Word Processors and Typists

Career 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.

Industry: Office and Administrative Support

Other Job Titles for Word Processors and Typists:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• 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.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• 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, and/or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update and delete documents.
• Print and makes 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 and/or columns.
• Search for specific sets of stored, typed characters in order 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.
• Transport materials, products, or samples to processing, shipping, or storage areas, manually or using conveyors, pumps, or hand trucks.
• Prepare measurement tables and conversion charts, using standard formulas.
• Inspect products and examination records to determine the number of defects per worker and the reasons for examiners' rejections.
• Obtain and process information required for the provision of services, such as opening accounts, savings plans, and purchasing bonds.
• Compose, type, and mail customer statements and other correspondence related to issues such as discrepancies and outstanding unpaid items.
• Issue checks to bond owners in settlement of transactions.
• Inform customers about foreign currency regulations, and compute transaction fees for currency exchanges.
• Quote unit exchange rates, following daily international rate sheets or computer displays.
• Prepare work schedules for staff.
• Operate embossing machines or typewriters to make corrections, additions, and changes to address plates.

Emerging Tasks

• Manage schedules and set dates, times, and locations for meetings and appointments.
• Monitor emergency and code alarms, make emergency announcements, and route emergency calls to the appropriate location.
• Perform administrative tasks such as accepting orders, scheduling appointments and meeting rooms, and sending and receiving faxes.
• Perform various cash handling tasks such as collecting payments, making bank deposits, and managing petty cash.
• Perform various data entry and word processing tasks such as updating phone directories, typing and proofreading documents, and creating schedules.
• Place orders, such as for equipment and supplies and catering for meetings.
• Process incoming and outgoing mail, packages, and deliveries.
• Record information, update paperwork, and set up and manage paper and electronic filing systems to maintain documents (e.g., attendance records, correspondence, sensitive materials).
• Use computers for various applications (e.g., spreadsheet, word processing) and train and assist staff with computer usage.
• Repair books using mending tape, paste, and brushes, or prepare books to be sent to a bindery for repair.
• Schedule, supervise, and train clerical workers, volunteers, student assistants, and other library employees.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• collate printed materials
• compile data for financial reports
• create mathematical or statistical diagrams or charts
• distribute correspondence or mail
• ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
• examine documents for completeness, accuracy, or conformance to standards
• fill out business or government forms
• follow data storage procedures
• load tapes, disks or paper into computers or peripherals
• maintain inventory of office forms
• maintain records, reports, or files
• maintain telephone logs
• operate calculating devices
• operate duplicating equipment
• operate scanner
• paste up materials to be printed
• perform typing or data entry for extended duration
• prepare contract documents
• proofread printed or written material
• provide customer service
• route computer output to specified users
• take messages
• transcribe spoken or written information
• type document from machine transcription
• type letters or correspondence
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use desktop publishing software
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use telephone communication techniques
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• take inventory to identify items to be reordered
• use cash registers
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use inventory control procedures
• use oral or written communication techniques
• wrap products
• provide technical support to computer users
• publicize job openings
• reconcile or balance financial records
• route multi-line telephone calls
• schedule meetings or appointments
• schedule or contract meeting facilities
• schedule real estate closings
• take dictation
• take meeting notes
• take messages
• transcribe spoken or written information
• type document from machine transcription
• type letters or correspondence
• use accounting or bookkeeping software
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use desktop publishing software
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use shorthand writing procedures
• use spreadsheet software
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write business correspondence
• write employee orientation or training materials
• schedule employee work hours
• schedule meetings or appointments
• select software for clerical activities
• sell products or services
• sort books, publications, or other items
• sort mail letters or packages
• take dictation
• take messages
• transcribe spoken or written information
• type document from machine transcription
• type letters or correspondence
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use accounting or bookkeeping software
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use oral or written communication techniques
• use relational database software
• use spreadsheet software
• use telephone communication techniques
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• write business correspondence

Overall Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a teller might benefit from experience working directly with the public, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be a teller with little difficulty.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, pharmacy technicians, salespersons (retail), and tellers.

• Average hourly wage (2007) -$14.61
• Average annual wage (2007) - $30,380.00

• Employment (2006): 178,998

• Computer Operators
• Correspondence Clerks
• Library Assistants, Clerical
• Medical Secretaries
• Office Clerks, General
• Secretaries, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
• Secretaries, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
• Statement Clerks
• Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
• Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service