Typing speed and getting a job?

mogrady14

I am thinking of looking for jobs that involve dictaphone typing. I realise that it involves typing at speed. How could I speed up my typing? I already type around 40wpm. Are there any online course materials that are recommended for improving typing speed? Thanks

akura

There's a program called 'Mavis Beacon'
it's a typing program that help's get your typing speed up

jobhunter50

You could try this as well:

http://keybr.com/

Toast4532

where can you get mavis beacon for free for windows 7? i have looked and cannot find it anywhere. i downloaded a file from cnet but it only works on older versions of windows.

mockingjay

You would really need at least 50wpm on a dictaphone but most secretaries/typists would have an average of 70-80wpm copy. There are a number of online speed test sites that are free such as www.typingtest.com, to put speeds in perspective, to get a good grade at Junior Cert typing you would need to have 45wpm! Any agency will then test your speeds. Good luck.

OP, this might sound like a silly question but are you typing properly (i.e. touch typing) ?

At 40wpm it sounds like maybe you're not using the right technique. I learnt how to touch type when I was young, and while I'd have no inclination to learn to type fast, I'd comfortably type at around 60wpm. So touch typing really does make a huge difference. In addition, if you're typing professionally you'll be expected to not need to look at the keyboard, so again touch typing is essential.

If you're already touch typing, then you don't need a program or lessons, you just need practice. Just type all the time. Pick a book or something and just type it out. It's as easy as that. Maybe also try typing on different keyboards (I find that laptop keyboards are slightly easier to type on because of their flatter keys, whereas a desktop computer keyboard tends to have bigger buttons) just in case you get used to one type and then find yourself in a job where you're not as up to speed on the keyboard there.

looksee

I used to do dictaphone typing, many years ago, and there are two main things. As a previous poster has said, touch typing is essential. You should be able to type fluently using all your fingers, on a blank keyboard, in fact that is how you learn. Its not easy to start with and I imagine anyone who has been doing other kinds of typing would find it difficult to change their habits, but you need to do it to get up speed.

The other thing is to type using only your hands and your eyes or ears, don't let your brain process what you are reading/hearing. This sounds really weird I know, but thinking about it slows you down. Sound goes in your ears and comes out of your fingers onto the keyboard. Every now and again you will start to 'hear' what is being said and your speed will slow down, but it becomes second nature. Though I don't think I could do it now.