Find out how to change your working life - Check out our vacancies on the right
Lifestyle choice
OutSec is always looking for people who want the flexibility of working from home on their own PCs. If you have a computer with Windows XP,
Internet Explorer or other suitable browser, Word 2002, internet connection, sound card and are technically competent then you can start transcribing work for OutSec. You will need to provide your
own headphones and transcription equipment including software, foot pedal and headphones – see the FAQs below for further details. Please note
that we are insistent about quality headphones being used. OutSec will submit sound files to typists in a .WAV, .WMA, .MP3 or .DSS format.
Minimum Requirements
We are interested in applications from all parts of the world but you should possess
a minimum 24 months experience in at least one of our specialist sectors. Please bear in mind that the vast majority of our clients are based in Great Britain
and therefore first-hand experience of working in a UK office environment will be advantageous (although not essential). OutSec has members working
in many different countries and time zones. You will need to have good typing skills and the ability to transcribe from digital sound files. A clear
grasp of English grammar is crucial, as is a thorough working knowledge of the specialist sector you intend to operate within. We have demand for our
services from solicitors, lawyers and barristers, estate agents, surveyors and the medical world as well as generalised business, including interviews.
If you have experience in any of these areas in a secretarial capacity we would love to hear from you.
You will be asked to take a typing test to establish your skill level. OutSec has Investors in People accreditation and prides itself on helping staff at all levels. Once you become a member you will be allocated your own typist page on FileManager with a login name and password. From here you will be able to access online resources, read the quarterly OutSec Typist Newletter and upload and download files securely without the need for email. Your Head of Department will work with you to identify which clients are best suited to your abilities and you will be given additional client-specific training as required.
Recruitment FAQs
- Would I be an employee of OutSec Ltd?
- So how do I get work?
- What equipment do I need?
- I live outside the UK. Can I still work with OutSec?
- Is there a minimum level of income?
- How do I get paid?
- How much do I get paid?
- How much does it cost to set myself up as a home typist?
- Can I remain working for my present company as well as working for OutSec during evenings and weekends?
- I am interested in joining OutSec. How do I do this?
Would I be an employee of OutSec Ltd?
No. You would become a Member of OutSec instead. You will be self-employed and invoice your services to OutSec at the end of each month. We would refer
UK residents to the Inland Revenue for details of how to set up as self-employed. Those typists who work for more than one client (eg their partner‘s
firm AND OutSec) may consider forming their own company. Please consult your own accountant for more advice. Non-UK residents should also refer to their
local tax authorities.
So how do I get work?
OutSec Members submit a form at the beginning of each week to their Head of Department detailing their availability over the following seven days.
OutSec clients will be selected as most appropriate for your particular skills and availability and you will be trained to work with them.
You will have access to client files and templates via FileManager and be expected to transcribe the work according to client instructions.
When a client uploads a sound file for transcription, the Head of Department will notify you that there is work available. There is no obligation
on your part to undertake any work submitted by OutSec. You will be required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement.
What equipment do I need?
Computer - A good reliable up to date Windows-platform computer installed with Microsoft Word 2002. Windows Vista has some problems associated with Internet Explorer7
and will require you to use another browser such as FireFox or Opera. You will be required to download and install a Java applet which will provide access to an interface between your computer and OutSec FileManager.
OutSec FileManager can operate with Apple Macs with the Java Applet installed.
Broadband connection - A Broadband internet access package is essential as you will need to be online for the entire period that you offer your services to OutSec. In other words if you offer your services to OutSec for half a day you will need to be online for this whole period in order for OutSec staff to be able to reach you quickly and efficiently. You will therefore need to ensure your connection is a good one as well as ensure that your processor can cope with running multiple programs such as Word, email, transcription software, instant messenger and other software programmes as appropriate.
