Top 10 Questions for Transcriber Interview

1. What are the different types of transcription and which techniques do you use for each type?

There are two main types of transcription: verbatim and non-verbatim. Verbatim transcription is a direct transcription of everything that is said, including all the filler words, hesitations, and repetitions. Non-verbatim transcription is a more condensed version of the transcript, which removes unnecessary words and phrases and makes the transcript more readable.

For verbatim transcription, I use a technique called “natural language transcription”. This technique involves transcribing the audio as close to the original as possible, including all the filler words, hesitations, and repetitions. For non-verbatim transcription, I use a technique called “edited transcription”. This technique involves removing unnecessary words and phrases and making the transcript more readable.

2. How do you handle sensitive or confidential information in transcriptions?

Confidentiality and Data Security

• Maintain strict confidentiality of all sensitive or confidential information encountered during transcription.
• Adhere to company policies and industry standards regarding data privacy and security.

Data Handling

• Use secure platforms and encryption methods to store and transmit sensitive information.
• Limit access to confidential data only to authorized personnel.
• Dispose of sensitive documents and data properly to prevent unauthorized access.

3. What are some of the challenges you have faced in transcription and how did you overcome them?

• Unclear or inaudible audio: Use noise reduction software, listen repeatedly, and consult with the speaker if possible.
• Technical jargon or specialized terminology: Research the subject matter, consult glossaries, and reach out to subject matter experts.
• Accents or dialects: Listen carefully, familiarize yourself with common pronunciation patterns, and utilize online resources for accent training.
• Multiple speakers or overlapping conversations: Identify individual voices, use timestamps to separate speakers, and pay close attention to context.
• Time constraints: Prioritize tasks, work efficiently, and utilize transcription software tools to streamline the process.

4. What are your rates and turnaround times for transcription?

My rates vary depending on the length, complexity, and turnaround time of the project. I typically charge $0.10 per audio minute for verbatim transcription and $0.08 per audio minute for non-verbatim transcription. My turnaround time is usually 24 hours for projects under 1 hour, 48 hours for projects between 1 and 5 hours, and 72 hours for projects over 5 hours.

5. What is your process for ensuring the accuracy of your transcriptions?

• Active Listening: Pay meticulous attention to every word spoken, including fillers and pauses.
• Multiple Passes: Transcribe the audio multiple times to minimize errors and improve accuracy.
• Proofreading and Editing: Thoroughly review the transcript for grammatical errors, misspellings, and inconsistencies.
• Quality Control: Utilize transcription software with built-in quality checks to identify potential errors.
• Client Feedback: Incorporate client feedback to ensure the transcript meets their specific requirements.

6. What are your experiences in transcription?

I have over 5 years of experience in transcription. I have worked on a variety of projects, including:

• Legal transcription
• Medical transcription
• Business transcription
• Academic transcription

I am proficient in using a variety of transcription software, including Express Scribe, TranscribeMe, and oTranscribe.

7. What is your understanding of timestamps and how do you use them in transcription?

Timestamps are used to indicate the time at which a particular word or phrase is spoken in an audio or video recording. They are typically displayed in the format [hh:mm:ss]. I use timestamps to:

• Identify specific sections of audio or video for review or editing.
• Synchronize transcripts with audio or video recordings.
• Create transcripts that are easy to navigate and search.

8. How do you handle transcription projects that require specialized knowledge or terminology?

• Research and Preparation: Thoroughly research the subject matter to familiarize myself with key terms and concepts.
• Collaboration with Experts: Consult with subject matter experts to clarify specialized terminology and ensure accuracy.
• Glossary Creation: Create a custom glossary of specialized terms to maintain consistency throughout the transcript.
• Continuous Learning: Actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and stay up-to-date with industry-specific jargon.

9. What are your preferred transcription tools and why?

My preferred transcription tools are Express Scribe and oTranscribe. Express Scribe is a paid software that offers a wide range of features, including variable speed playback, foot pedal support, and automatic timestamps. oTranscribe is a free and open-source software that is easy to use and has a built-in speech recognition engine.

I use Express Scribe for most of my transcription projects because it is a reliable and feature-rich software. I use oTranscribe for projects that require speech recognition or for quick and easy transcription.

10. How do you approach transcription projects that involve multiple speakers or complex audio?

• Speaker Identification: Carefully listen to the audio to identify and differentiate between speakers.
• Time Stamping: Use timestamps to mark speaker transitions and identify specific sections of the audio.
• Noise Reduction: Utilize noise reduction techniques to minimize background noise and improve audio clarity.
• Multiple Passes: Transcribe the audio multiple times, focusing on one speaker at a time to ensure accuracy.
• Collaboration: If necessary, collaborate with other transcribers to divide the work and ensure consistency.

As a skilled Transcriber, you will be entrusted with the critical task of meticulously interpreting and converting spoken or recorded audio into accurate written form. Your exceptional listening, multitasking, and attention to detail will be indispensable in delivering high-quality transcripts that adhere to established standards.

1. Transcription Accuracy and Formatting

Your primary duty will be to produce transcripts with exceptional accuracy, ensuring that every spoken word is meticulously captured and faithfully translated into written text. Additionally, you will adhere to specific formatting guidelines, including time-stamping, speaker identification, and comprehensive formatting.

2. Confidentiality and Data Security

You will be responsible for handling sensitive information and maintaining the confidentiality of all transcripts you produce. Adhering strictly to data security protocols and safeguarding personal and confidential data is paramount in this role.

3. Timeliness and Organization

Meeting deadlines is crucial in this fast-paced environment. Your ability to efficiently manage your workload, effectively prioritize tasks, and deliver transcripts within established timeframes will be essential for success in this role. Additionally, you will maintain accurate records and effectively manage your time to maximize productivity.

4. Collaboration and Communication

While primarily working independently, you will collaborate closely with other team members and clients. Effective communication and a collaborative spirit are essential for ensuring that you fully understand transcription requirements and deliver tailored transcripts that meet their specific needs.

Preparing thoroughly for your interview is crucial to making a great impression and increasing your chances of success. Here are some invaluable interview tips to help you ace your upcoming Transcriber interview:

1. Research the Company and Position

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the company’s culture, values, and the specific requirements of the Transcriber position. Understanding the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals will enable you to articulate your qualifications confidently during the interview.

2. Practice Your Transcription Skills

Demonstrating your proficiency in transcription is essential. Practice transcribing audio or video recordings to showcase your accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to adhere to formatting guidelines. Consider sharing samples of your work during the interview to provide tangible evidence of your capabilities.

3. Highlight Your Technical Skills

Emphasize your proficiency in using transcription software and tools. Knowledge of industry-standard platforms and your ability to navigate them efficiently will demonstrate your technical aptitude and ability to meet the demands of the role.

4. Showcase Your Communication Abilities

Effective communication is vital in this role. Prepare examples of how you have successfully collaborated with colleagues and clients, ensuring that you fully understood their requirements and delivered tailored transcripts accordingly.

5. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview demonstrates your engagement and interest in the position. Prepare a few questions that delve into the company’s culture, growth opportunities, or specific aspects of the role that you are curious about.