Update March 7, 2024: I recently changed the name of this site to Monday Roadmap, but I still occasionally hire transcriptionists for my company Opal Transcription Services. I’m currently looking for part-time overflow help with academic interview transcription starting in April. Must be based in Canada or the US, have work references, flexible availability (including weekends), and be very responsive to emails. Must be able to turn around 90 minutes of 2-3 speaker audio in three days.

Thank you for your interest in working with Opal Transcription Services!

The application process for general and legal transcriptionists consists of transcribing a short sample audio file (untimed) and filling out a short online assessment. Please download the sample MP3 file here and transcribe it into Microsoft Word or a text editor. Then fill out the online assessment here. You’ll be asked to paste your transcript into the final section of the form. Important: When you complete your application, please add the domain opaltranscriptionservices.com to your safe senders’ list to ensure that my onboarding emails reach your inbox. This is a good practice when applying to any transcription service. (Search Google to find out how to do this for your email client.)

The sample audio is challenging compared to most of the files we receive for transcription. That’s because it’s designed to test your abilities as a transcriptionist!

I recommend using free transcription software to transcribe the sample audio file. My favorites are Express Scribe or the FTW Transcriber (get a 7% discount on the pro version here).

If you run into any technical problems with the sample audio file or the online assessment form, you can email info[at]opaltranscriptionservices.com for assistance, though please note that I can’t provide technical support for Express Scribe or FTW Transcriber.

Due to the volume of applications I receive, I am unable to respond to them all. However, I save successful applications. This means you may receive a response from me several weeks after you submit your application. If you haven’t heard back in three months, feel free to reapply.

Application requirements:

  • Current resident of the US or Canada
  • Excellent punctuation and grammar skills (this is what sets our transcriptionists apart)
  • Highly detail oriented (e.g., you notice an extra space in the middle of a sentence, like  this)
  • Skilled at Internet research
  • Able to respond to emails within a reasonable timeframe (ideally within an hour or two)
  • Reliable at meeting deadlines
  • Open to constructive feedback
  • Experience transcribing in clean verbatim and true verbatim styles, or a willingness to learn
  • Able to accept payments via PayPal

Equipment you’ll need:

  • Microsoft Word
  • Transcription software such as Express Scribe or FTW Transcriber (get 7% off here)
  • Transcription foot pedal (recommended) – the Infinity USB pedal works well with most transcription software
  • A high-speed, reliable Internet connection

What we offer:

Opal Transcription Services is a transcriptionist-owned small business. We value the work you do! Here’s what we offer qualified freelancers:

  • Above-average pay rates. We pay far higher than companies like Rev and TranscribeMe, and our audio is better quality!
  • Above-average audio quality. Like any transcription service, we occasionally receive challenging audio and files that must be transcribed true verbatim. However, we specialize in academic research transcription, which usually consists of clean-verbatim one-on-one interviews or tightly moderated focus groups. As a bonus, the work is always interesting and educational.
  • A flexible work schedule. No minimum quotas, no shifts. Work when and how much you want. (Transcription makes a great side gig for English majors, freelance writers and editors, stay-at-home parents, and others looking for flexible remote work.)
  • A fun, friendly, and 100% remote work atmosphere.
  • The opportunity to gain professional experience working for a five-star-rated transcription service. As a transcriptionist-owned small business, we hold ourselves to a higher standard of quality than big tech transcription mills, and our clients notice the difference.