25 Typist Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Typist interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
1. How do you stay organized?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your organizational skills in a work environment by providing an example of your capabilities. Provide an example in a professional or volunteer capacity, or alternatively in a university setting.
Answer Example
"I believe excellent organizational skills are essential to successfully perform in any position. For example, if I have to perform numerous duties in a short period of time, I need to know how to prioritize and meet the respective deadlines. I will use lists to keep track of upcoming duties and a calendar to keep track of deadlines."
2. Much of your work as a Typist will include working with spreadsheets. Do you have beginner, intermediate or advanced Excel skills?
How to Answer
Answer this question by mentioning your proficiency level, i.e., beginner, intermediate or expert, and on a scale of 1 to 10.
Answer Example
"I consider my skills as advanced. I would rate myself 9/10."
3. Are you experienced in shorthand typing?
How to Answer
Always review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the duties involved and preferred qualifications for the successful incumbent.
Answer this question by mentioning whether you have such experience to demonstrate you are indeed the perfect candidate for the job by virtue of your previous experience - and the company(ies) you worked for.
Should you not have such experience, emphasize you are a quick learner and that you have a willingness to train.
Answer Example
"I unfortunately do not have any experience in shorthand typing. However, I am a quick learner and have a strong willingness to train."
4. Do you prefer copy typing or audio typing, and which method do you consider your strongest?
How to Answer
Review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the typing methods required in this role, or current/future typing methods the company has used or will soon be using.
Ensure to answer by providing examples included on the posting or company website/social media pages, including your own experience in similar roles, if you have any. Also add which method you consider your strongest, if you are experienced in either or both.
Alternatively mention why some of the methods listed on the job posting or company website/social media pages are methods you look forward to the most.
Answer Example
"My favorite method and the one I consider my strongest is (X method listed on the job posting or company website) because I have extensive experience with this method. For instance, in my last position as (X position title) for (X company), I (... detailed information of projects using such method and why you were successful)."
5. Are you multilingual? If so, what is you strongest language?
How to Answer
Review the job posting and company website/social media pages before the interview to familiarize yourself with the languages required for this role.
Ensure to answer by providing languages included on the posting or company website/social media pages, if you are fluent in any of these languages. Also add which language you consider your strongest and why.
Alternatively mention some of the languages listed on the job posting or company website/social media pages you hope to become fluent in, and your willingness to learn as requested by your employer.
Answer Example
"I am fluent in English, French and Spanish. I consider English my strongest language as I grew up in an English household."
6. How strong is your punctuation and grammar?
How to Answer
Answer this question by rating yourself on a scale of 1 to 10.
Answer Example
"I would rate myself 9/10 having regard to grammar, and 10/10 having regard to punctuation."
7. If a co-worker called in sick, thus doubling your workload for the day, how would you react?
How to Answer
Always ensure to review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the work schedule.
Should an interviewer ask such a question, it is highly likely you may, at times, have to work long hours. As such, the interviewer will expect you to have applied for the position after carefully reading it, in turn expecting you to be able to work as needed.
Should these requirements be mentioned on the job posting and should you answer in the negative, you may be immediately disqualified. Not only would you not meet a crucial requirement for the role, this would also show you did not carefully read the job posting before applying and the interviewer may think you simply applied to get any job - and as such, you are not serious about working for this employer specifically and/or will not commit.
Answer Example
"I carefully reviewed the job posting numerous times before this interview and am aware of the work requirements. I am willing to work over the weekend, in the evenings and overtime, as needed."
8. Tell me about your punctuality and attendance record in your most recent position.
How to Answer
Employers are looking for reliability and commitment. Provide an example of your excellent attendance record and punctuality in a previous position, in a professional or volunteer capacity. Answer by providing an example where, e.g., you were rewarded for your behavior or congratulated by a superior, or where it could have been difficult for someone to remain reliable, yet you were.
Answer Example
"I am extremely reliable and always on time. For instance, when working as a/an (X position title) for (X company), I had to work very long hours, sometimes working overtime until 9pm, and start my day at 6am. This position was also located 30 minutes from my house and as such I had to ensure to get a good night sleep and prepare for the next day the night before. I am proud to say that I was always on time."
9. In your latest performance review, what did your employer have to say about the quality of your work?
How to Answer
Always review the job posting before an interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits the employer is seeking. Answer this question by mentioning some of the familiarity traits listed on the job posting by providing an example in a professional setting.
