Typist Jobs in the United States

Typist Jobs Overview

Typists play an essential role in many business environments, aiding both communication and organization. Accurate and speedy typing skills are valuable in many areas where information needs to be recorded or communicated efficiently. You can find plenty of typist jobs in various industries, including legal, medical, government, and education.

As a typist, you'll typically do the following tasks:

• Transcribe handwritten notes or recorded speeches.
• Create and format documents, such as letters, reports, and memos.
• Input data into spreadsheets or databases.
• Proofread and edit typed material for accuracy.
• Assist with administrative tasks, including responding to emails or managing filing systems.

Salaries for Typist Jobs

The median pay for a typist is $37,206, with wages ranging from $28,940 to $53,025. However, your income will depend on your experience level and employer.

Where you live also influences what you can earn. For instance, in New York City, you can bring home a median salary of $44,333. In Los Angeles, you’ll get around $40,781 annually. Monster's Salary Tool will tell you how much you can expect to make in your location.

How to Find the Right Typist Jobs for You

When considering a career as a typist, asking yourself the following questions can help guide your decision-making process and ensure you find a position that aligns with your skills, interests, and career goals:

• Do I have specialized skills or interests? Suppose you have experience or an interest in legal, medical, or other specialized areas. In that case, seek positions that align with those specializations.
• What type of work environment do I prefer? Consider if you prefer to work in an office, remotely, or in a specific industry like healthcare or legal.
• What are my career growth opportunities? Look for positions that offer potential for advancement or skill development if career growth is important to you.
• What are my work-life balance preferences? Assess the expected hours, flexibility, and remote work options to ensure they align with your personal needs and lifestyle.
• Is freelancing or contract work an option for me? If you value flexibility and control over projects, consider looking for freelance opportunities.
• Can I pursue additional training if needed? Some specialized roles might require specific courses or certifications, so assess whether you're willing to invest in those.
• How stable is the job market for typists in my location? Researching the demand for typists in your area can give you insight into potential job stability and opportunities.

How to Review Descriptions for Typist Jobs

Reviewing job descriptions for typist positions requires careful examination to ensure that you understand the role's requirements, responsibilities, and expectations. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Assess the Responsibilities

Identify the key tasks mentioned in the job description. Look for:

• typing and transcription duties
• document creation and formatting
• data entry requirements
• any administrative tasks, like managing emails or scheduling

2. Examine the Qualifications

Review the qualifications and requirements section to understand:

• required typing speed and accuracy
• specific software proficiency
• educational background or certifications, if applicable
• any specialized knowledge needed (e.g., legal or medical terminology)

3. Consider the Work Environment

Pay attention to details about:

• location (office-based, remote, or hybrid)
• work hours and flexibility
• the team or department you would work with

4. Understand the Company Culture

Research the company's mission, values, and culture to ensure alignment with your own values and work preferences. Look beyond the job description on the company's website or review sites.

How to Apply to Typist Jobs

Applying to typist jobs with a tailored, thoughtful approach can significantly enhance your chances of standing out and securing an interview. Remember, each job application may have unique requirements, so it's vital to carefully read the job description and follow the specific instructions provided by the employer.

Update Your Resume for Typist Jobs

When writing your resume, start with a strong professional summary statement highlighting your career goals, typing skills, and what makes you an ideal candidate. This brief introduction should quickly convey why you're suited for the role.

In the skills section, focus on relevant abilities such as:

• typing speed (words per minute) and accuracy
• proficiency in word processing software like MS Office Suite
• familiarity with transcription or specialized terminology
• attention to detail
• organizational and multitasking abilities

Thoroughly proofread your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors, and consider having someone else review it. Finally, customize your resume for each application by emphasizing the skills and experiences that align closely with the job description.

For extra help, use Monster's Resume Writing Services. One of our experts will craft an eye-catching and professional resume highlighting your unique skills and selling points.

Add a Cover Letter

By carefully crafting your cover letter, you can create a personalized and compelling case for why you’re the ideal candidate. Start by highlighting your relevant skills and experiences in the body of your letter. Focus on aspects like typing speed, accuracy, familiarity with the required software, and any specialized knowledge, such as legal or medical terminology.

Next, convey how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs and culture of the company. Researching the company's mission, values, or projects can help you make this connection, showing genuine interest in the company.

Make sure to provide specific examples or achievements demonstrating your ability to excel as a typist. Detailing a previous role where you handled tasks like transcription, document formatting, or data entry can effectively illustrate your qualifications. Including measurable results will also help to enhance your claims.

Submit Your Applications for Typist Jobs

Now that your application is ready to send, it’s time to apply for typist jobs. First, set up your free Monster profile and upload up to five versions of your resume to help recruiters find you online. Set up custom job alerts, and we’ll send you notifications about new positions, so you can apply quickly.

