That is what LaToia Kell, Manager of Sales and Marketing for ProEdit’s Staffing Division, said when asked if any clients required proof of typing skills from potential candidates.
If it is assumed that you can type, how many words per minute can you type? How accurately do you type? When was the last time you took a typing test?
Use one of the links below to access a free, online typing test. If your score is less than favorable, you may want to use the typing test regularly to practice. This is a fast, easy, inexpensive way to improve typing speed and accuracy.
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"We assume that everyone can type" brings to mind the other, similar, related areas that people often take for granted.
ReplyDeleteFor example, many engineers that I've worked with over the years claim that they "know" or "can use" or even "are proficient" with Microsoft Word.
In editing their documents, you see the glaring errors. Seventeen paragraph returns to get the cursor to the next page, instead of using Insert --> Break --> Page Break. And on and on it goes.
When I was a contract Technical Writer at one of the large pharmaceutical companies, our department supervisor asked, "How does one insert a picture into Word?"
Assisting in this matter caused him to declare me a Microsoft Word expert at the subsequent group meeting, and this lead to a lone line of system administrators and others lining up outside my office with their pet Word questions and peeves.
During a job hunt phase I worked with a company that actually administered several proficiency tests, so that they in turn could let the clients know what my abilities are. The tests covered basic Math, Spelling, Grammar, and more, as well as use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and other top programs that I had listed as within my skill set.
The Typing test was fun: 165 words per minute was my top speed, and my average speed was clocked at 95 wpm.
Before we claim our proficiency with anything, let's be sure that we can substantiate it with some solid documentation, such as the tests that employment agencies can administer.
Add the print-outs and certifications to your portfolio so that, during your interview, you can speak factually with hard data to back up your claim.
This is a much more honest and viable alternative to saying that you can type, or that you are proficient with Microsoft Word.