typist

Some of the typical tasks of a typist include:

• taking dictations from a supervisor: as a typist, you perform shorthand typing tasks. That means you take notes at a speaking pace and type them later in presentable formats. When taking instruction from a supervisor or senior executive, it is essential to maintain accuracy. An alternative is recording the conversation and transcribing it.
• transferring data from physical formats into databases: as a typist, your primary role is to convert documents in physical formats into digital files for storage in computer databases. The information can be handwritten notes or field reports. If the information is to be stored in a handwritten format, you use a stylus to capture the handwriting.
• reviewing documents for errors: after typing documents into digital formats, you proofread them to ensure you have entered the correct information. Reviewing documents helps you identify spelling and grammatical errors for correction before sending a letter to a client or forwarding the documents to other departments.
• performing data entry tasks: as a typist, you take notes during conferences, meetings and interviews. You convert the notes into reports and prepare the necessary documents for reference. During data collection or research, your job is to feed data or information into databases, software applications and spreadsheets.
• typing letters and preparing correspondence: as a typist, your job involves converting letters into digital forms. When the company holds a meeting, you prepare reports from handwritten drafts. You also use notes from shorthand dictations to prepare letters and emails to send to clients.
• operating computerised office equipment: in the past, typists used typewriters to convert information to digital forms. Nowadays, typists operate office equipment like printers, fax machines and photocopiers. You also rely on your proficiency in word processors to complete data entry tasks.

Your work environment depends on your employer. Some employers, such as medical clinics and accounting institutions, require a typist to work in the office. Other companies allow working from home but occasionally need you to be in the office. An example is a legal clerk who is required to take notes during court proceedings. You won't deal with frequent travelling in this role unless you work as a personal assistant who needs to be with the boss on business trips.

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include secretaries, personal assistants and data entry clerks. You also work with administrative assistants and call handlers, as well as other specialists like telephonists, bookkeepers and data analysts.

The work of a typist is very flexible, with full-time or part-time positions available. If you work in an office, expect fixed working hours, typically a traditional full-time 9 to 5 schedule. If you work from home, you are more independent and pick your job hours. Some jobs also let you choose whether to work on weekdays only or include weekends and holidays. Some typists are not employed directly by a company but work as freelancers, and their pay is determined by the job performed.

Working as a typist opens up opportunities for various careers. Typists are entry-level data-entry clerks and can work their way up the organisational ranks. For instance, some typists become secretaries or administrative assistants. Others specialise and become medical or court and legal typists. Some typists specialise in becoming subtitlers or caption typists who provide closed captions of recorded or live television programmes.

Finding your typist job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a typist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!

As a typist, you prepare company documents for your employer or client. The data sources for your work are in written or audio format. You type letters and reports, write emails and transcribe audio files. Attention to detail is necessary because your documentation must be as accurate as possible.

A typist is someone who is paid to type documents. As a typist, it helps to type fast from different sources. Your records should be organised and follow specifications from your employer. You are also expected to know how to operate office machines like typewriters, printers and scanners.

A typist earns an average salary of £21,618 per year. Your earnings depend on your experience and the complexity of your role. Some experienced typists earn over £30,000.

Since your main role is similar to data entry, some people question whether being a typist is a real job. The answer is yes. Many people benefit and earn a decent income from typist jobs.

Applying for a typist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our typist job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!