Typist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the digital age, the demand for skilled typists has never been more significant.

As our world becomes increasingly digitized, the need for individuals who can efficiently, accurately, and swiftly translate verbal or written content into digital form grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a typist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the ins and outs of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the fundamentals of typist job,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable typist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Typist Duties and Responsibilities

Typists are primarily responsible for converting verbal or written content into a typed format using keyboards and specialized transcription devices.

They may also perform administrative tasks and quality control duties, ensuring accurate and efficient data entry.

A Typist’s daily duties and responsibilities typically include:

• Transcribing documents from dictated tapes, handwritten drafts or other types of reports
• Proofreading completed work for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors
• Maintaining and updating databases, ensuring that entries are correct and complete
• Assisting in preparing and formatting documents such as reports, memos, and letters
• Operating and maintaining office equipment like printers, copiers, and fax machines
• Following data privacy and confidentiality rules and regulations
• Responding to queries and requests for information from employees and clients
• Managing and organizing physical and digital filing systems

 

Typist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled typist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for creating and maintaining digital records, drafting correspondence, and other administrative tasks that require typing.

You should have excellent typing speed and accuracy, along with proficiency in word processing tools and spreadsheets.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribe documents from dictated tapes or handwritten drafts
• Prepare correspondence and reports by typing them accurately
• Create and maintain digital records
• Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format
• File and retrieve documents, records, and reports
• Perform data entry tasks
• Carry out administrative tasks as assigned

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a typist, data entry clerk, or data entry operator
• Fast typing skills; touch typing system knowledge is a plus
• Experience with word-processing software and spreadsheets (e.g. MS Office)
• Great attention to detail
• Completion of a high school degree or equivalent
• Excellent written communication skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Work-life balance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Typist
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional remote work opportunities. No travel required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Office Manager or Administrative Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Typist Do?

Typists, also known as data entry clerks or transcriptionists, work in a wide range of industries where written information needs to be processed or documented.

Their primary role is to type out documents, reports, letters, and other materials from handwritten or recorded audio notes.

They may also be tasked with inputting data into a database or spreadsheet, creating and formatting presentations, or processing and responding to emails.

In terms of transcription, Typists listen to recorded or live audio files and convert the spoken words into written form, accurately capturing all the necessary details.

They also need to proofread their work for grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors to ensure the information is accurate and easily understandable.

Typists may also be responsible for maintaining and organizing files, both digital and physical, to ensure information is easily accessible when needed.

In some roles, Typists may also perform administrative tasks such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and assisting with other office procedures.

Regardless of the specific tasks, Typists must be able to type quickly and accurately, have excellent grammar and punctuation skills, and be comfortable using a variety of computer programs.

 

Typist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient typist should possess a set of skills and qualifications that align with the job description, such as:

• Exceptional typing skills, including touch typing, to ensure speed and accuracy
• Good understanding and knowledge of grammar, punctuation and spelling to guarantee the quality of typed material
• Ability to use word processing software and text editing tools effectively
• Strong attention to detail to identify and correct errors in written material
• Excellent time management skills to complete assignments in a timely manner
• Patience and focus to work on long documents and spend extended periods sitting and typing
• Ability to follow instructions accurately to fulfill specific typing requirements
• Good organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively
• Basic knowledge of office operations and procedures
• Communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues and superiors

 

Typist Experience Requirements

Typists often gain their initial experience through completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, with many progressing to vocational schools or community colleges to study business, communication or a similar field, where they further develop their typing, grammatical and language skills.

For entry-level positions, candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience in clerical or secretarial roles, often through part-time jobs or internships, that have allowed them to gain familiarity with common office software and word processing programs.

Those with 3 years of experience or more have usually honed their typing speed and accuracy, as well as their proficiency in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

They may have also acquired experience in transcribing audio files, entering data, and managing administrative tasks.

Typists with 5 or more years of experience may have further developed their skills in specific sectors, such as legal or medical, where they have learned industry-specific terminology and practices.

They may also have experience in supervisory roles, overseeing the work of junior typists or administrative staff.

This level of experience often positions them for more specialized or managerial roles.

 

Typist Education and Training Requirements

Typists typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Some may choose to pursue further education in fields such as Business Administration or English, but this is not a requirement for most typist positions.

A key requirement for a typist role is a strong proficiency in typing.

This can be gained through high school typing classes, online typing courses, or self-directed practice.

An accurate typing speed of 40 to 60 words per minute is generally expected.

Knowledge in computer systems and software like Microsoft Office Suite is also crucial.

Many companies will require typists to be comfortable using word processing software, spreadsheets, and email programs.

While not mandatory, certification in typing or related areas, such as administrative support or data entry, can enhance job prospects.

These certifications can demonstrate a candidate’s technical skills and commitment to professional development.

Most training for typists is on-the-job, including learning company-specific software and adapting to the style and needs of the company or department they are working in.

Some positions may require knowledge of specialized terminology, such as legal or medical terms.

In these cases, additional training or education may be needed.

 

Typist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a typist is approximately $33,000 (USD) per year.

The actual income a typist earns can be influenced by factors such as experience, skills, location, and the company they work for.

 

Typist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a typist need?

A typist needs to have excellent typing skills, including speed and accuracy.

They should also have good knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Familiarity with specific types of software like word processing or spreadsheet applications can also be beneficial.

In addition, good attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure are important traits for a typist.

 

Do typists need any specific qualifications?

There are no specific qualifications required to become a typist, but a high school diploma is generally preferred.

Some positions might require a typing speed of a certain number of words per minute, and knowledge of specific software might also be required.

Some companies might offer on-the-job training, but experience with typing and computer software is typically expected.

 

What should you look for in a typist’s resume?

In a typist’s resume, look for previous experience in a similar role that demonstrates their typing speed and accuracy.

Any specific software skills, like proficiency with Microsoft Word or Excel, should also be noted.

They may also list their words per minute typing speed.

Other important skills to look for include attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.

 

What qualities make a good typist?

A good typist is accurate and fast.

They have a keen eye for detail, which helps prevent errors.

They can manage their time efficiently to meet deadlines, and they can work independently without constant supervision.

In addition, they should be comfortable sitting at a desk for extended periods and have the physical stamina to type for most of the day.

 

Is it difficult to hire a typist?

Hiring a typist is not typically difficult as there is often a large pool of candidates with the necessary skills.

However, finding a highly skilled typist with a fast typing speed and a high level of accuracy can be more challenging.

It can be helpful to include a typing test as part of the interview process to accurately assess a candidate’s skills.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the often-overlooked world of typists.

Surprised?

Being a typist isn’t just about fast fingers on a keyboard.

It’s about being the backbone of communication, transforming spoken or written word into a digital format, one letter at a time.

With our comprehensive typist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop at ready?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating detailed listings or perfecting your resume to a tee.

Keep in mind:

Every character you type forms part of a bigger message.

Let’s shape that message. Together.

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