How to Become a Typist19 Sep
A typist has a great many job opportunities in many fields and typing is also a job requirement for different jobs.
In the olden days, not too long ago, a typist used to type on a typewriter which was first a manual one and then and electric one. While the keys are the same, the typewriter has now been replaced by a keyboard which does not require as much effort to use. It also results in faster typing speeds and of course, more error free typing.
However, because more people are computer savvy and printers are in use, typists may not find as many traditional job openings as before. To compensate, there are different type of job openings for typists such as audio transcription of various types, data entry, typing from one format to the other or occasionally shorthand typing.
The Work
The work consists basically of typing and so can be fairly routine. Often it can be in the clerical cadre. A good knowledge of English is important to pick out and correct errors as is knowledge of filing and keeping records and databases.
You need to be familiar with using the computer, particularly word and depending of the place you work for, other office software as well. You will have to pay particular attention to detail and gets facts and figures right. You will also need to use machines in the office if required so you should be familiar with printers, copiers, photocopiers, franking machines and the like.
Academic Background and Qualifications
You don’t need to be highly educated for this kind of job – a basic high school diploma will be necessary as also the requisite typing skills. For this you can either join a typing school or practice at home using special keyboard software so that you can do touch typing and increase your typing speed.
In high school or college you ought to take up subjects like Computer Applications, Keyboarding, Office Procedures, You may also hone your skills further by taking up summer jobs, part-time work or internships. If you have some college or further education after high school, it will help you to land a job initially.
If you want to increase your skills, you can do the many certificate courses available in typing, word processing and office skills.
Jobs
Jobs are available in the public and private sector there are government jobs which may be available at the local, federal or state government agencies. You can enter almost any kind of field through knowledge of typing and advance there or try something other field, while still being a typist. Typists may be hired by offices, schools, hospitals, retails, hotels and hospitality, legal offices, courts and, in fact, any kind of field.
Data entry, transcribing and typing jobs are also jobs which can be done from home where they can be more flexi time, but usually without the jobs security and other perks and benefits offered by full time jobs. As a typist you can also find jobs which offer part-time or weekend employment to supplement your income from your main job.
Earnings and Prospects
As a typist you can find work anywhere in the world and even work freelance if you so want through various job sites. In the US salaries can range from a low of $20,000 to a high of $43,000. In the UK £10,000 – £18000 is fairly average with £7 to £8 being the hourly rate.
If you are working a compnay you can advance from being a typist to a supervisory position, a secretarial job, a personal assistant or more. You can even become an office manager or manage a department. If you learn more on the job skills you can seek advancement within the organisation you work for.
Other Resource:
http://www.careeroverview.com/typist-salaries.html
http://www.iseek.org/careers/careerDetail?id=4&oc=100226
http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk/job-roles/45-typist-job-role.aspx
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