What Skills are Needed to Qualify for Jobs as an Office Clerk?

<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutOfficeClerks">Important Facts About Office Clerks</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Median pay</td><td> The median yearly wage of general office clerks in 2018 was $32,730 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.</td></tr> <tr><td>Job outlook</td><td> The increase in employment of general office clerks varies by industry, but overall employment will decrease by 1% between 2016-2026. The best job prospects are expected in the healthcare industry.</td></tr> <tr><td>Entry-Level Educations</td><td> A minimum of a high school diploma is necessary.</td></tr> <tr><td>Similar Occupations</td><td> Customer Service Representatives, Receptionists, Secretaries, Administrative Assistants</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---OfficeSkillsRequired">Office Skills Required</h2><h3 id="section---CommunicationSkills">Communication Skills</h3><p>The ability to communicate both orally and in writing is a top skill required of office clerks. They greet visitors, confirm appointments, and direct clients or vendors to the proper person or office. They also answer general questions and screen phone calls, filtering them to the appropriate party. Some office clerks also compose basic correspondence on behalf of their employers. </p><h3 id="section---ComputerSkills">Computer Skills</h3><p>Office clerks should be familiar with how to use computers effectively, including calendar and scheduling programs, as well as database, spreadsheet, word processing, e-mail, and desktop publishing applications. They also need to be adept at data entry. </p><h3 id="section---GeneralOfficeSkills">General Office Skills</h3><p>Office clerks need a variety of basic office skills, including the ability to file, make photocopies, post outgoing mail, sort and distribute incoming mail, sign for deliveries, and send faxes. They also must be able to take detailed phone messages and keep accurate paper and electronic records. In some offices, clerks take dictation and transcribe notes, as well as keep track of office supplies and order new ones as necessary. Other duties of an office clerk might include arranging travel for other office workers. </p><h3 id="section---AdvancedSkills">Advanced Skills</h3><p>In certain office settings, office clerks might require more advanced or complicated clerical skills. In these instances, office clerks might need to be able to keep records for payroll, make out paychecks, or take inventory. If they're being asked to supervise other employees, office clerks also might need some managerial skills.</p>