Data Entry Keyers
Operate data entry device, such as keyboard or photo composing perforator.
High school diploma
Office & Administrative Support
Word Processors and Typists
Also called: Clerk Typist, Keyboard Specialist, Typist, Word Processor
- Typical education
- Not reported
- Preparation needed
- Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Programs in this directory
- 384
- that lead to this career
What 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.
Typical tasks
- 1File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update, and delete documents.
- 2Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- 3Perform other clerical duties, such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- 4Electronically sort and compile text and numerical data, retrieving, updating, and merging documents as required.
- 5Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
- 6Print and make copies of work.
- 7Search for specific sets of stored, typed characters to make changes.
- 8Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
- 9Collate pages of reports and other documents.
- 10Reformat documents, moving paragraphs or columns.
Key skills
- Reading Comprehension3.8/5
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Writing3.2/5
- Monitoring3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
Importance rated by workers in this career (1–5).
Knowledge areas
- English Language4.6/5
- Administrative4.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Law and Government3.4/5
- Administration and Management3.1/5
Importance rated by workers in this career (1–5).
Technology used
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Adobe Acrobat
- Google Workspace software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle PeopleSoft
How to become one
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Where to study
Subjects that prepare for this career:
Showing 12 of 384 matching programs.
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This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. We have modified some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Programs are linked with the CIP–SOC crosswalk from the U.S. Department of Education (NCES). Education levels and preparation describe the United States and may differ in other countries.