Answer Example
"My former employer said that I am a highly meticulous individual and a very hard worker. I always review my work at least twice before submission."
10. Tell me the programs and software that you are best versed in. What is your level of proficiency in each?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job description before the interview to familiarize yourself with the programs and software required for this role.
Should none be listed on the job posting, answer this question by mentioning the most relevant programs and software you are proficient in, on a scale of 1 to 10.
Answer Example
"I would rate myself 9/10 in (X program) and 9 1/2/10 in (X software)."
11. What are your long term career goals?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your career goals in ~7 to 10 years from now. Ensure to link your career goals to the company you are applying for to show the interviewer you can be a long-term asset for the company and that you are looking for stability.
Answer Example
"In 7 to 10 years from now, I would like to have grown within the same company I started off with, having acquired skills enabling me to establish myself as an expert. I would love to be responsible for more managerial duties and ultimately lead a team of professionals."
12. Name 3 vital skills that all Typists should have mastered.
How to Answer
Always review the job description before the interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits required from the successful incumbent.
Answer this question by mentioning 3 skills from the job posting, if provided, and provide an example of these skills in a professional capacity. Alternatively, provide your top 3 skills, which you believe will highly benefit you in this role, and provide an example of these skills in a professional setting.
Answer Example
"The top 3 skills a Typist should master are having time management skills, metiiculousness and hardworking capabilities, which I possess. These skills served me well in my last position at (X company name) where I was employed as a/an (X position title). In this role, I (X confirmation re: how/why your skills benefitted you in this role)."
13. Tell me about your post-secondary education and how it prepared you for this position.
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your post-secondary education by mentioning knowledge and/or experience acquired throughout your studies, such as courses taken, group projects, and so on.
Answer Example
"As you can see on my resume, I graduated from the (X university) with a bachelor's degree in X. Throughout my studies, I acquired advanced typing knowledge, such as (X courses). I furthermore gained some hands-on experience while working on projects such as (X projects that helped you develop typing skills)."
14. How many words per minute can you type?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job posting before the interview to familiarize yourself with the position requirements and preferred qualifications, i.e., expected words/minute.
Mention how many words per minute you can type. Should you be unable to meet the position requirements as per the job posting, mention you are willing to take a course or train, as required.
Answer Example
"I saw on your posting that you would prefer the candidate hired for this position to be able to type (X) words per minute. At the moment, I can type (X) words per minute. However, I am more than willing to train or take a course to increase my typing speed, as required."
15. How do you prioritize your work when you have multiple deadlines to meet?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your organizational and time management skills.
Answer Example
"I use a calendar to be reminded of upcoming meetings and deadlines, as well as daily/weekly to-do lists, by prioritizing the most important duties, to ensure I am on top of things. I review and amend my lists every morning, throughout the day, and in the afternoon before leaving for the day."
16. How do you handle pressure and stressful situations?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your stress management skills and ability to work under pressure.
Answer Example
"I thrive under pressure and always remain calm in stressful situations. I sincerely believe that exercising on a regular basis significantly helps me stay calm in stressful situations."
17. Why did you choose to pursue a career as a Typist?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer what motivated you to apply for this position.
Answer this question by mentioning, e.g., how passionate you are about this field and why.
Answer Example
"I wish to work as a Typist because (X reasons) and as I am highly meticulous and detail-oriented, I know I am in the right field."
18. Tell me about a time where you had to take on a leadership role. Did you enjoy it and if so, why?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your leadership or team management experience, should you have any, in a professional, volunteer, or educational capacity (alternatively).
Should you have none, mention that you are more than willing to gain leadership skills and would love to take on a leadership role - and why you are a good leader.
If the interviewer asks such a question, it is likely that the position entails leadership duties - current or future, which will most of the time already be outlined on the job posting. As such, he/she will assume you applied to this role upon having adequately read the job posting, and that you have an interest in leadership/team management and/or some sort of leadership/team management experience.
Try to provide an example related to the position/industry you applied for, as much as possible. If you cannot do so, provide any example by telling the interviewer you are positive your skills will easily be transferable.
