7 Traits of a Great Court Reporter
\n\nWhen it comes to court reporting, the need for speed and accuracy are obvious techniques every stenographer needs to have. But as any seasoned court reporter or CART captioner can attest, this is just the threshold of what it takes to impress a hiring managers and keep you relevant in the industry long after you’ve competed the general requirements of your training program. Here are the top 7 traits that every great court reporter should possess.\n\nFresh Skills\nAre you taking initiative to sharpen your skills? Even if you’ve been writing for 30 years, there is always a new technique to try, a new vocabulary to learn or a new technology to embrace. If you’re not learning and growing, you’re moving backwards. \n\nBroad Knowledge\nA reporter today is likely to encounter testimony that covers a host of subjects. From financial to medical to technical, there is an endless supply of new vocabulary to master. Court reporting managers are looking for people who take initiative to learn about the world around them. After all, a reporter can’t report well if he or she doesn’t understand the topics of the proceedings.\n\nTechnology Know-How\nAdvancements in technology may never take the place of the human ear and the human brain, or at least not in our lifetime, but it has and will continue to change the court reporting industry. Hiring managers want to see candidates who willingly embraced and utilized new technology to their advantage. Computer knowledge and experience is no longer an option, it is a necessity if you want to stay head of the curve.\n\nReal Time Readiness\nAlthough real time is not required by most firms and attorneys, hiring managers want to see that you are taking steps to achieve this next level of speed. Not only do many jurors request real time court reporters, opening up more job opportunities for CRRs, but the charge for real-time is higher, so many court reporters are choosing to become Real-Time certified for the financial reasons alone.\n\nSelf-Motivated\nCourt reporters are expected to work independently, which means that they are the boss of managing their own work and producing transcripts on time. While this autonomy is appealing to most court reporters, it also requires a great deal of proactivity and time management. Stay organized and have processes in place so you know exactly how long each task is going to take. The legal industry has very strict deadlines, so the expectation is high to deliver transcripts when you say you will.\n\nProtocol\nThe importance of protocol in court reporting can never be taken too seriously. It is part of the court reporter’s job to be accommodating and respectful of the people’s time for which you are working. While most jobs take place in a courtroom or conference room during regular hours, be available to those proceedings that take place after-hours in diverse locations, such as a school, doctor’s office or factory. Often the parties in a lawsuit are stressed and under pressure. Punctuality, flexibility and professionalism will go a long way in making or breaking your reputation.\n\nThe Right Tools\nBasic steno equipment has evolved. A professional steno machine, CAT software, notebook computer and carrying case are just the bare necessities. There are also a plethora of other tools, such as CaseViewNet (a technology that delivers text screens through Internet streaming within a few seconds of the words being spoken) and iCVNet (a free iPad app that provides instant viewing of a real-time deposition on an iPad) that can make you more marketable to a wider variety of jobs.\n\nWhen you’re seeking a court reporter position, speed and accuracy skills are the general necessities for achieving success. What sets the great court reporters apart from the rest is overall professionalism and a desire to learn and embrace change. \n\nFor more information on the right tools and equipment needed to be successful in your career, feel free to reach out to the professionals at Stenograph.\n\n
Affordable Used Steno Machines 1-800-323-4247
\nWhen considering investing in a court reporting machine, be sure to select a model (professional court reporting shorthand machine or student court reporting shorthand machine), which meets your particular needs. Also, go with a reputable manufacturer who stands behind their product and has been producing court reporting machines for many years.\n\n
You May Also Be Interested In…
\nTypes of Companies Looking for Court Reporters\nWhat is Real Time Reporting?\nCAT Software for Court Reporters and Students\nSpeed Building Tips for Court Reporters\n\n