Resume Writing Tips for Steno: Crafting an Impactful Stenographer Resume

Introduction

Stenography is a critical profession requiring precision, speed, and a deep understanding of language and technology. A strong resume showcases not only your ability to transcribe accurately and swiftly but also your technical proficiency, attention to detail, and your reliability in high-pressure environments. Employers look for more than just typing speed—they want proof of your accomplishments, your ability to improve workflow, and how you contribute to organizational success. With many applicants vying for the same role, an optimized, well-structured resume can make all the difference in landing an interview.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary should be a concise, compelling snapshot of your professional identity as a steno. It’s the elevator pitch that synthesizes your years of experience, key skills, and unique value proposition. Keep it targeted and results-driven, mentioning your typing speed, accuracy percentage, relevant certifications, and any standout achievements.

Example: “Detail-oriented Stenographer with over 5 years of experience in court reporting and corporate transcription. Achieved 98% transcription accuracy with a typing speed of 130 WPM. Proven ability to manage high-volume transcription tasks with tight deadlines while utilizing industry-standard tools such as Case CATalyst and Eclipse.”

2. Key Skills

Highlighting the right skills is essential to ensure your resume resonates with both recruiters and ATS. Focus on technical, interpersonal, and analytical skills relevant to stenography, incorporating keywords from typical job descriptions.

• Stenography Speed (WPM)
• Transcription Accuracy
• Court Reporting Procedures
• Real-Time Captioning
• Proofreading & Editing
• Voice Recognition Software
• Case Management Software (e.g., Case CATalyst)
• Legal Terminology Familiarity
• Time Management
• Confidentiality & Ethical Compliance

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Rather than simply listing duties, focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact. Employers want evidence of how you improved processes, maintained accuracy, or contributed to the success of a project or department.

Example of bullet point with achievements: “Increased transcription accuracy from 92% to 98% over 12 months by implementing a rigorous self-review process and continuous training.”

4. Tailor to Job

Every job posting will have unique requirements. Tailor your resume summary, skills, and experience sections to reflect the specific keywords, tools, and qualifications mentioned. This customization increases the chances of passing ATS filters and resonates more with the hiring manager.

5. Tools

• Case CATalyst
• Eclipse
• DigitalCAT
• ProCAT
• VoiceWrite
• Dragon NaturallySpeaking
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Express Scribe
• Adobe Acrobat
• Real-Time Translation Delivery Software

6. Metrics

• Typing Speed (e.g., 130 WPM)
• Accuracy Rate (e.g., 98%)
• Number of pages transcribed daily (e.g., 30+ pages/day)
• Turnaround time for transcripts (e.g., transcripts delivered within 24 hours 95% of the time)
• Volume of cases or meetings supported monthly (e.g., 15 court cases/month)

7. Education

• Diploma or Certificate in Stenography or Court Reporting
• Relevant Continuing Education (Workshops, Online Courses on transcription software)

8. Format

• Use clear headings and bullet points to improve readability.
• Maintain consistent font styles and sizes (e.g., 11-12pt for body text).

9. Concise

Avoid long paragraphs; keep bullet points concise and focused on specific achievements. A two-page resume is standard for experienced stenographers.

10. Bonus

• Mention any certifications such as Certified Shorthand Reporter (CSR) or Registered Professional Reporter (RPR).
• Include a link to a professional portfolio or transcription samples if available.

Examples

• “Consistently achieved 130+ WPM with 98%+ accuracy, enabling reduction of transcription turnaround times by 20%.”
• “Managed real-time captioning for live corporate webinars with zero errors, improving accessibility for 1,000+ participants.”li>

Conclusion

A successful stenographer’s resume should be more than just a list of duties; it must effectively showcase your measurable impact, leadership in mentoring or process improvements, and analytical skills that ensure the highest standards of transcription accuracy and timeliness. By carefully crafting each section of your resume—from a compelling summary to detailed, metrics-driven achievements—you position yourself as a top candidate ready to meet the demands of any stenography role. Keep your resume tailored, keyword optimized, and visually clear to secure your next career opportunity.