Answer Example
"I lead a team of individuals in a volunteer capacity when working as (X position title) for (X organization). In this role, I was responsible for 10 sales representatives and (X further related responsibilities). I realize this particular experience is not related to this position, however the team management skills acquired in this role will highly benefit me in this position at your company. I thoroughly enjoyed taking on a leadership role as I love leading team members to success."
19. What is your greatest weakness, and what are you doing to improve in that area?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer what your greatest weakness is, however by ensuring that this weakness can be a strength in this position.
Answer Example
"I am a very hard-worker and find hard to stop working at the end of the day, resulting in numerous long days at the office. To improve in that area, I did my best to do lists every morning by prioritizing the work that needs to be done by the end of the day, and the following tasks that are not as urgent. Doing this significantly improved my time management skills and made me more productive at work."
20. What is your greatest strength and how will it help you to be a successful Typist?
How to Answer
Answer by telling the interviewer what your greatest strength is, related to the position you applied for. Ensure to mention how this strength will contribute to your success in this role.
Answer Example
"My greatest strength is that I am extremely meticulous. I also always review my work at least twice before submission to superiors or colleagues to ensure that my work is accurate."
21. Why are you the best candidate for us?
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job description before the interview to familiarize yourself with the personality traits or profile required for this role. Answer this question by outlining a few of the listed qualifications that you also possess, making you the best candidate for this role.
Alternatively, mention your top qualifications and qualities which will ensure your success in this role.
Answer Example
"As you can see on my resume, I have the required educational qualifications, holding a bachelor's and master's degree in X, as well as years of relevant experience. I furthermore am a hard worker, a team player and work tirelessly."
22. What do you know about our company?
How to Answer
Tell the interviewer about your knowledge of the company you applied for. It is imperative to always conduct your due diligence before an interview by reviewing the job description, company website and social media pages to familiarize yourself with the company and work involved. It is also important to show the interviewer you did not apply to the advertised position simply because you are looking for just any job, but that you wish to work for this company specifically.
Answer Example
"I reviewed the job description and website before this interview and know you are a company specializing in (X services you noticed on the company website). I am particularly excited about (X programs/initiatives) that I saw on your (website/social media pages) as I (X reasons you are excited about these programs/initiatives, such as passion or similar initiatives undertaken in school or volunteer capacity)."
23. Have you ever worked as a Typist for larger firms? If so, walk me through your typical tasks and tell me which you enjoyed the most.
How to Answer
Ensure to review the job posting before your interview to familiarize yourself with the expectations related to the position.
Answer this question by mentioning whether you have experience working for larger firms, if you have such experience. Should you not have such experience, mention that you believe you have nevertheless acquired the relevant skills and qualifications for the position you applied for.
Also provide an example of typical tasks you had in a previous position (preferably when working for a larger firm, if you have such experience), which are tasks you will also have in this new role.
You may mention that you do not have any preference, as all tasks matter and contribute to the successful completion of projects, or that seeing projects successfully completed are what you enjoy the most.
Answer Example
"I do not have experience as a Typist for larger firms, however I am convinced my skills and qualifications acquired in my career will enable me to be highly successful in this position. Regarding my typical tasks, every day is different, however I always review my emails, voicemails and to-do list every morning and at the end of each day, so that I can prioritize by first working on urgent matters. I value each task and the importance each has on projects, as I thoroughly enjoy seeing the successful completion of assignments, reflecting the work involved and commitment required."
24. What are your short term goals?
How to Answer
Answer by telling the interviewer about your short-term goals, however by ensuring your goals are related to the position and company you applied for.
Should your short-term goals significantly differ from the position or company, the interviewer may assume you will leave eventually the position if hired, for a better opportunity at another company, should one presents itself. As a result, you may be instantly disqualified.
Answer Example
"In 2 to 3 years from now, I would like to have grown within the company and having established myself as an expert. I hope to eventually move up the ladder and become a Manager or Team Lead within the department. I wish to commit to my employer and contribute to the company's success."
25. What duties are the easiest and the most difficult for you to perform in a Typist capacity?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to determine your boundaries. It is important to demonstrate you can manage anything that comes your way.
Always review the job posting before the interview and keep it closeby at the time of the interview. Provide example of easy and difficult duties on the job posting, and how easily you will be able to manage both. Provide example of the successful performance of these duties in a previous position where you had Typist duties (i.e., the position does not have to officially be "Typist"), if you have any.
Answer Example
"Typist"