Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for Steno Roles – 2025

Are you getting ready for a steno job interview? This comprehensive guide includes a list of 20 up-to-date interview questions and simple answers to help you demonstrate your stenography skills, critical thinking, and cultural fit for the position. From legal stenographers to broadcast captioners, these questions cover all relevant aspects of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Why do you want to become a stenographer?
  

  As a stenographer, I am drawn to the fast-paced and challenging nature of the job. I have always had an interest in language and transcription, and I believe this role allows me to combine both skills in a unique way.

• 2. How did you learn stenography?
  

  I completed a formal training program in stenography, where I learned the fundamentals of shorthand and steno machine operation. I also practice regularly to improve my speed and accuracy.

• 3. What motivated you to apply for this steno role?
  

  I am excited about the opportunity to use my stenography skills in a professional setting and contribute to the success of a reputable organization. I am also eager to learn and grow in this field.

• 4. How do you stay accurate and focused while transcribing?
  

  I use various techniques like focusing on the speaker's voice, anticipating the next words, and using my knowledge of the steno system to ensure accuracy. I also review and edit my work for errors before submitting it.

• 5. Can you explain your experience transcribing different types of media?
  

  In my previous role, I have transcribed various types of media, including legal depositions, corporate meetings, and interviews. I have also worked on live broadcasts, such as news and sports events, where I have to produce accurate captions in real-time.

Technical Skills & Experience

• 6. What steno machine and software are you familiar with?
  

  I am proficient in using various steno machines, including the Stentura, Luminex, and Diamante models. I am also familiar with CAT software such as Case Catalyst, Eclipse, and CM/CR.

• 7. How do you handle difficult steno briefs?
  

  I use my knowledge of stroking techniques and briefs to find the most efficient and accurate way to write the difficult word. If I'm unable to stroke it, I consult my steno dictionary for the correct strokes.

• 8. How do you maintain accuracy and speed in your steno writing?
  

  I practice regularly to maintain my speed and accuracy. I also keep my strokes brief and use outlines for common phrases or words. Additionally, I review my transcripts to identify any recurring errors and work on improving them.

• 9. How do you handle multiple speakers talking at once?
  

  In such situations, I use my skills to focus on one speaker at a time and anticipate when the other speakers will finish their sentences. I also use the speaker identification feature in my CAT software to ensure accurate transcriptions.

• 10. Can you give an example of a complex legal or medical term you had to transcribe?
  

  I recently transcribed a testimony where the witness mentioned "pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis," which is a long word for a lung disease caused by inhaling extremely fine silicate or quartz dust. Using my knowledge of steno briefs, I was able to write it accurately without slowing down my transcription.

Behavioral Questions

• 11. Tell us about a time when you made a mistake while transcribing.
  

  In one of my previous jobs, I accidentally transcribed "there" instead of "their" in a witness testimony. However, I noticed the error during the review process and corrected it before submitting the final transcript.

• 12. How do you handle tight deadlines and high-pressure situations?
  

  I prioritize my tasks and use my time management skills to ensure I meet the deadline. To stay calm under pressure, I take deep breaths, stay focused on the task at hand, and rely on my training and experience to produce accurate transcriptions efficiently.

• 13. Can you describe a time when you had to handle a difficult or uncooperative speaker?
  

  In a live broadcast environment, the speaker spoke very quickly and slurred his words, making it challenging to transcribe. I politely asked them to slow down, and when they didn't, I used my skills and experience to capture the most accurate representation of what they were saying.

• 14. How do you handle confidential information while transcribing?
  

  I understand the importance of confidentiality in my role as a stenographer. I ensure that I maintain sensitive information's integrity and only share it with authorized persons. I also follow the confidentiality guidelines set by my employer and industry regulations.

• 15. Have you ever faced criticism for your work? How did you handle it?
  

  In my previous role, a client was dissatisfied with a few typos in a transcript I submitted. I apologized and made the necessary corrections promptly. I also took it as a learning opportunity and implemented additional proofreading techniques to ensure accuracy in future transcripts.

Situational Questions

• 16. How would you handle a transcription request from a speaker with a strong accent?
  

  I would focus on their pronunciation and try to anticipate the words they might say. If I am unable to understand, I would ask them to spell out the words for me or switch to a different speaker identification feature in my CAT software.

• 17. What would you do if you discovered an error in a transcript after it has been submitted?
  

  If it is a minor error, I would immediately contact my supervisor and make the necessary corrections. If it is a significant error, I would analyze the original recording, identify the cause of the error, and provide a corrected transcript as soon as possible.

• 18. As a stenographer, how would you handle a technical issue with your steno machine or software during a live broadcast?
  

  I would stay calm and quickly troubleshoot the issue. If I am unable to fix it, I would inform the appropriate person, such as a technical assistant or my supervisor, and transcribe the event the traditional way using pen and paper.

• 19. In your experience, how do you handle an urgent request for a transcription with a short turnaround time?
  

  I would communicate with my team or colleagues to see if anyone can help with the workload or take care of my other tasks. I would also prioritize the urgent request and work efficiently to produce an accurate and timely transcript.

• 20. How do you handle a large volume of transcribing work with tight deadlines?
  

  I break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and create a schedule to ensure I meet the deadline. I also communicate with my team and delegate some tasks to ensure we work together efficiently within the given time frame.