Typist Job Description Template to Attract Top Talent

To attract top-tier candidates, it's crucial to craft a clear and comprehensive job description that aligns with current industry standards and the unique demands of your organization. A well-defined job description not only streamlines the recruitment process but also ensures that you attract candidates who are genuinely equipped to meet your expectations. Let's explore the key components of a perfect typist job description and how you can tailor it to find the ideal match for your business.

What Is a Typist?

A typist is a professional skilled in typing text documents quickly and accurately using a keyboard or typewriter. They transcribe information into written formats like letters and reports, requiring attention to detail, language proficiency, and computer literacy. Typists play a vital role in industries such as legal, healthcare, and administration, where efficient document production is essential.

Where to Find a Typist?

• Online job boards: Post the typist job opening on major boards (e.g., Indeed, LinkedIn, local job sites). As one guide notes, “Online job boards are the best place to find qualified typist applicants.”
• Freelancer/contract platforms: If you need a typist on a project basis (rather than full-time), platforms such as Upwork are useful (see cost section below).
• Specialist recruitment agencies: Agencies specializing in administrative, transcription, or data-entry roles can help pre-screen typist candidates.
• Internal hiring/employee referrals: Sometimes selecting someone already familiar with company systems can help reduce training time.
• Local community colleges/vocational schools: Many offer typing, transcription, or administrative courses; graduates may be looking for typist roles.
• Remote talent pools: Given that many typing tasks can be done remotely, you can broaden your candidate pool internationally (which may affect cost, time zone coordination, language skills, and data security).
• Social media and professional groups: LinkedIn groups, Facebook groups, and forums for transcription/administrative professionals may yield candidates.
• Assess skills early: Use a typing test (speed + accuracy), a proofreading task, and a formatting sample, and include confidentiality checks in screening.

Typist Job Description Template

We are seeking a detail-oriented typist who will accurately convert handwritten material, audio recordings, meeting minutes, and other source formats into digital documents. The ideal candidate will have fast and accurate typing skills, a strong command of [Language], proficiency with word processing and related software, excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work under deadlines.

Typist Responsibilities:

• Type and format documents from dictation, handwritten notes, audio recordings, meeting minutes, correspondence, and other media.
• Proofread and correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting errors.
• Reformat, merge, convert, and organize documents in accordance with company style and filing systems.
• Maintain digital and physical document filing and retrieval systems.
• Transcribe meeting notes, conferences, or audio as needed, and distribute or file the resulting documents.
• Perform general administrative tasks (scanning, printing, copying, responding to emails, and answering calls) as required.

Typist Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (some roles may prefer further qualification or specialized transcription experience).
• Proven typing speed (for example: 50-80 words per minute) and high accuracy.
• Proficiency in office software: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) or Google Docs/Sheets.

Typist Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in [Language].
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive documents and information.

Challenges in Hiring a Typist

• Automation and AI substitution concerns: While many assume typing roles are being replaced by AI dictation/transcription tools, human typists are still valued for accuracy, formatting, context awareness, and confidentiality. However, the perceived threat of automation may deter more candidates from applying or raise questions about the role’s longevity.
• Finding high-accuracy, fast typists: The core skill is speed and accuracy. With many documents requiring zero or minimal errors (legal, medical, compliance), finding candidates who hit both benchmarks is harder. Templates recommend 50-80 WPM or more. Also, skills such as editing, formatting, and transcribing from audio or handwriting are increasingly expected.
• Remote vs. in-office dynamics: Many roles now allow remote work; however, hiring remote typists introduces challenges: ensuring secure data handling, verifying typing environment (quiet, distraction-free), coordinating across time zones, and monitoring quality.
• Skills beyond pure typing are expected: Employers increasingly expect typists to handle more than mere typing, e.g., formatting documents, using spreadsheets, managing filing systems, and maybe basic admin tasks. It widens the profile and narrows the candidate pool.
• Retention and role value perception: Candidates may view typist roles as less aspirational, leading to higher turnover or fewer qualified applicants. Ensuring the role has a clear career path or linkage with other admin/transcription roles helps.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire?

• For hiring a full-time typist in the U.S.: Typical annual cost around US $38,175 (varies by region and role complexity)
• Another resource notes average salaries of about US $32,540 to US $37,993 for typists in the U.S., with some wide variation.
• For freelance/contract typists via platforms like Upwork, hourly rates typically range from US $10 to US $28, with the median around US $15/hour globally.
• For project-based typist work (transcription of many pages), some freelancers charge by page: e.g., US $1.50–US $5.00 per finished page (depending on complexity, editing, formatting, and turnaround time).

Conclusion

Hiring a typist remains a viable and often necessary role for many organizations, amid automation and AI tools. The key is to be clear about what you need (pure typing versus transcription/formatting/administration), to craft a strong “typist job description” that reflects those needs, and to recognize both costs and hiring challenges up front.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I include in a typist's job description?

A: A good typist job description should cover job summary, responsibilities (typing, transcribing, formatting, proofreading, and filing), required skills (typing speed, software proficiency, attention to detail), and qualifications/experience. You may also include benefits and the application process.

Q: How fast should a typist be able to type?

A: Many templates require speeds of 50-80 words per minute or higher. However, depending on the job complexity (transcription, formatting, multi-tasking), you might set higher expectations.

Q: How do I write the “typist job description” to attract the right candidates?

A: Use a clear and engaging summary (what the role is and why it matters), list real responsibilities (not generic ones), specify required skills (typing speed, software), highlight benefits/culture (remote flexibility, growth opportunities), and mention how to apply (contact, deadline). Use some keywords like “typing,” “data entry,” “document transcription,” and “proofreading” so your ad is searchable.

Q: Can I hire a typist remotely, and what should I look for?

A: Yes, remote typists are common. When hiring remotely, you should check for reliable internet/computer setup, data security (VPN, encrypted files), a quiet workspace, the ability to meet deadlines independently, and clear communication/tracking. Also, clarify the time zone and response expectations.