I personally don't think a typing test should be required on a job application. If someone types 19 words a minute or 45 words a minute, you shouldn't automatically disqualify the slower typer. It's totally unfair and unreasonable.
May '19
May '19
T E A
i agree, unless it's a job that requires typing fast, like a secretary or coder or smth like that
Depends entirely on the job. My job is to read addresses on letters that the computer can't. You have 10 seconds to type it and send it before it's gone and will clog up the system further on. For us typing tests are entirely necessary. On slow days we have a practice program with typing test games.
I think they are important - some jobs do require you to be very proficient at typing and if someone only types 19 WPM they may not be able to keep up with what is needed for them to do their job properly.
Now if you are forced to take a typing test with a keyboard you are unfamiliar with - I think there should be some flexibility/ error forgiveness.
But not every job should require one.
I write and code a lot and most of my time is spent staring and thinking, not typing, so I wouldn't say typing fast is very important. Or maybe I'm just a bad writer/programmer haha.
You aren't a bad writer or programmer because you type slow. You just you. and you being you is enough. 
I guess that's true. I can type pretty fast looking down at the keyboard. I don't actually know how fast I type. But I know it's not 45 words a minute.
@Short_Insomiac I actually keep applying for those secretary jobs and then they found out how fast I type. And they're like ehhhhh, thanks anyway. 
yeah, for jobs that need a little fast typing, that should be a factor in why you should hire them tho, not the main reason. But whatever, the world isnt perfect
I don't think I can add much as I share similar opinions with HG and Kitt where it depends on the type of job. Some settings/positions simply require that you be able to type quickly so a typing test doesn't seem out of the questions for those settings even if it might seem unfair.
I've personally never applied to jobs that had those kinds of tests or job requirements but one tool I remember having as a kid was Mavis Beacon which focused on getting used to typing and improving typing speed. Whether it's still around though I've no clue
I've always liked keyboard hero: https://www.keyhero.com/4 you can do multiple tests and they tell you your average, show you where you go wrong ect.
I'm generally a pretty fast typer ( I work customer service so I'm writing emails all day long ), my big problem is a I think faster than I type so sometimes me words get quite jumbled.. because my fingers can't catch up to my brain.
you work in customer service? God bless you
and same! I end up jumbling up letters and such because i'm already thinking about the next word, haha
I think I might've used that as a kid too. I also was very determined to work on my typing as a kid so I could beat the Keyboard Commander game on Neopets - now thats typing under pressure!
Thank you so much for the helpful advice. I actually tried to apply for customer service positions and all them said the same thing. "Must be able to type 45 words a minute."
@Short_Insomiac aww thanks! Yeah definitely not my forever plan but it pays the bills for now.
@GamerPrincessXI No problem! The biggest thing is to learn to type without looking - once you can touch type you will be ions faster. The hardest part is not letting yourself look and being an atrocious typer until your brain starts to figure it out!
Another for thinking too fast and getting words jumbled up.
45 words a minute isn't exceedingly fast. Some will require 60+ so 45 is pretty average in these days of computers. One of the best tips is definitely to try and just not look at the keyboard. Once you're used to a keyboard, try just writing the same basic sentence over and over to get used to the positioning without looking down at the keyboard and you can improve pretty quickly.
https://www.typingtest.com/games.html Typing games like these really can help even if they're dumb and frustrating just to get you used to not looking at the keyboard and trusting your instincts.
This reminds me of how much I hated being made to type properly in high school. I had something inbetween hunting and pecking and proper form. Have to say in the long run I'm glad the class broke me of my bad habits.
45 words should be achievable with practice! And sone jobs will put it as a requirement, but they won't all require a test, so just apply to everything regardless.
And if you get an interview and you think you look good for the job except for your typing, you can always tell them you're actively practicing and getting better. They're likely to forgive it if they feel like your otherwise qualified and the typing isn't/won't be a problem.
I feel fortunate that the fastest I can do is about 75 words a minute (when really focusing). We had a lot of typing programs when I was younger (they also used to also black out our keyboard so we were sort of forced to look up when using those programs).
I never really even considered how that requirement could come across to other applicants since it was something I never thought about. But I agree with a lot of people that some jobs require fast typers, like paralegals.
I also agree that people who can't type 45wpm shouldn't be ruled out if that job does't necessarily need a fast typer.
(Also, the program was called Type to Learn. Not sure if it still exists somewhere, but if you are hoping to improve your typing, I'd suggest it.)
https://www.typingclub.com1 you can go here for free practice.
Also some jobs have ore typing than you would think... that's why they ask for it.
