Median annual earnings of general office clerks were $22,280 in 2002; the middle 50 percent earned between $17,630 and $28,190 annually. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $34,890. Median annual salaries in the industries employing the largest numbers of general office clerks in 2002 are shown below:
| Local government | $25,020 |
| Elementary and secondary schools | 23,310 |
| General medical and surgical hospitals | 23,250 |
| Colleges, universities, and professional schools | 22,540 |
| Employment services | 20,630 |
Rather than performing a single specialized task, general office clerks often have daily responsibilities that change with the needs of the specific job and the employer. Whereas some clerks spend their days filing or typing, others enter data at a computer terminal. They also can be called upon to operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copies; and answer telephones and deliver messages.
The specific duties assigned to a clerk vary significantly, depending upon the type of office in which he or she works. An office clerk in a doctor's office, for example, would not perform the same tasks that a clerk in a large financial institution or in the office of an auto-parts wholesaler would perform. Although they may sort checks, keep payroll records, take inventory, and access information, clerks also perform duties unique to their employer, such as organizing medications, making transparencies for a presentation, or filling orders received by fax machine.
The specific duties assigned to a clerk also vary by level of experience. Whereas inexperienced employees make photocopies, stuff envelopes, or record inquiries, experienced clerks usually are given additional responsibilities. For example, they may maintain financial or other records, set up spreadsheets, verify statistical reports for accuracy and completeness, handle and adjust customer complaints, work with vendors, make travel arrangements, take inventory of equipment and supplies, answer questions on departmental services and functions, or help prepare invoices or budgetary requests. Senior office clerks may be expected to monitor and direct the work of lower level clerks.
.Employment growth, the large size of the occupation, and high replacement needs should result in plentiful job opportunities for general office clerks. In addition to those for full-time jobs, many job openings are expected for part-time and temporary general office clerks. Prospects should be brightest for those who have knowledge of basic computer applications and office machinery, such as fax machines and scanners, and good writing and communication skills. As general clerical duties continue to be consolidated, employers will increasingly seek well-rounded individuals with highly developed communication skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks.
Employment of general office clerks is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2012. The employment outlook for these workers will be affected by the increasing use of computers, expanding office automation, and the consolidation of clerical tasks. Automation has led to productivity gains, allowing a wide variety of duties to be performed by fewer office workers. However, automation also has led to a consolidation of clerical staffs and a diversification of job responsibilities. This consolidation increases the demand for general office clerks, because they perform a variety of clerical tasks. It will become increasingly common within small businesses to find a single general office clerk in charge of all clerical work.
Job opportunities may vary from year to year, because the strength of the economy affects demand for general office clerks. Companies tend to hire more workers when the economy is strong. Industries least likely to be affected by economic fluctuation tend to be the most stable places for employment.
.Although most office clerk jobs are entry-level administrative support positions, employers may prefer or require previous office or business experience. Employers usually require a high school diploma, and some require typing, basic computer skills, and other general office skills. Familiarity with computer word-processing software and applications is becoming increasingly important.
Training for this occupation is available through business education programs offered in high schools, community and junior colleges, and postsecondary vocational schools. Courses in office practices, word processing, and other computer applications are particularly helpful.
Because general office clerks usually work with other office staff, they should be cooperative and able to work as part of a team. Employers prefer individuals who are able to perform a variety of tasks and satisfy the needs of the many departments within a company. In addition, applicants should have good communication skills, be detail-oriented, and be adaptable.
General office clerks who exhibit strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills may be promoted to supervisory positions. Others may move into different, more senior clerical or administrative jobs, such as receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant. After gaining some work experience or specialized skills, many workers transfer to jobs with higher pay or greater advancement potential. Advancement to professional occupations within an establishment normally requires additional formal education, such as a college degree.
.The duties of general office clerks can include a combination of bookkeeping, typing, office machine operation, and filing. Other office and administrative support workers who perform similar duties include financial clerks, information and records clerks, secretaries and administrative assistants, and data entry and information processing workers. Nonclerical entry-level workers include cashiers, counter and rental clerks, and food and beverage serving and related workers.
State employment service offices and agencies can provide information about job openings for general office clerks.
Whereas some clerks spend their days filing or typing, others enter data at a computer terminal. They can also be called upon to operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copies; and answer telephones and deliver messages. The specific duties assigned to a clerk vary significantly, depending upon the type of office in which a clerk works. Employers usually require a high school diploma, and some require typing, basic computer skills, and other general office skills. Others may move into different, more senior clerical or administrative jobs, such as receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos130.htm
The things they do may be different depending on where they work, but most General Office Clerks file, type, and photocopy. In some jobs, General Office Clerks often work directly with people by giving information, scheduling appointments, or interviewing job applicants, clients or customers. Administrative Clerks must know how an office operates in order to keep records of office and business activities. You will find that learning as much as possible about your employer is an important way to become a valuable team member of the work group and your organization. Employers with computer equipped offices are looking for clerks who can handle the many tasks related to entering, processing and retrieving information.
Summary of: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/CLERKOFC.HTM
CareerOINK function popUp(url,x,y) { x = x . Log In now, or create a new account. Want to see more. Hundreds of sample resumes and cover letters. JIST Publishing, Inc.
Summary of: http://www.careeroink.com/career-reference/onet/ONET4.asp?soc_code=43-9061.00
Whereas some clerks spend their days filing or typing, others enter data at a computer terminal. They can also be called upon to operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copies; and answer telephones and deliver messages. The specific duties assigned to a clerk vary significantly, depending upon the type of office in which a clerk works. Employers usually require a high school diploma, and some require typing, basic computer skills, and other general office skills. Others may move into different, more senior clerical or administrative jobs, such as receptionist, secretary, and administrative assistant.
Summary of: http://www.jobbankusa.com/ohb/ohb130.html
Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders and address complaints. Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities. Complete and mail bills, contracts, policies, invoices, or checks. Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems and personal computers. Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
Summary of: http://www.lunch-money.com/index.aspx?DisplayCode=careerDetailsOverview&soc=43-9061.00
Whereas some clerks spend their days filing or typing, others enter data at a computer terminal. They also can be called upon to operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copies; and answer telephones and deliver messages. The specific duties assigned to a clerk vary significantly, depending upon the type of office in which he or she works. Employers usually require a high school diploma, and some require typing, basic computer skills, and other general office skills. Others may move into different, more senior clerical or administrative jobs, such as receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos130.htm
This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty. Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/43-9061.00
Whereas some clerks spend their days filing or typing, others enter data at a computer terminal. They also can be called upon to operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copies; and answer telephones and deliver messages. The specific duties assigned to a clerk vary significantly, depending upon the type of office in which he or she works. Employers usually require a high school diploma, and some require typing, basic computer skills, and other general office skills. Others may move into different, more senior clerical or administrative jobs, such as receptionist, secretary, or administrative assistant.
Summary of: http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos130.htm