Court reporters help law firms record the language of official proceedings. Because the language of proceedings can affect the outcome of a legal case or important business matter, it is important to find a candidate who has the right skills and disposition for the job. If your business or law firm is in need of a court reporter, the following tips will be helpful in choosing one who is qualified for the job.
Evaluate training
After completing basic training, most reporters specialize in certain types and areas of reporting. For example, some may specialize in real-time reporting for deposition services, while others may specialize in voice typing for testing services. The key is to choose a candidate who is trained in the discipline of the type of reporting she needs and has the necessary experience working in the area where she needs it.
talk with references
A candidate’s references are a good source of information about aspects of their performance that are not addressed on a resume, such as professionalism and interpersonal behavior. When a candidate receives positive reviews from past clients, it speaks to the person’s ability to provide the subtle performance qualities required for deposition services and other reporting disciplines.
assess personality
Court reporters need personal characteristics that not everyone has, such as patience, fairness, and attention to detail. Unfortunately, finding out if candidates possess these qualities before they’re hired is often difficult. Talking to a candidate’s references is a good way to get to know their personality, but hiring a candidate from an agency that uses a rigorous screening process is the surest way to hire a candidate with the right personality for the position.
Evaluate Experience
Most new reporters are just as technically proficient as seasoned ones, but seasoned ones have had more opportunities to demonstrate their skills. When a person is needed to record the language for a high-profile company meeting or statement, the client should ideally choose a candidate who has years of experience.
Hire from an agency
Hiring a candidate from an agency offers the following advantages, to name a few:
- The person’s state license is confirmed.
- The person’s credentials, training, and experience are confirmed.
- The person is evaluated for their personal suitability for the job.
- The person is only retained as long as they produce quality work.
- The agency may provide other legal assistance as needed.
Assessing a candidate’s personality is difficult without going through a lengthy interview process and administering personality tests. Because accredited agencies include these measures in the hiring process, hiring a candidate from an agency provides additional assurance that the person is qualified for the job.
Conclusion
Court reporters record the language of court proceedings and official meetings, and reproduce it in manuscript form. The tips above help companies identify candidates who have the right skills and personal qualities for the tedious and unbiased work of court reporting. To learn more about deposition services and other services court reporters perform, contact a full-service reporting agency today.