Resume Writing Tips for Steno Typist

Introduction

In the fast-paced field of stenography, a well-written resume can be the difference between landing an interview and remaining overlooked. Employers look for concise, clear evidence of your shorthand speed, accuracy, and organizational skills. Additionally, a resume that strategically incorporates keywords and highlights measurable accomplishments increases your chances of passing ATS screenings and impressing hiring managers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the role, understanding what recruiters seek and how to present yourself effectively is critical.

1. Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your elevator pitch — a brief but powerful snapshot of your expertise and professional value as a steno typist. Tailor this section to reflect your fastest shorthand speed, years of experience, and key attributes like accuracy and confidentiality. Keep it engaging and results-oriented to grab attention immediately.

Example: “Certified Steno Typist with over 5 years of experience transcribing legal proceedings with 98curacy and a shorthand speed of 120 WPM. Proven ability to manage high-pressure environments and deliver timely, error-free transcripts maintaining full confidentiality.”

2. Key Skills

Employers and ATS systems often search for specific keywords related to your core competencies. Highlight a diverse set of skills that showcase your versatility, technical ability, and soft skills essential for the role.

• Shorthand proficiency (speed and accuracy)
• Real-time transcription
• Legal and medical terminology familiarity
• Typing speed (>80 WPM)
• Attention to detail
• Good hearing and concentration
• Confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive information
• Time management
• Basic proofreading and editing
• Multitasking ability
• Familiarity with voice recording equipment
• Strong communication skills

3. Achievements

Recruiters want proof of your impact, not just a list of responsibilities. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your efficiency, accuracy, and value-add to previous employers. Quantify wherever possible to present concrete evidence.

Example: “Reduced transcription turnaround time by 30% by implementing a streamlined workflow, enhancing client satisfaction ratings by 15% over six months.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job application by mirroring the language and requirements found in job descriptions. Incorporate relevant keywords organically to optimize ATS compatibility and highlight the skills and experiences most pertinent to the specific role.

5. Tools

• Stenotype machine
• Digital audio recorders
• CAT (Computer Aided Transcription) software (e.g., Case CATalyst, Eclipse)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Express Scribe transcription software
• Google Docs
• Speech recognition software (e.g., Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
• Notetaking apps (e.g., Evernote)
• Time management tools (e.g., Trello, Asana)
• PDF editors (e.g., Adobe Acrobat)

6. Metrics

• Shorthand speed in words per minute (WPM)
• Accuracy percentage (%)
• Transcription turnaround time reduction (%)
• Number of transcripts completed per week/month
• Client satisfaction or error rate improvements (%)

7. Education

• Diploma or Certificate in Stenography or Court Reporting
• Relevant Continuing Education or Workshops (e.g., Legal terminology, Advanced shorthand courses)

8. Format

• Use clear headings and bullet points for easy scanning
• Prefer a clean, professional font like Arial or Calibri, size 10-12
• Stick to a two-page limit for most professionals
• Use consistent spacing and alignment for a polished look

9. Concise

Keep your resume concise and avoid unnecessary jargon. Each bullet point should convey value and be easy to read. Remove redundant information and focus on what truly differentiates you from other candidates.

10. Bonus

• Include a link to a professional portfolio or samples of transcribed work if possible
• Incorporate soft skills like dependability, confidentiality, and communication with examples

Examples

• “Transcribed over 50 hours of court hearings per week with 99curacy, enabling timely court documentation and case processing.”
• “Collaborated with legal teams to ensure precision and confidentiality in transcription, contributing to a 20% reduction in document revision rates.”li>

Conclusion

For steno typists, a resume is your opportunity to clearly demonstrate your technical proficiency, reliability, and professional impact. Highlighting measurable achievements, tailoring your application to the job’s needs, and showcasing leadership and analytical skills will give you a competitive edge. By presenting a concise, well-formatted, and keyword-optimized resume, you position yourself as an indispensable asset to prospective employers. Remember, your resume should not just speak of your duties—it should tell your professional story and illustrate your contributions to every role you’ve held.