Highlights

1. Clerical work involves data entry, filing, phone management, and supporting business operations.
2. Clerical workers need strong organizational, communication, and computer skills, commonly working in various industries.
3. To get a clerical job, education, a strong resume, and transferable skills are key to standing out.
4. Employers should define roles, recruit through multiple channels, and assess candidates' skills with tests and interviews.

Clerical work might sound fancy, but it’s a key part of how businesses and offices run smoothly daily. If you’re curious to know about what is a clerical work or how to start a career in this field, you’re in the right place. 

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about clerical work so you can see how these behind-the-scenes roles make a big difference!

What Is A Clerical Work?

Clerical work generally focuses on repetitive tasks like typing, filing, and data entry, while administrative work involves decision-making and more responsibility. 

Thus, the clerical work definition shows that it is essential for keeping businesses organized and running smoothly. Here are some common clerical job duties:

1. Answering phone calls
2. Scheduling appointments or trips
3. Sending faxes and emails
4. Making copies and filing documents
5. Creating and maintaining records
6. Sorting and responding to mail
7. Interacting with customers and investors
8. Typing letters or reports
9. Using computers for various tasks
10. Managing basic math duties
11. Paying bills
12. Keeping track of office supplies

What Is Clerical Worker?

A clerical worker is an employee responsible for performing administrative and office support tasks that help ensure the smooth operation of an organization. Clerical workers are commonly employed in healthcare, education, government, and corporate offices. These roles require attention to detail, organizational skills, and proficiency in basic office software like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

Jobs In Clerical Work Across Different Industries

While clerical work shares common traits across industries, specific job responsibilities often vary depending on the work environment. Here's an overview of how clerical job duties differ in various fields:

Business Management, Administration, and Human Resources

In business and administration, clerical work covers a range of tasks tailored to organizational needs. Examples include:

1. Payroll Clerks: Handling payroll accounting, submitting payroll documentation, and issuing paychecks.
2. Human Resources Clerks: Managing HR processes, maintaining employee records, and assisting with onboarding and recruitment tasks.

Accounting and Financial Clerical Work

In the financial sector, clerical work involves accounting-focused tasks, such as:

1. Documenting and preparing financial reports.
2. Recording financial transactions.
3. Managing accounts payable.
4. 
   

Clerical Work in the Government Sector

Government clerical roles include general office support as well as industry-specific tasks. Examples include:

1. Court Clerks: Maintaining court records and legal documents.
2. Agency Receptionists: Performing receptionist duties for government organizations like the IRS.
3. Administrative Clerks: Handling office tasks in law enforcement or public services.

Health Care and Medical Clerical Work

Clerical workers manage essential documentation and front desk operations in the healthcare industry. Examples include:

1. Medical Billing Clerks: Filing medical claims for insurance purposes.
2. Hospital Receptionists: Answering phones, directing visitors, and managing patient records.
3. Health Records Clerks: Organizing and maintaining patient files, billing documents, and inventory lists.

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What Is Clerical Experience?

Clerical experience refers to work experience involving office and administrative tasks that help support the day-to-day operations of a business or organization. These tasks typically include:

1. Filing and Organizing: Managing and maintaining records, documents, and files.
2. Data Entry: Inputting, updating, and maintaining data in computer systems or spreadsheets.
3. Answering Phones: Managing calls, taking messages, and directing inquiries to the appropriate person.
4. Scheduling: Coordinating appointments, meetings, and calendars.
5. Mail Handling: Sorting, delivering, and processing incoming and outgoing mail.
6. Typing and Correspondence: Drafting emails, letters, and other documents.
7. Customer Service: Interacting with clients or visitors, answering questions, and assisting.
8. Inventory Management: Ordering office supplies and keeping track of stock levels.

How to Get a Clerical Job?

If you're ready to step into the world of clerical work, here’s how you can secure one of these roles, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting:

1. Get an Education

Most clerical jobs require a high school diploma or a GED. To stand out from the competition, consider taking community college courses or earning certifications, such as in Microsoft Office or other software. These extra qualifications can boost your credibility and make you more attractive to potential employers.

2. Create a Professional Resume

Your resume is your first impression, so make it count. Make sure it’s polished, error-free, and professional. Highlight skills like organization, communication, attention to detail, and computer proficiency. Moreover, adjust your resume to reflect the specific requirements of the clerical job you’re applying for.

3. Practice Highlighting Your Skills

Employers look for candidates who demonstrate strong communication, organizational abilities, and attention to detail in interviews. Even if you don’t have formal clerical experience, think of examples from:

1. School: Managing projects, organizing schedules, or working in groups.
2. Volunteer Work: Coordinating events, maintaining records, or assisting in administrative tasks.
3. Previous Jobs: Any role requiring customer interaction, data entry, or multitasking.

4. Leverage Transferable Skills

Transferable skills, such as being detail-oriented, working well under pressure, or managing tasks efficiently, are highly valued. Use examples from your personal or professional life to showcase these qualities.

7 Tips for Hiring a Clerical Worker

When hiring a clerical worker, these tips can help you find the best candidate for the job:

1. Define Roles and Responsibilities

Use a roles and responsibilities template to outline the clerical skills and experience required for the position. This ensures you know exactly what you need and helps you communicate those expectations to candidates.

2. Write a Detailed Job Description

Once you’ve defined the role, write a comprehensive job description. Include key details such as:

1. Job Responsibilities
2. Required qualifications and skills
3. Benefits and Compensation
4. Work hours and location

3. Recruit in Multiple Places

Widen your pool of candidates by recruiting through various channels:

1. Post jobs for free on platforms like Yulys
2. Ask for referrals from current clients or employees
3. Share the job opening on your social media
4. Reach out to industry contacts for recommendations
5. Using multiple methods increases your chances of finding a qualified candidate.

4. Read Resumes Carefully

Begin by scanning resumes for obvious mistakes. If a candidate can’t pay attention to details on their resume, they might not be detail-oriented in their work. Look for relevant clerical experience, such as data entry, filing, and customer service, and review resumes more thoroughly for candidates who pass your initial scan.

5. Set Up Interviews

Start with phone interviews for about six to ten candidates. This helps you screen applicants quickly. Narrow it down to three to six candidates for in-person interviews, where you can better assess their skills and fit for the role.

6. Ask Job-Specific Interview Questions

Tailor your interview questions to the role. Ask about the candidate’s previous clerical experience, how they’ve used relevant skills in past jobs, and how they would handle typical clerical situations. This gives you insight into their abilities and suitability for the role.

7. Perform Relevant Tests

Consider giving candidates a typing test or other relevant tasks to assess skills. Make sure all candidates complete the same tests for a fair and legal hiring process. This helps you objectively evaluate their abilities.

What Is the Average Salary of a Clerical Worker?

Clerical work typically includes filing, data entry, answering phones, and scheduling. The average salary for clerical workers varies, but entry-level positions often cost $42,819 per hour.

Summary

Clerical work plays a vital role in keeping businesses and organizations running smoothly. Whether managing schedules, handling paperwork, or assisting customers, clerical workers are essential to day-to-day operations. With the right skills and experience, these roles offer many opportunities across many industries.