Still Good Jobs For Shorthand – Typists

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28481, 10 January 1958, Page 16

Still Good Jobs For Shorthand - Typists

The prospects for qualified typists and shorthand-typists are excellent, as they have been for the last 20 years, said the principal of a Christchurch commercial college recently. The demand has exceeded the supply for a long time and will probably continue to do so. Any falling off in the number of vacancies has meant that there are no longer openings for half qualified girls. The Public Service generally offers higher wages to juniors than do private employers, and advancement there tends to be smoother. But ability is usually quickly recognised by private employers and in the long run the maximum rewards in private offices can be higher. The low award rates' have long been forgotten. A qualified shorthand writer has a sound knowledge of English, a wide vocabulary and a good understanding of words and the way they are used as well understanding the theory of her shorthand system and dexterity in applying it. As a beginner she will be expected to write 80 to 100 words a minute. An intermediate must have mastered at least 100 to 120 words a min-

ute. A senior shorthand writer will take more than 120 words a minute and be able to deal with committee meetings, minutes and reports.

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As a typist she will be first and last accurate, and if she is a senior typist she will work at more than 60 words a minute with almost complete accuracy. A good junior types accurately about 40 words a minute.

In a private office, a junior will earn about £6 a week at first. She could get a little more than £7 a week in the Public Service. The Public • Service offers a variety of careers to senior stenographers—as secretary typists, shorthand reporters. Ministerial stenographers, and as supervisors. These jobs command salaries from £665 to £935.

- A stenographer in a private business with the same ability would earn about £l5 and in many cases more.. She too will probably have supervising duties and is likely to be given responsibilities of business as well. Tact and good humour, ambition and ability' to work accurately and with good judgment are qualities which ensure the success of a qualified shorthandtypist.