How to Follow Up on Your Application

Following up after sending a job application demonstrates your enthusiasm and interest in the position. Use our tips to follow up the right way:

• Typically, waiting about one to two weeks is best unless the job listing specifies a different timeline. This gives the hiring team time to review applications.
• If the job posting mentions a preferred contact method, follow those instructions. Email is often the most appropriate way to follow up, but a phone call may be acceptable.
• If following up via email, start with a polite greeting and briefly restate your interest in the role. Ask for an update on the hiring timeline or your application status.
• If you don't receive a response after your initial follow-up, consider one more attempt after another week. However, it's important to recognize when to move on and continue with other job opportunities.

Interviewing Tips for Typist Jobs

Preparing for a typist job interview involves a combination of understanding the specific demands of the role and honing your general interview skills. By embracing the following strategies, you'll be well-prepared to present yourself as a strong candidate.

How to Prepare for Your Interview

Start by thoroughly analyzing the job description, taking note of the key responsibilities, required skills, and qualifications. This foundational understanding will guide your preparation and help you anticipate what the interviewer might ask.

Next, dive into the company's background, exploring their website, recent news, or blog posts. Understanding the company's culture, values, and industry will allow you to tailor your responses and show that you've done your homework.

The Interview Process

Expect to answer questions about your typing speed, accuracy, proficiency with specific software (such as Microsoft Word or Excel), and other relevant skills. You may be asked about previous experiences demonstrating your attention to detail, ability to multitask, or handling deadlines.

Keep in mind that many interviews for typist positions include a hands-on test to assess your typing skills. This could involve typing a given text within a set time, transcribing a recording, or demonstrating your ability to format documents properly.

Also, prepare to answer behavioral questions. These are designed to understand how you handle particular situations or challenges. You might be asked how you prioritize tasks, work under pressure, or collaborate with a team. Always use the STAR method to structure your responses effectively.

How to Follow Up After Your Interview

Following up after a job interview is a professional way to reinforce your interest in the position, express gratitude for the opportunity, and keep yourself on the interviewer's radar. Use our steps to follow up effectively:

• Send a thank-you email: Within 24 hours of the interview, it's important to send a thank-you email to the interviewer. In this email, express your appreciation for the chance to interview, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position, and highlight key points to show you were engaged.
• Wait for the specified time: If the interviewer gave you a timeline for when they would make a decision, respect that. If you don't hear back within that period, following up after one week is appropriate.
• Be respectful of the process: It's natural to feel anxious, especially if you're very interested in the job. However, it's essential to be respectful and not overwhelm the hiring team with frequent follow-ups.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

Receiving a job offer for a typist position is an exciting event requiring careful consideration and thoughtful action. Start by expressing gratitude for the offer and ask for some time to review it, typically a few days to a week. This gives you time to thoroughly assess the entire package, including salary, benefits, work hours, opportunities for growth, and other vital aspects.

If you have other pending offers, use this time to weigh them against each other, identifying the one that best aligns with your career and personal needs. Don't hesitate to consult with trusted mentors or professional peers if you're uncertain. If necessary, approach the employer with respectful negotiation for any terms that might not meet your expectations.

Once you've arrived at a decision, convey it professionally. If you accept, share your excitement and ask for a final formal offer letter to clarify all the terms. If declining, maintain courtesy, thanking them for the opportunity.

Typist Jobs: Career Paths

Choosing an advanced career path as a typist involves identifying opportunities for growth and development that align with your interests, skills, and long-term goals. As a typist, you've developed valuable skills that you can apply to various career paths. Here are some steps to help you explore these:

• Assess your skills and interests: Start by evaluating what you enjoy most about your current role as a typist and what skills you’ve acquired. Are you drawn to the technical aspects, or do you have a passion for communication and collaboration?
• Explore opportunities within your organization: Often, opportunities for advancement can be found within your company. Talk to your supervisor or HR representative about potential career paths, training, and development opportunities.
• Consider additional education or training: Depending on the direction you want to take you may need additional education or certifications. For instance, specialized training might be necessary if you're interested in legal or medical transcription.
• Network and seek guidance: Connect with professionals in the fields you're interested in. Seek informational interviews, attend industry events, or join professional groups on social media.

Remember, advancing your career as a typist doesn't necessarily mean leaving your current skill set behind. Instead, think of it as building on your existing skills and adding new ones that open doors to more specialized or senior roles. With careful planning, ongoing learning, and a proactive approach, you can find an advanced career path that is both fulfilling and aligned with your professional growth.

With more experience and training you could advance into one of these roles:

• paraprofessional
• executive assistant
• office manager
• office secretary

Typist Jobs: Similar Occupations

Looking for other administrative jobs? Check out these related roles:

• data entry jobs
• office clerk jobs
• receptionist jobs