You are here: Jobs database > Administration > Typist/Data Entry Operator
Your feedback needed!
Careers New Zealand would like feedback on their website. Fill in the short survey and be in the monthly draw to win a $100 book voucher.
Click here to complete the surveyTypist/Data Entry OperatorAlternative titles
Ringa Patopato/Kaiwhakauru Raraunga
This job is sometimes referred to as:
- Court Reporter
- Stenographer
Typists and data entry operators transcribe and copy information that is spoken or written.
Contact us
Call us on 0800 222 733Pay
Typists/data entry operators usually earn between $39,000 and $53,000 a year, depending on their speed, accuracy and experience.
What you will do
Typists/data entry operators may do some or all of the following:
- copy information across spreadsheets
- type verbatim (word for word)
- check, edit and print documents
- proofread written work.
Skills and knowledge
Typists/data entry operators need:
- a typing speed of at least 60 words per minute
- excellent computer and word processing skills and a familiarity with Microsoft Word packages
- good vocabulary and excellent spelling and grammar
- good communication skills.
Working conditions
Typists/data entry operators:
- usually work regular business hours, but sometimes do shift work
- usually work in offices.
What's the job really like?
Eric Faafiti - Court Reporter
Eric Faafiti says being a court reporter is not just about typing speed. "It's not just a typing role – it's different. You have to have a good command of the English language and a decent familiarisation with Microsoft Word, plus an interest in the law."
Staying focused and paying attention to detail key to the job
Eric transcribes court cases and types up judges decisions, which requires a lot of attention to detail. He says you know when you've done a good job because your work doesn't come back from a judge with lots of amendments.
"You have to be quite a focused person because what you're doing is an official document. There's no time to be distracted."
Getting to see the workings of the courts
An interest in law is essential, and Eric says he enjoys the finer points of legal debates. "It gives you a bigger picture of what's actually happening – what were the causes? What was the story behind the story?"
"If you are someone who enjoys law and enjoys what happens in court – the theatrics of court; then you're the ideal person to be doing this role."
Pay
To ensure accuracy, typists and court reporters often check each other's work
Updated 25 Mar 2013