to think that I can go from a typing speed of 38 wpm to 55 wpm within 2 weeks?

[Pavonia]

I want to apply for a job which specifies a minimum 55 wpm typing speed which I don't have. My current plan is to apply anyway and try to get my typing up to speed by interview.

Is this realistic? Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks

You probably can, provided that you can touch type. Get one of the typing practice programmes and really work at it at intervals every day.

I will never achieve speeds anything like 55wpm. But that's because I was never taught to touch type properly.

The elder DC can type consistently at over 50wpm and youngest well on way towards that.

It's all down to good technique and actual use. So if your basics are right, then yes you can increase speed with practice more rapidly than you might expect.

I agree with Icimoi about using proper typing practice modules when you have a deadline, because well-designed ones are designed to test/practise combinations until they are truly fluent (just typing everything will get you there but might take longer).

As stated above, if you can touch type, this is is certainly achievable.

Thanks,

I can't touch type! I have spent many years muddling along.

So is touch typing from scratch to 55 wpm feasible?

I should perhaps add that this is a professional entry level job aimed at graduates (I'm a career changer), it clearly has a significant clerical component but could lead to other things. Is it the case that today's graduates can mostly touch type and I'm showing my age here?

I really want to get this.

How long do you have before the interview?

You may be able to learn touch typing over a few weeks if you work at it?

However, be warned. It's a long slog! I remember hours of typing drills at college (I learned on an old fashioned manual typewriter)

I did from 0 to RSA 2 in two terms (with other subjects) and had to practice every day. No idea what that would be in wpm.

I would do 3 x half hour sessions per day on one of the learning to type programs. Can't recommend a specific one, because I learnt to type on a manual too (despite it being the mid-90s and already well past the point where any workplaces used manuals).

Repitition is key, so it will be extremely boring.

I doubt they'll actually test typing speed, but if you learn to touch type, you'll get up to 55wpm pretty easily - it's not super fast.

I've always been glad of the ability to touch type (and I'm in a senior role now - it's still useful).

Argh! "repetition is key"

Me too Mavis and I can still type at +50wpm. Of course, as an old gimmer I would say this but I do believe the 'drills' are the best way to learn. Good luck OP!

I think you can do it, its not a massive increase. There are a number of online tests you can do to check your typing speed. I learned many years ago at school to type, but never mastered touch typing at the time.

Several office jobs taught me to get my speed up - useful when firing off lots of emails in a short turnaround time. I have never since been tested on my speed but I do work on the PC a lot and so am typing almost daily. There are errors though - I can't type fast and accurately for a consistent period. My current speed is around 80wpm, and that's after not trying to speed type for several months.

I don't properly touch type as in keys on the right fingers but last time I was tested I was 75wpm and that was years ago - so you don't have to be able to touch type.

I don't think learning to touch type and achieving 55 wpm in 2 weeks is feasible. In order to touch type, you have to unlearn what you are doing at the moment and relearn which might be slower in the short term. I would also use a specific programme, but wouldn't bother with the top row of keys at all - waste of time in my opinion. However, if 2 weeks is the closing date, you could have far more time than that by the time you have an interview, if you get one.

I think it is often something that is asked for for secretaries with very little thought behind why it is wanted. Typing speed for exams is generally tested by copying a piece of print; in the real world secretaries spend an inordinate amount of time deciphering the boss's handwriting or trying to work out what they are actually saying on an audiotape which totally cancels out any perceived speed advantage.

I would go for the job - it might not be anything that even comes up at the interview. The only snag would be if they ask for a certificate that shows this speed.

I think it was the only useful thing I learned at secretarial college!
I still remember the agony of skinned fingers when they slipped down between the keys.
I also remember being bored rigid doing the drills, but it was worth it, I can now type reports quickly and properly formatted

Sorry posted too soon!
I think you should just go for it, they've probably just set the speed as a guideline, as long as your accuracy is good and you don't type with one finger you'll be fine x

All you can do is try, it is possible if you can learn to touch type as it is so much easier and definitely a skill I am pleased I learned - it's one of the few computer skills I am better than my kids at.

Mavis - ow!! I remember that too, with a horrible little teacher who looked like Little Miss Pepperpot. Luckily in my second year of typing we got brand new Brother electric typewriters! Oh the joy

I agree with Cecily - difficult to learn touch typing if you are used to looking at the keys.

I type at 70 -80 words a minute, and my father and grandfather - both policemen - did two finger typing not much slower than me. (This was in the days when they had to do their own reports).

My dad jammed a manual typewriter whilst in the Royal Signals. He was typing code so fast it couldn't cope, apparently.

I haven't been speed tested in forever so don't know my wpm but I'd be doubtful of you being able to do what you're proposing.

Jamming manual typewriters was a regular hazard, it was inevitable that the keys would obstruct each other if you typed quickly.

I can do 60wpm without touch typing.

Thanks all for the advice and encouragement. I will go for it and try my best.

I don't really know how long I've got as there was no deadline for applications in the job advert or indication of interview dates. Hopefully I might get more info after I have submitted my CV, which I plan to do today. It is possible that they will send out a form after I have sent my CV which may ask the question directly (hope not!).

May i hijack and ask if anyone could recommend a particular online course or program?

this programme apparently teaches you how to touch type in 10 hours????
something like this maybe?
There's actually loads on line if you good 'learn to touch type fast'

good??? that's google!

I dont think thats feasible, I am 55wpm and did RSA I Typing 20yrs ago and that was only after 3 lessons a week and a lot of practice with my mom's typewriter on top. If its any comfort most colleges now have a' 'pass' speed of 35wpm so they will struggle to find younger people with that speed! If you can already touch type there are lots of programmes when I googled where you can up you speed thru 'lessons' online but I would think it unlikely if you arent touch type trained to start. Give it a go and see how you go.. you can always cancel the interview if you cant do it.

Go for it. If your interview is strong, it may not come down to typing speed anyway.