Typing
How to hire typists
Need to produce letters, books, and other documents from dictated audio or printed sources? A typist can help.
So how do you hire typists? What follows are some tips for finding top typists on Upwork.
How to shortlist professional typists
As you’re browsing available typing consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles on criteria such as:
- Writing specializations. Depending on what type of text you wish a typist to produce, you may need someone with copywriting, technical writing, or legal writing expertise.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., the Gregg shorthand system).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular typist.
How to write an effective typist job post
With a clear picture of your ideal typist in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a freelancer to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective typist job post should include:
- Scope of work: From letters to reports, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, writing styles, or shorthand systems, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to find a professional typist for your organization? Log in and post your typist job on Upwork today.
TYPISTS FAQ
What is a typist?
A typist is someone with professional typing skills who works in an administrative setting.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in professional typists:
- Typing
- Data entry
- Writing, editing, and proofreading
- Word processing software such as Microsoft Word
Why hire typists?
The trick to finding top typists is to identify your needs. There are three main types of typists: audio typists who produce text from dictated audio, copy typists who produce text from printed or handwritten sources, and shorthand typists who use a high-speed typing system to record speech in real time. The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a typist?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced typist may command higher fees but also work faster, have more specialized areas of expertise, and deliver a higher-quality product.
- A freelancer who is still in the process of building a client base may price their typing services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.