Career summary

Details for Word Processors and Typists


Description

Use word processor/computer or typewriter to type letters, reports, forms, or other material from rough draft, corrected copy, or voice recording. May perform other clerical duties as assigned.

Tasks

  • Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
  • Perform other clerical duties such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
  • Gather, register, and arrange the material to be typed, following instructions.
  • Type correspondence, reports, text and other written material from rough drafts, corrected copies, voice recordings, dictation or previous versions, using a computer, word processor, or typewriter.
  • File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update and delete documents.
  • Print and make copies of work.
  • Keep records of work performed.
  • Compute and verify totals on report forms, requisitions, or bills, using adding machine or calculator.
  • Collate pages of reports and other documents prepared.
  • Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
  • Reformat documents, moving paragraphs or columns.
  • Search for specific sets of stored, typed characters to make changes.
  • Adjust settings for format, page layout, line spacing, and other style requirements.
  • Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
  • Operate and resupply printers and computers, changing print wheels or fluid cartridges, adding paper, and loading blank tapes, cards, or disks into equipment.
  • Transmit work electronically to other locations.
  • Work with technical material, preparing statistical reports, planning and typing statistical tables, and combining and rearranging material from different sources.
  • Use data entry devices, such as optical scanners, to input data into computers for revision or editing.
  • Transcribe stenotyped notes of court proceedings.
  • Manage schedules and set dates, times, and locations for meetings and appointments.

Interests

  • Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

  • Computers and Electronics -Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • English Language -Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Clerical -Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Skills

None found.

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