We are always on the lookout for good, accurate and reliable members to join our team.
If you have a broad vocabulary, impeccable grammar, and great typing speeds, then you are just what we need.
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Listening. You need to have a good ear for audio and be able to understand and transcribe files with poor audio quality, files where the speakers have varied accents and files where multiple speaker identification is required.
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Experience. Have previous audio transcription experience (or at least be a fast, accurate typist of at least 2 years).
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Research. You need to be able to use the internet to research names, addresses and key terms.
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Language. You need a highly developed understanding of English grammar, punctuation, spelling and syntax. You need to understand how grammar and punctuation can convey or change a speaker’s intended meaning. Active listening while typing and the ability to contextualise are important skills.
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Management. You need to be able to manage your time appropriately so that you are able to meet our very tight deadlines and balance competing priorities. You will be responsible for your own productivity and invoicing. You will take pride and ownership in your work, always striving to produce transcripts of the highest quality possible.
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Communication. You need to be an open communicator. In particular you need to be able to communicate with us in relation to your work, particularly about your ability to meet deadlines. You need to be contactable via either Phone/SMS/email/Teams.
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Computer literacy. You need to be able to type at least 60wpm min with an accuracy of 97%. You must be a confident user of information technology. This means you need to possess intermediate to advanced Microsoft Word skills. You also need to be confident in downloading, installing and setting up new software on your computer and keeping your antivirus and operating systems up to date. Your computer needs to be password protected.
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Attention to detail. You must possess the ability to ensure that consistency is generated throughout the entire document. Pay meticulous and particular attention to detail.
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Work autonomously. Even though we provide support, you must be able to comprehend and follow instructions that are given to you. You must have the ability to take the initiative when searching for information.
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Location. Be either located in New Zealand or Australia. Australian and New Zealanders who have relocated overseas are encouraged to apply.
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So you want to become a professional typist?
Why?
Working as a typist can be an exciting career for many people. This job entails listening to audio files and converting them into text. The type of audio files you may encounter range from investigative interviews, business meetings to police interviews.
Transcripts are required for these areas to provide an accurate record of what was said.
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Being a typist is great career option for people who have a desire for lifelong learning and are determined to produce high quality work. An independent typing contractor working for our team receives many benefits including flexible working hours, the ability to work from home and the satisfaction of running their own business.
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What Background Knowledge Does a Typist Need?
To be a successful in this role, you need to be knowledgeable in the field you are transcribing. For example, if you will be working as a medical transcriptionist, having knowledge of medical terminology will be a great advantage. The same applies for if you are working in academic, legal or business fields. Being knowledgeable in the jargon of the field you are transcribing will help you work more efficiently and a create a more accurate transcript.
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If you will be working as a typing contractor for a business such as Bookiwi Transcription Services, having strong general knowledge will be looked upon favourably. Familiarity with a broad range of subjects when working as a typist is vital as you will be challenged with a diverse range of topics.
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Probably the most important things for transcriptionists to understand are the rules of English writing. You need to have a strong grasp of spelling, grammar and sentence structures. Knowing simple things, such as the difference between your and you’re, there, their and they're, vastly improves the quality of a professional transcript. Take the time to brush up on the basics and improve your writing.
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What Skills Are Required to be a Successful Typist?
To be a professional typist you require certain skills which can be acquired through practice.
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For example, a Bookiwi Transcription typist needs to be able to type at a speed of 60 words per minute with 97% accuracy. You may not be at that speed and accuracy yet, but you can reach this speed and accuracy with practice. There are many free typing practice programs and tests online to help improve your speed. Also, you can utilise hotkeys and text expansion apps such as Breevy, Fast Fox and PhraseExpander to type with more efficiency.
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Some other skills that will be helpful for any typist include:
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Time management
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Computer literacy
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Strong attention to detail
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Communication
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Understanding accents
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Research (e.g. Google)
Which Tools Are Recommended for Typists?
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Specialised transcription software programs such as ODMS, SpeechExec Pro and Express Scribe provide a variety of features to optimise your audio. Some of these features include background noise cancellation, speed adjustment and tone control. These are all useful features for transcribing as they can make the audio easier to understand and leads to more accuracy.
In terms of equipment, a foot pedal and a headset are recommended.
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What about Foot pedals?
Foot pedals work in conjunction with your transcription software to control the audio playback hands-free. They generally have three to four buttons which you can configure to have a variety of settings. Most commonly, people have the buttons set to play/pause, fast-forward and rewind. Some other functions can include slowdown, jump or next dictation. By allowing you to focus on typing, foot pedals are a simple to use tool that can greatly improve your efficiency as a typist. Dictate360, Pacific Transcription and sometimes on eBay you can find a range of foot pedals to suit you, even ergonomic ones.
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Headsets
A good quality, noise cancelling headset is a requirement for any transcription work.
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We usually recommend a good gaming headset with surround sound and have found these to be very good at picking up even the smallest whisper.
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Software
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The latest version of Microsoft office is recommended. Express Scribe is the software we use. Microsoft Teams installed on your phone and PC.
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Typists play a vital role in many businesses, so let's get started!
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To download a trial version of Express Scribe, please click here. This will take you away from our website and to NCH, the provider of the software.
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