Advice from current typists based at home

flowergal

Hi, I am looking to start a home based business part time in typing alongisde my current job (and hopefully make this a full time position later).

I'm currently working in the legal sector and I work in an Office, but i wanted to ask current typists whether it will be a massive issue for me if i have never been a secretary. My typing speed and accuracy is of a good standard and I am hoping my legal background will assist in obtaining contracts from solicitors maybe.

Any advice you give will be most appreciated. Thanks

blue~skies_3

I don't have any advice but I'm very interested in this also so thought I'd help 'bump' the thread! xx

chocsessential

I work from home as a freelance transcriber which involves typing interviews for a variety of transcription agencies. I have also done work for legal firms, mainly typing letters. I think being a secretary is more than just typing, it involves administration, answering telephone calls, assisting your boss with clients etc. None of these skills are essential for a home typing job - you just need to be a fast and accurate typist. What is your typing speed, and do you have a high standard of English grammar? These are the two most important skills to mention when applying for typing jobs. I have worked as a legal secretary in the past and for that kind of job you have to learn how to lay out documents such as briefs to counsel, Wills, etc, depending on which department you work in. Again this is not relevant if all you want to do is type letters for the solicitors. Could you produce some sample letters with made up names and addresses to send to prospective legal firms so they can assess your skills?

blue~skies_3

I have a fast type speed and I'm very accurate. I can't remember exactly what my speed is but remember it being high and could easily find out. Sample letters sounds like a good idea: is this how you started chocs?

Thanks for the advice

chocsessential

I worked as a legal secretary for a few local firms and did not do that kind of work at home. However once I got into transcribing from home one of the agencies did give me some letters to type for solicitors. I haven't tried contacting solicitors directly to ask if they'd like me to type for them but it's something worth considering. If you're interested in transcription work you can PM me and I'll give you some pointers.

chocsessential

And also don't forget that as you're working as a virtual typist you can type for solicitors anywhere in the country. Don't restrict yourself to local firms as it's all done digitally nowadays and you can download audio files from servers which means there's no need to physically go into their offices to collect tapes. You may not need to actually print the letters either; they can do it at their end or you can charge a higher rate for typing AND printing.

madmich666

Hiya I am a legal secretary got made redundant last year and found a brill online website that was genuine for typing at home I dont know if they are currently looking for more staff but please pm me as I dont want to put their website info on here.

They are a genuine company, it did take a while to get work built up as you build up "your own clients" and charge per minute on the tape. If you are really quick you can earn a reasonable wage from doing this. They always paid on time and I could never complain about any work they sent me. If you couldnt hear you just put the time of the tape and let the firm it was sent back to deal with it.

The only reason I stopped working for them was because I was offered a job in a local firm of solicitors and it was the department I wanted to work in.

Also once you have assessed what time you have register with all agencies for temp work. I got a few bits of work for this. Also once you have downloaded the right dictation software (i used express scribe as it was free and you could play most files) you could mail or email local firms (not just solicitors but accounants and estate agents etc) to offer your services for typing and data inputting.

Just a thought it really worked for me as now im back based in an office which was my goal and paid my bills along the way.

Hope that helps.

Mich x

P.s. it would be better to pm me if you have any questions as I am so forgetful I prob wont remember to look here for any replies but i am addicted to MSE so on here all the time

missymoomoo

I have been following this thread with interest - thanks for the detailed replies.

I have heard about typing up essays and thesis for University students too. Just another thought to add!

McFilly

I too would be interested in typing up the essays and thesis for uni students.

How do you begin with this? does anyone know?

paulag555

Hi everyone... I hope this is okay to post this. I'm not trying to use this forum to advertise, but it seems right to let people on here know who are looking for this kind of work.

I run a transcription business and I have quite a few large projects coming up over the next few months and need some additional home-based transcribers. The work is mainly business and academic transcription - usually nothing specialist like medical or legal.

Experienced transcribers/secretaries are preferred but anyone in the UK can take our test. You need a fast typing speed, good English skills, broadband and transcription software such as Express Scribe or an alternative with food pedal. You also need good internet research skills and excellent spelling, punctuation and grammar.

http://pagesix.co.uk/workforus.htm

Thanks
Paula

Why_oh_why

paulag555 wrote: »

Hi everyone... I hope this is okay to post this. I'm not trying to use this forum to advertise, but it seems right to let people on here know who are looking for this kind of work.

I run a transcription business and I have quite a few large projects coming up over the next few months and need some additional home-based transcribers. The work is mainly business and academic transcription - usually nothing specialist like medical or legal.

Experienced transcribers/secretaries are preferred but anyone in the UK can take our test. You need a fast typing speed, good English skills, broadband and transcription software such as Express Scribe or an alternative with food pedal. You also need good internet research skills and excellent spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Probably on slightly dodgy grounds unfortunately but thanks for putting the information up. :T

Out of interest, how much do you pay, do you have an idea of how many hours work will be available etc. etc. Could PM me if you'd rather.