What does an office clerk do?
An office clerk’s role is vital to your business’s success as they perform necessary communication and organizational tasks. They provide valued support by preparing and updating important paperwork and electronic documents, recording minutes, and ensuring that files can be easily retrieved. Office clerks maintain schedules for management and prepare client invoices. They also ensure that office equipment is in good working order while maintaining an optimal inventory of office supplies.
Office clerk skills and qualifications
A successful office clerk candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications needed for their duties. These include:
- Highly organized with an ability to prioritize tasks, create and maintain an efficient filing system, and coordinate scheduling
- Excellent verbal and written communicator with a keen ability to interact with team members, clientele, and business partners in writing and person
- Sharp attention to detail, ensuring accuracy when entering data and updating files
- Proficient with computer software tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and communication platforms and able to hone new technologies with ease
- Excellent multitasking abilities, enabling them to complete an array of tasks efficiently and accurately
- Strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including an ability to resolve customer complaints, answer queries, and foster positive client relations
- Accomplished data entry and typing skills, ensuring the speedy and accurate input of information
Office clerk experience requirements
Typically, office clerks do not require previous experience, but a working knowledge of office equipment and Microsoft Office are highly beneficial. Typing skills are another valuable asset when seeking an officer clerk. Furthermore, the skills possessed by an office clerk are transferable, meaning that they can usually move from one industry to another with ease. This is important to note when screening applicants and choosing the right candidates.
Office clerk education and training requirements
To work as an office clerk in Canada, candidates usually require a high school diploma. You may wish, however, to look for training in related areas, such as courses in business administration, commerce, or secretarial studies. While certifications are not a requirement for this role, a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification is also desirable.
Office clerk salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, an Office Clerk in Canada earns an average of $81,374 per year. This salary can vary substantially based on the employee’s level of experience, the company size, and the specific employer.
Job descriptions for similar positions
If an office clerk isn’t exactly what you are looking for, there are related job descriptions that may better suit your needs. Here are some examples:
Office clerk job description FAQs
Who does an office clerk report to?
While office clerks require little to no close supervision, they typically report to the office manager or administrative manager. In small businesses, they often report directly to the owner of the company.
What makes a good office clerk job description?
A top-notch job description for an office clerk will clearly define the requirements of the role and the industry in which they will work. It is wise to outline the main tasks and responsibilities of the position, the work experience and educational background needed, and the top skills required. Be sure to highlight the need for communication, organization, and multitasking abilities. By clearly articulating the position’s requirements, you can better attract suitable candidates.
Do office clerks only work within an office?
While the vast majority of an office clerk’s duties take place within the office, there may be some opportunities to leave the workplace. They may be required to go to the post office, run errands for management, take minutes at offsite meetings, or purchase office supplies.
What qualities make a good office clerk?
You’ve read what skills are desirable in an office clerk, but there are personality traits and qualities that make a candidate suitable for this role. The ideal applicant will display a high level of conscientiousness—an important quality in a position that values accuracy and attention to detail. They will also possess a high emotional IQ, enabling them to work well with others and deal effectively with clients. Your office clerk interview questions can yield information regarding these traits.
*Indeed provides this information as a courtesy to users of this site. Please note that we are not your recruiting or legal advisor, we are not responsible for the content of your job descriptions, and none of the information provided herein guarantees performance.
