Summary:
Office Clerks carry out general office duties such as data entry, filing, answering phone calls and setting appointments, replying to and sorting emails, maintaining records and preparing documents, and operating office equipment. Office clerks can also perform specialized tasks depending on the size of the company and scope of business. They mostly work in small businesses in different fields.
Duties:
Office clerks perform general clerical tasks, such as filling; word processing and data entry; preparing documents and forms; answering phones and delivering messages; operating office machinery; answering emails; greeting customers and setting up appointments. Their tasks may vary on a day-to-day basis in accordance with management needs and specific duties assigned by supervisors. Highly experienced office clerks may also work with clients or customers; carry out billing, maintaining financial records, and perform other financial duties; oversee other office clerks in entry-level positions. Particular responsibilities and duties of office clerks may vary depending on their level of experience and the type of industry in which the office is involved in. For instance, aside from performing basic office tasks, a law firm clerk assists in preparing or proofreading a legal brief, while a medical clerk could organize prescriptions.
Education and Training Requirements:
To work as an office clerk, it is required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent certification. Employers favor applicants with previous experience in office environments or customer service, who are computer literate and possess word processing proficiency. Employers usually promote highly skilled and industrious office clerks to specific administrative positions, but further career advancement require a college degree.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements:
An office clerk must be able to work efficiently with minimal supervision as well as be proactive and resourceful. It is also important for office clerks to possess strong organizational skills; have good verbal and written communication skills; be able to work well with a team and have good interpersonal skills; be proficient in operating computers and business software; be capable of multitasking and paying close attention to details.
Working Conditions:
Office clerks usually work in well-lit and fully equipped offices. They can work for small business, administrative departments in various institutions, or large companies. Office clerks working full-time in a company generally work regular hours on weekdays.
Salary:
The median salary of an office clerk is $25,500 per year. The average annual salary of an office clerk may depend on experience level, quantity and scope duties and responsibilities, type of industry, and the location and size of the company.
