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A transcriber is a person who converts speech into written form.

Transcriber job duties include:

  • Listen to audio recordings and type them out verbatim
  • Edit transcripts for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling
  • Time stamp each line of dialogue in the transcript
  • Insert non-verbal cues into the transcript, such as [laughs], [inaudible], and [crosstalk]
  • Follow specific formatting guidelines, such as those for legal transcripts
  • Upload completed transcripts to a client or employer
  • Maintain confidentiality of all information transcribed
  • Use reference materials, such as dictionaries and style guides, as needed
  • Complete quality control checks of audio recordings and transcripts
  • Keep up to date on industry news and developments

Transcriber Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for transcribers, although some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. There are also no certification or experience requirements, although transcription experience is always helpful. The most important requirement for transcribers is the ability to type quickly and accurately while listening to audio recordings.

Transcriber Skills

  • Listening
  • Typing
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • English grammar
  • Punctuation
  • Research
  • Organizational
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Computer

Related: Top Transcriber Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Transcriber

There are many reasons you might want to become a transcriber. Maybe you’re a stay-at-home mom who wants to earn some extra money. Maybe you’re a student who wants to make some money on the side. Or maybe you just enjoy listening to audio and want to put your skills to use. Whatever your reasons, if you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, transcription might be the perfect fit for you.

So, how do you become a transcriber? The first step is to find a good transcription program. There are many different programs out there, so take some time to research and find one that fits your needs and budget. Once you have a program, the next step is to start practicing. Listen to audio files and transcribe them using your program. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at it.

Once you feel confident in your transcription skills, it’s time to start looking for work. There are many different places you can find transcription work, including online job boards and freelance websites. You can also contact companies directly and inquire about transcription work. Once you land a few clients, be sure to deliver quality work and meet deadlines to build up a good reputation.

With hard work and dedication, anyone can become a transcriber. If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, transcription might be the perfect fit for you.

Related: Transcriber Resume Example

Related: Transcriber Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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