Resume Writing Tips for Stenographer: Craft the Perfect Resume to Stand Out

Introduction

Stenographers play a critical role in diverse industries, from courts to corporate settings, capturing speech verbatim and facilitating communication with accuracy and speed. A well-crafted resume isn’t just a summary of your duties—it’s a strategic tool that highlights your unique expertise and achievements that set you apart. With an increasing number of applications processed through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), tailoring your resume for both humans and software is essential. This blog dives deep into essential resume writing tips specifically tailored for stenographers, ensuring you showcase your skills effectively and land your desired position.

1. Resume Summary

The resume summary is your elevator pitch. It should concisely describe who you are as a professional stenographer, your key competencies, and the value you bring to an employer. Use strong, action-oriented language and include relevant keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

Example: “Detail-oriented stenographer with 5+ years’ experience providing accurate real-time transcription for legal and corporate environments. Proficient in CAT software and maintaining 98curacy rates under tight deadlines. Adept at managing confidential information and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.”

2. Key Skills

Include a list of relevant, industry-specific skills to pass ATS scans and highlight your capabilities. Stenographer skills range from technical proficiency to interpersonal strengths.

• Real-time transcription and shorthand expertise
• Proficiency in stenotype machines
• Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) software knowledge (e.g., Case CATalyst, Eclipse)
• Excellent grammar and punctuation
• Speed and accuracy under pressure (120+ words per minute)
• Confidentiality and ethics in handling sensitive data
• Time management and multitasking
• Strong listening and concentration
• Multitasking with document management
• Adaptability to various legal and corporate terminology

3. Achievements vs. Responsibilities

Focus primarily on achievements rather than merely listing responsibilities. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to show tangible impact. Employers want to see how you made a difference, not just what tasks you performed.

Example: Instead of “Transcribed court proceedings,” write “Transcribed over 1,000 hours of court proceedings with 99curacy, facilitating timely case processing and minimizing legal delays.”

4. Tailor to Job

Customize your resume for each job by matching your skills and experiences to the specific requirements listed in the job description. Use keywords from the listing to increase the chances your resume passes ATS filters. Highlight any specialized fields, such as medical or international stenography, if relevant.

5. Tools

• Case CATalyst
• ProCAT
• Eclipse
• Stenograph Luminex
• Digital voice recording devices
• Transcription software like Express Scribe
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Google Docs
• Realtime CAT systems
• Electronic filing systems

6. Metrics

• Words per minute (WPM) speed—e.g., 120–140 WPM
• Transcription accuracy percentage (e.g., 99%)
• Number of hours of transcription completed
• Turnaround time improvements (e.g., reduced report delivery time by 30%)
• Client satisfaction scores or feedback percentages

7. Education

• Certificate/Diploma in Stenography or Court Reporting
• Bachelor’s degree (optional, if relevant) or additional coursework in legal studies or communications

8. Format

• Use a clean, professional font (e.g., Arial, Calibri) sized 10–12 points
• Organize sections logically with clear headings and bullet points for easy scanning
• Keep to two pages maximum to maintain conciseness
• Avoid graphics, tables, or images that ATS software cannot parse

9. Concise

Be concise and impactful. Use short bullet points that start with action verbs and avoid lengthy paragraphs. Present information in digestible chunks to engage recruiters quickly and maintain reader interest.

10. Bonus

• Include a “Professional Affiliations” or “Certifications” section (e.g., National Court Reporters Association membership, RPR certification)
• Highlight soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, as these are highly valued alongside technical skills

Examples

• “Reduced transcript turnaround time by 25% through efficient workflow management and leveraging real-time transcription technology during legal proceedings.”
• “Maintained 99curacy over 500+ hours of deposition transcription, facilitating error-free legal documentation and client satisfaction.”li>

Conclusion

Building a strong stenographer resume means showcasing not only your technical proficiency in transcription and stenography but also the impact you’ve made through your work—demonstrating leadership, attention to detail, and analytical problem-solving skills. By quantifying your achievements, tailoring content to job specifics, and optimizing for ATS, you embrace a strategic approach that sets you apart in a competitive job market. A well-structured resume highlights your professionalism and readiness to contribute effectively to any legal or corporate environment.