Need to learn to type, how?

crockpot

Been looking at office jobs and alot are asking for RSA II, have worked in offices all my life and canjust about get round a computer typing with a few fingers.

Had a quick look at my local tech and no RSA course.

Thanks

smirkyguy

crockpot wrote: »

Been looking at office jobs and alot are asking for RSA II, have worked in offices all my life and canjust about get round a computer typing with a few fingers.

Had a quick look at my local tech and no RSA course.

Thanks

Sounds like you type just like me. (I have RSA II by the way). I've worked in offices long enough to see that most people don't 'touch type' or produce 'machine gun-like' noises as their fingers hit the keyboard.;)

If you're going through agencies many of them will assess your typing skills when you register. Alternatively they'll send you a link to take typing tests online (ProveIt tests for example). In my experience accuracy was more important than speed.

I used to really struggle finding my way round a keyboard. I got over that by practicing typing out a piece of text over and over to familairise myself with the keyboard layout. My style isn't perfect but it is effective and I can get the job done. If you can't get RSA try and take some of the online tests and get a copy of your results so that you can show these to potential employers.

crockpot

Looks like I have 20 years experiance but very little in the way of qualifications.

But when I left school it was normal just to have a handful of o levels!

I did tke an NVQ Level 3 in Customer Service about 10 years ago, so that might help?

msflowerfairy

I joined a chat room on gardening LOL!
The conversation moves so fast my fingers had to learn to keep up, and here i am now and able to type like a crazy person.
I have also worked in offices for years, and have never been asked for any RSA qualifications, why don't you try for admin positions to get your feet in the door.

lynn2

You could practise FREE on this site

smirkyguy

crockpot wrote: »

Looks like I have 20 years experiance but very little in the way of qualifications.

But when I left school it was normal just to have a handful of o levels!

I did tke an NVQ Level 3 in Customer Service about 10 years ago, so that might help?

The fact that you have 20 years experience would indicate that you are already competent using a keyboard. I'm guessing that you would have done a fair bit of typing during that period - hopefully employers will pick up on that fact.

I've used Excel a lot in past jobs but I never felt fully confident using it and have always classed myself as a beginner (just to play safe). Took some tests recently and I was graded at Advanced level. The point I'm trying to make is that we tend to down-play our own skills and abilities. I'm sure your keyboard skills are fine but by all means do a few online tests and build up your confidence if you want to.

I don't know if I'm allowed to post links on here. Send me a PM and I can give you a useful website that will allow you to brush up your skills a bit

Poppytime

OOOOOoooh - tried the test and 61wpm but 4 mistakes. Years since worked in office so really pleased with that

shellnapier

what about edcl ave dont that owuld that help

shellnapier

am 43 wpm, but 3 mistakes, but at my work. am quicker it sthe same sort of things i type al the time....

piggeh

get one of these:

http://www.daskeyboard.com/images/front-view-ult-794x395.png

you'll never need to look at your keyboard whilst typing again

LittleVoice

shellnapier wrote: »

what about edcl ave dont that owuld that help

RSA Stage 2 is an intermediate level and requires typing from scratch and a fair amount of output. Speed of output is important.

ECDL is just testing the ability to use an application and very little data input is required. A useful qualification in itself but doesn't deal with production of documents in the way RSA would.