Word Processor Operator Job Description and Responsibilities

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 15:59:36 EST

Until recently, many offices relied on typewriters toprocess text. Now computers with word processing capabilities are being usedalmost exclusively. Individuals who work on computers inputting data are calledword processors or word processor operators.

Word processing equipment usually includes a keyboard,a video display terminal, and a printer. This equipment has many capabilitiesthat traditional typewriters don't. For example, it can check and correctspelling, grammar, and punctuation. Documents that are typed can be saved andchanges can be made. This means that documents do not have to be typed over tocorrect errors.

Responsibilities of word processor operators may varywith the specific job. The main job description function of most individuals is to typeinformation into the word processor. Information may consist of any type ofdocument including correspondence, reports, contracts, manuscripts, etc.Anything that can be typed on a typewriter can be done on a word processor.

Once word processors have finished typing the requiredmaterial, they can save the document in the machine's internal memory or on acomputer floppy disk. Word processors run the copy through spelling and grammarcheckers to detect and correct errors.

In addition to straight data entry, many wordprocessors format documents. They may space paragraphs, set margins, changetype fonts and sizes, and move copy around. Word processors print out copies ofdocuments, proofread them, and give them to the proper people in theorganization.

Hours vary depending on the work environment in whichthe word processors are employed. They are responsible to the officesupervisor.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Individuals may work in office settings in a vast arrayof industries, including:

Public relations, Schools, colleges, and universities, Healthcare facilities, Advertising agencies, Temporary agencies, Banks, Law offices, Manufacturers,wholesalers, and retailers, Construction companies, Book publishers, Recordcompanies, Government agencies, Insurance agencies, Real estate companies, Investmentfirms, Shopping centers and Travel agencies

Expanding Opportunitiesfor the 21st Century

Constant changes in office technology mean costlytraining and retraining. Word processors that will be most in demand are thosewho can work on a variety of computers and are familiar with many computerprograms.

Many companies are trying to save money by finding waysto cut back on employee benefits. One way is to utilize word processorsprovided by temporary agencies.

Using home computers and fax machines or modems,employees can handle word processing projects at home. In this instance, manyemployers do not have to pay full benefits because of the employment structure.

EARNINGS

Word processors may earn between $6.00 and $30.00 anhour or more. Earnings depend on the individuals responsibilities, experience,training, geographic location, and the specific employment situation. Thoseworking in large cities will earn more than their counterparts in less urbanareas. Word processors with working knowledge of several computer programs andlanguages will be paid more than individuals who can handle only one program.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Word processors can advance their careers by obtainingmore training or learning additional computer skills. Individuals can locatepositions in companies with higher earnings if they know more complex computerprograms. They might also move into positions in desktop publishing.

Some word processors become trainers, supervisors,secretaries, or administrative assistants, depending on the path they want totake in their career advancement.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Generally, most employers prefer high school graduatesor those with equivalency diplomas. Individuals should be trained in wordprocessing. Some people learn these skills in high school; others attendvocational-technical schools, business schools, or community colleges. Manytemporary agencies also offer training programs covering various computer programsand word processing skills. Some companies have internal training programs tohelp their employees keep up with new equipment.

It is imperative for individuals who want to work inthis field to continue learning new computer programs and languages as technologychanges.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Word processors do not generally need experience toobtain a job, as long as they possess the technical skills to perform.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Individualsinterested in becoming word processors should contact vocational trade schoolsor business schools specializing in word processing skills.

TIPS

There are seminars, workshops, and classes availablethroughout the country on a variety of word processing programs. The more youknow, the more marketable you make yourself.

There is a vast array of books available in bookstoresand libraries on the subject. Make sure you are reading the most currentmaterial.

Temporary agencies, especially in large cities, offertraining programs in word processing. Some are free and others have a charge.

Job openings are advertised in the classifieds underheadings for the specific industry the job is in, such as "Education"or "Health Care." They may also be under "Word Processors,""Word Processing," or "Computers."

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Word Processor Operator Job Description and Responsibilities