Transcription Programme - You will also need a suitable transcription software program that allows the playing back of sound files in conjunction with a foot pedal. The Olympus AS4000 Pro Release 4 is recommended. You can order this equipment direct from the internet if you wish or from local stockists. We can recommend our preferred supplier, DMCL, www.dictateit.net., telephone 020 72221531. Please ask for Philip Rose. The transcription package includes a foot pedal to plug into your computer, software to install on the computer to enable you to listen to and transcribe voice files, and a set of headphones. The standard headphones will only be useful as a spare set in an emergency since their aural quality is poor and they can produce mishears. Beyerdynamics DT 770 Pro (250 ohm) (hp/cb) are recommended and cost approximately £85 plus VAT. We can recommend our preferred supplier, PA Systems www.pasystems.co.uk telephone 08456 441060 and we suggest you speak with Lee Unsworth.
Other universal-type transcription programmes are also available. Please ensure that they are able to play both .dss and .wav files as these are the most common file types on FileManager. The majority of our clients record on Olympus or Philips machines.
We have found that ordinary headphones can produce mishears. OutSec members are required to sign a form confirming that they possess these headphones before they can be allocated live work, following the testing period.
I live outside the UK. Can I still work with OutSec?
Yes. We are interested in applications from all parts of the world, subject to you meeting the requirements and having an appropriate level of experience.
Is there a minimum level of income?
No. The nature of outsourcing means that we cannot guarantee a minimum amount of work for any
given period. However, secretaries who show themselves to consistently deliver high-quality work to deadline and are readily available during the
working week are generally offered more work. Do not expect to earn a 4-figure income in your first month – it will take time to build up your OutSec
client base and a regular workflow will not be achievable for a few months. However, we have a number of homeworkers who do achieve this income on a
monthly basis.
How do I get paid?
All UK-based typists are paid directly (by internet banking) into UK bank accounts in UK Pounds Sterling. This payment will take place on the 15th of
each month, following invoice submission by homeworkers at the end of the previous month. Please note that it is not practical at present for OutSec to accept invoices with VAT added from typists. If you are VAT-registered please discuss this with your Head of Department before you commence undertaking any work from OutSec. We do not issue cheques or pay cash for services. Overseas
typists with UK bank accounts will also be paid in the same way. Other overseas typists will normally be paid through Paypal in the local currency
equivalent of the UK Sterling rate (see www.paypal.com). Bank transfers are very expensive and not a viable form of monthly payment. OutSec is a British company and conforms to all local laws. We ask you to declare your income to the Inland Revenue.
How much do I get paid?
OutSec knows that if you pay peanuts, you get monkeys! We want the best UK typists and this is reflected in our pay structure which we believe to be
very competitive. If you are a fast, accurate typist you should be able to earn temp rates easily. We use a standard formula so you know exactly how
much you will earn for each sound file, based on its length. You will be paid on a per-minute basis in exactly the same way as the client is charged.
How much does it cost to set myself up as a home typist?
If you already have a relatively new PC and internet connection, as well as email and word processing software, the only other thing you will require
is the digital transcription kit and Beyerdynamic headphones. For further information see above section on transcription programme.
You should also consider that there may be other expenses related to setting yourself up as self-employed such as accountancy fees.
WARNING: WE DO NOT ASK FOR ANY FEES IN REGISTERING YOU AS A TYPIST WITH OUTSEC. THERE ARE NO CHARGES APPLIED AT ANY STAGE OF THE SET-UP PROCESS NOR DO WE CHARGE YOU ANYTHING FOR BEING A MEMBER OR MAINTAINING AN ACCOUNT WITH US - AVOID ANY COMPANY THAT REQUESTS PAYMENTS FROM YOU - THESE ARE NORMALLY SCAMS.
Can I remain working for my present company as well as working for OutSec during evenings and weekends?
Yes, we have a number of typists who do this. However, by definition, this means that we can only offer you work that can be done overnight/weekend and
therefore this limits what you can earn.
I am interested in joining OutSec. How do I do this?
First you need to see the Current vacancies section at the top right of this page. If there is demand for your services then please complete the online application form there. Note that CVs attached to emails will automatically be deleted. Successful Applicants will be
contacted and invited to participate in further assessments. We regret that we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants. Applications must
be submitted on the correct form. The volume of interest in OutSec means that all other correspondence will be disregarded.
