REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29067, 2 December 1959, Page 22

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB

What are today's requirements In shorthand and typewriting for the average office girl? How efficient must she be in order to secure one of the many responsible and well-paid secretarial positions offering for shorthand-typists? A typist must be able to maintain a speed of at least 40 words a minute in order to measure up to present-day office requirements. Speeds demanded by different employers vary widely, however. Familiarity with the work being done is also a big factor in attaining efficient typing speeds. But, generally speaking, an employer would find a typist with a speed of 40. words a minute rather unsatisfactory.

A girl should aim at a speed of 50 or 60, or even 70 words a. minute if she wishes to obtain a really good position.

Shorthand speeds demanded by the top secretarial posts in business may range from 80 words a minute to 150 words a minute, although a rate of 110 words a minute will satisfy most employers. Today, there is not so much emphasis on high-speed shorthand. Accuracy is considered more important than high speed. But there is more in being . a satisfactory shorthandtypist than pure dexterity at shorthand and typing. It cannot be over-emphasised that a good education is necessary. The really satisfactory short-hand-typist is an intelligent girl with a sound educational background, and the efficiency which comes from constant practice in her job.