Typist Career Description
Typists use typewriters or computers with word processing programmes to type neat replicas of any written letter, article or document.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Typists plan the layout of their typewriting according to the office prescriptions and the nature of the typing that has to be done. In many companies shorthand typists are being replaced by audio typists. These typists use dictating machines to produce written reports of the spoken word. Dictaphone typists are an asset for a company because of the time that is saved. Interviews, negotiations and meetings can be taped and later be transcribed by the audio typist.
Typists are progressively making use of word processors, because it is the quickest and most effective way to typewritten communication. By using a computer loaded with a word processing programme typists can type and alter information before the final printout of the document is made and saved on disks for future use.
Typists' work varies from one employer to the other. It is expected of copy-typists to make precise copies of the given document. General typists are allowed to make small changes and to improve the appearance of the document. The kind of material typists handle depends on the place where they work. Typists can for instance work with legal documents, company documents, building industry documents, final accounts, medical accounts, diagrams and tables, contracts, correspondence or manuscripts.
Some typists work in a typing pool. The supervisor gives the incoming work to the typists. In some cases typists act as assistants for private secretaries or they can work for an individual or for a whole department. In the latter case it is their responsibility to organize the work and to determine priorities.
Typists do their work in spacious and well equipped offices. Typing machines vary according to the nature of the typist's work. A person with a disability can also work as a typist. In such cases the equipment is adjusted to the person's disability.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Typists must have good language ability, especially with relation to spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. The ability to concentrate continuously is just as important. Persons with disabilities who want to follow this career must be able to adapt to their work situation.
Where can I work?
Typists can become private secretaries, receptionists, personal or pool typists, word processor or fax operators. Typists are employed in each division of the public sector. Promotion depends on work performance, enthusiasm, experience and training.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
An experienced typist can work on consultation basis for various companies and private persons.
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