• Office Clerk Job Description

    An office clerk is a person who performs general office tasks such as handling and responding to correspondence and telephone calls, processing and preparing office documents, and/or ordering office supplies, services and materials. Office clerks work in almost all industries, from the private sector to the public sector, and their job duties may differ to some extent depending on where they work. For instance, the job of an office clerk in a hotel will not be exactly the same as the one in a hospital.

    An office clerk should be patient, easygoing, well organized, reliable and responsible, and have the ability to use “positive language” and work neatly and accurately. They should have good communication, problem solving and time management skills, and the willingness to learn new things.

  • What does an Office Clerk do?

    Office clerks may do some or all of the following:

    • answer telephone calls, direct calls, and take messages
    • take orders and run errands
    • take and deliver messages
    • prepare and serve coffee to other employees
    • communicate with superiors and customers
    • process and prepare documents
    • help organize office activities
    • order office supplies, services and materials
    • direct and instruct junior clerks
    • operate and maintain office equipment such as computer terminals, photocopiers, and printers
  • Where does an Office Clerk work?
  • Working Conditions

    Office clerks usually work normal office hours, but may be required to work overtime to meet deadlines. They usually work indoors in offices. They may work in stressful conditions.

  • What is Required to Become an Office Clerk?

    To be employed as an office clerk, you need to have attained at least a secondary school education. Most organizations provide on the job training for new employees.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Office clerks need to have:

    • patience
    • adaptability
    • confidence
    • courteousness
    • confidentiality
    • manual dexterity
    • honesty and integrity
    • good attention to detail
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good interpersonal skills
    • computer skills
    • multitasking skills
    • record keeping and general office skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to concentrate for long periods
    • knowledge of office equipment
    • knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Bank Worker
  • Receptionist
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