What do word processors and typists do?
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.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Clerk Specialist
- Clerk Typist
- Keyboard Specialist
- Stenographer
- Typist
- Word Processing Operator
- Word Processing Specialist
- Word Processor
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update, and delete documents.
- Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- Perform other clerical duties, such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
- Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
- Print and make copies of work.
- Search for specific sets of stored, typed characters to make changes.
- Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
- Collate pages of reports and other documents.
- Reformat documents, moving paragraphs or columns.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
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