Sign in Post a Job Resources Data Entry Clerk Interview Questions Post a Job Are you a job seeker? Find jobs 1. What is your typing speed and accuracy? See answer 2. How do you handle the repetitive nature of a data entry position? See answer 3. Are you familiar with optical character recognition software or other data entry systems? See answer Show more questions 6 Data Entry Clerk Interview Questions and Answers Q: What is your typing speed and accuracy? A: Although industry standards suggest data entry clerks should type an average of 30 to 40 words per minute, many may be faster depending on the complexity of the content. However, you’ll want high-quality work as data entry errors can be costly to any organization. You’ll want to see whether your candidate answers this question by focusing on the speed of typing and if they understand that quality is just as important. What to look for in an answer: Reasonable typing speed per industry standards Understanding of the importance of high-quality work Balanced answer regarding speed and quality Example: “My data entry speed is about 45 words per minute; however, I try to produce error-free content to the best of my ability.” Q: Our data entry clerks have to take customer calls. How would you handle a customer complaint? A: Data entry representatives who work in customer service may need to deal with upset customers, and you’ll want candidates who can handle a potentially volatile situation with care. Strong communication skills are especially important here. You’re also assessing whether candidates will follow company procedures in escalation or will tend to solve things on their own. What to look for in an answer: Comfort level in handling customer complaints Ability to communicate effectively Empathy in difficult situations Example: “I’m a patient person and understand that resolution is what an upset customer is seeking. I’ll rely on company escalation procedures to manage such calls.” Q: How do you handle the repetitive nature of a data entry position? A: Data entry can involve hours of repetitive work in front of a computer screen. You’ll be evaluating your candidates to see whether they have an affinity for this type of work or not. Consider whether your candidates make smart decisions about taking breaks to take care of their physical and mental health during the day. Being aware of their own limits will mean higher-quality work and professionally satisfied data entry representatives. What to look for in an answer: Enjoyment of repetitive work Understanding the need to take breaks Ability to maintain efficiency Example: “I enjoy repetitive work and feel most productive doing data entry jobs. I take frequent stretch breaks to make sure I am focused and efficient.” Q: Are you familiar with optical character recognition software or other data entry systems? A: Depending on what software programs your business uses, you may want to ensure that your candidates have experience working with them. If not, you’ll want to be prepared to offer adequate training. Experience with optical character recognition software as well as any proprietary system you use for recording your customer or data information may provide insight into the candidate’s adaptability and comfort with technology. What to look for in an answer: Experience with basic office software Experience with data entry programs Interest and desire to learn new systems if needed Example: “I have experience with Microsoft Office products and have worked with several data entry systems. I’m a quick learner and can learn new systems as needed.” Q: If your job involved entering confidential data into our system, what would be important considerations for you? A: Data entry clerks may have access to sensitive information such as credit card data, medical details or other confidential information. You’ll want to assess the trustworthiness of your candidates. Be sure to listen for an appreciation for customer confidentiality issues. If any past employers or references have mentioned anything regarding this issue, you’ll want to gather more details during the interview. Give your candidates an opportunity to explain their side. What to look for in an answer: Appreciation for confidentiality of customers Trustworthiness of managing sensitive data Clean record of past problems or data breaches Example: “Privacy is an important issue today, and I take confidentiality issues very seriously in my job. I have never had an issue in any of my previous positions.” Q: Data entry clerks often verify a customer's identity, payment details, insurance provider or contact information by asking questions over the phone. Good data entry clerks understand the best practices for communicating effectively with others and verifying the accuracy of the information they entered. This question shows the interviewer that the data entry clerk can solve common communication issues with customers quickly and efficiently, allowing them to hit their goals while prioritizing accuracy. A: Applicants should explain their thought process for overcoming communication barriers and demonstrate these elements in their answer: Solution-oriented attitude Attention to detail Checking the accuracy of their work Here is an example answer where the candidate provides multiple successful strategies for understanding customers. Example: "When I'm having trouble understanding what a customer is saying, I first explain my difficulty to the customer so we can work together to get accurate information. I request that the customer speak slowly and if necessary, spell out the word I'm having trouble with. I repeat back what I hear to confirm that I understand. If I'm still having a serious issue understanding them, I would apologize for the inconvenience and look for alternative contact methods such as sending an email or writing a letter." Ready to get started? Post a Job Explore Interview Questions by Title A-C D-H I-L M-P Q-S T-Z Start Searching for Titles... Account Manager Account Officer Account Representative Accountant Accounting Assistant Accounting Clerk Accounting Manager Accounts Assistant Accounts Payable Specialist Accounts Receivable Specialist Actuary Administrative Assistant Administrative Clerk Administrative Manager Administrative Officer 1 2 3 Administrator Advertising Manager Analyst Anesthesiologist Architect Area Manager Art Director Assembler Assistant Accountant Assistant Administrator Assistant Controller Assistant Manager Assistant Project Manager Assistant Property Manager Assistant Store Manager ... Home > Interview Questions > Data Entry Clerk Interview Questions *Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your career or legal advisor, and none of the information provided herein guarantees a job offer. We're here to help Visit our Help Center for answers to common questions or contact us directly. Help Center Indeed Solutions Resources Contact support ©2021 Indeed · 6433 Champion Grandview Way Building 1, Austin, TX 78750