How to improve your typing speed to get a job

By the TypeOut.io team · Updated · 4 min read

Typing comfortably can help in jobs where you spend much of the day at a computer: administration, customer service, reception, operations, or data entry. The goal is not to chase a number on its own. It is to build enough speed, accuracy, and comfort to complete real tasks without the keyboard slowing you down.

Why typing speed can be useful at work

In many roles, typing is either a core task or part of almost everything you do: answering enquiries, recording information, preparing documents, updating systems, or communicating with colleagues. When typing feels more natural, you can spend less attention searching for keys and more time checking the content and completing the task.

That does not mean every employer requires a typing test or that speed matters more than other skills. Typing only adds value when it comes with accuracy, comprehension, communication, and good judgement.

Roles where typing is often part of the job

Administration and office support: writing emails, updating spreadsheets, preparing documents, and entering records.

Customer service and support: replying to chats or emails, documenting issues, and updating customer records.

Reception and operations: entering information, scheduling appointments, completing forms, and maintaining records.

Data entry: transcribing or validating information quickly while keeping errors low.

What typing speed do you need for a job?

There is no single words-per-minute threshold for every job. A customer support role, an administrative position, and a data-entry job can involve different tasks, tools, and expectations. Some job listings state a specific requirement; many others value digital confidence without naming a number.

Before setting a target, read several listings for the type of role you want. Look for words per minute, accuracy, transcription, data entry, live chat, or office software. If no figure is given, use your current results as a personal baseline and aim for steady improvement.

Words per minute (WPM): the pace at which you type during a test.
Accuracy: the share of the text you typed correctly.
Consistency: whether you maintain a similar pace throughout the test, not just for a few seconds.
Comfort: whether you can type during a normal task without unnecessary tension or fatigue.

A 15-minute-a-day typing practice plan

Short, regular sessions let you practise without turning it into a burden. Try this routine for two weeks and adjust the time to your level and schedule.

Minutes 1–3: take a short test to measure speed and accuracy. Save the result.
Minutes 4–7: practise the letters, key combinations, or punctuation you most often get wrong. Slow down if errors increase.
Minutes 8–12: type a text similar to a task in your target role: an email, a follow-up note, or a short record.
Minutes 13–15: take another short test and compare it with the start. Note one improvement and one thing to work on.

How to evaluate your progress

Compare tests of the same duration and in the same language or keyboard layout. A single score can vary with the text and the day; look at the trend across several sessions.

Do not trade accuracy for speed. If your pace increases but accuracy drops, return to a speed you can control.

Practise with tasks similar to those in a job

Generic exercises help you become familiar with the keyboard, but you should also practise the kinds of text you may write at work. You do not need to copy personal or confidential information: use fictional examples.

Professional emails

Practise greetings, short replies, appointment confirmations, and follow-up messages. Work on capital letters, commas, full stops, and short paragraphs.

Forms and records

Include fictional names, dates, reference numbers, and separate fields. Practise switching between letters and numbers without losing accuracy.

Customer support

Write clear, friendly replies to common questions. Practise keeping names, dates, and details accurate while typing at a comfortable pace.

Documents and spreadsheets

Practise headings, lists, figures, and short phrases. Become familiar with the keyboard shortcuts you actually use in your everyday tools.

How to prepare for a typing test in a hiring process

If an employer has told you there will be a test, ask—if the details are not provided—how long it lasts, which language and keyboard layout it uses, and how the result is calculated. This helps you practise under similar conditions. On the day, use a keyboard you know, check the configured language, and read the instructions before starting. Keep a controlled pace from the beginning; rushing at the end can increase errors.

In your CV, include a typing-speed figure only if you measured it recently and can explain how you calculated it. Pairing it with accuracy and the test context is more useful than listing an unexplained number.

Practise in the language and keyboard layout you will use during the test.
Include numbers, punctuation, capital letters, and language-specific characters.
Take timed practice tests to get used to working within a time limit.
Prioritize accuracy and follow the correction rules stated by the employer.
If the role involves long typing sessions, practise a comfortable posture and regular breaks.

Frequently asked questions

How many words per minute do I need to get a job?

There is no universal number. It depends on the role and its tasks. Check the job listing and ask about the test format if the employer requires a specific speed.

Is typing quickly or typing accurately more important?

Most tasks need both. A high speed with many errors can create extra work; practise an accurate pace first and increase speed gradually.

Which jobs value typing speed?

It can be useful in administration, customer service, reception, support, operations, and data entry. Its importance depends on the actual responsibilities.

How long should I practise each day?

You can start with 10 to 15 minutes of focused practice. Consistency and useful exercises matter more than long sessions when you are tired.

Should I include my typing speed on my CV?

Only if it is relevant to the role, measured recently, and you can explain the method and accuracy. Do not present a score as a certification if it is not one.

How can I prepare for a typing test?

Practise with the same language, keyboard layout, and approximate duration. Alternate timed tests with emails, forms, and texts similar to the tasks in the role.

References

O*NET OnLine. Data Entry Keyers (43-9021.00): occupational tasks and activities. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-9021.00
O*NET OnLine. Customer Service Representatives (43-4051.00): occupational tasks and activities. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-4051.00
O*NET OnLine. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants (43-6014.00): occupational tasks and activities. https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-6014.00
Dhakal, V., Feit, A. M., Kristensson, P. O., & Oulasvirta, A. (2018). Observations on typing from 136 million keystrokes. Proceedings of the 2018 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. https://userinterfaces.aalto.fi/136Mkeystrokes/

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