Job Description of Clerical Support
A clerical support worker is someone who performs general duties in an office setting. Clerical workers answer phones, handle mail, file reports, respond to email and take notes. Occasionally, a clerical worker will be placed in charge of billing and scheduling, depending on the size and scope of the company for which she is employed.
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Basics
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Clerical workers are responsible for tasks that may be considered mundane, but are often critical to a company's success and profitability. They work in a wide array of industries and are assigned duties that can change on a daily basis. In many offices, the clerical worker is the first person a client or customer sees or speaks to, as clerical workers often arrange appointments with management.
Skills
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A clerical worker must be highly organized and follow instructions well. He needs to work well alone or as a member of a team, and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Oftentimes, a clerical worker handles light accounting or bookkeeping and therefore should have at least a basic understanding of math. And in the event he deals with customers, a clerical worker should be an expert in customer service, conducting himself with professionalism at all times.
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Background
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There are no set requirements for someone to become a clerical worker, although most companies seek candidates with at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Meanwhile, some seek clerical workers with a certificate in administrative services, although guidelines vary by state. Rarely are clerical workers expected to have a college degree. If that's the case, aspiring clerical workers typically focus on courses in business, administration, economics and communications.
Prospects
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Jobs for clerical workers were expected to increase 12 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's about as fast as average for all other occupations. More than 3 million workers were employed as clerical workers in May 2008, the BLS reported.
Earnings
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Clerical workers earned a median wage of anywhere from $10 to $15.57 per hour in February 2010, according to PayScale.com. Much of those earnings were based on experience, as well as the industry in which the clerical worker was employed. Also, the BLS reported earned a median yearly salary of as much as $28,750 in May 2008.
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References
- Photo Credit paperwork image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
