Test for Clerical Abilities

Clerical jobs require a wide range of skills.

Clerical workers provide administrative support within an office setting. The International Association of Administrative Professionals lists five broad categories of clerical jobs: Administrative, Switchboard/Receptionist, Office Services, Data Entry and Customer Service. Within each category are different positions that require various skills.

Before hiring someone for a clerical job, employers test applicants to check whether they have the necessary skills. Clerical tests vary according to the requirements of the position. It's rare for companies to administer handwritten tests; they are most often given on a computer.

Basic Skills

The ability to type quickly and accurately is a crucial skill for most clerical positions. Testing software provides text for the applicant to type; the program clocks the applicant's speed and grades for accuracy. Filing is another basic skill---multiple choice or matching tests determine whether the applicant knows how to alphabetize words and names. Other basics include proofreading, data entry, problem-solving and 10-key (which refers to the ability to use a calculator or the number pad on the right side of a keyboard).

Software

To make sure an applicant knows how to use the software the employer uses, certain "live" tests will ask the applicant to perform tasks with the software. Live tests are essentially simulations in which the applicant demonstrates various abilities---such as how to manipulate digital images, create a spreadsheet, or use specific tools in a word processing program.

Knowledge

High-level clerical positions, such as Executive Administrative Assistants, often require an in-depth understanding of the business itself. A clerical worker in a medical office or law firm would need to know the terminology of the profession in order to understand or create documents. Multiple choice, true-false or written tests help employers determine how much knowledge the applicant has.

Purpose of Testing

While resumes and interviews are a critical part of the hiring process, they don't reveal everything. Testing can help employers discover skills an applicant has that may not be directly reflected in past experiences; for example, some people learn to type at home or have a knack for financial tasks that were not required of them in other jobs. Also, if applicants exaggerate their abilities during the interview, practical tests provide another source of info.

Strategies

If you're going to take a clerical test, make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before. If you have an idea of what skills will be tested, locate sample tests online and use them for practice. Arrive to the testing site early so you won't feel rushed when the test begins.

References

• Clerical Abilities Test
• Iowa Works: Office Proficiency
• International Association of Administrative Professionals