Office Clerks, General Career Video
Description: Perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, stenography, office machine operation, and filing.
Video Transcript
Offices everywhere, whether they’re in a school, a government agency, or a hospital, rely on office clerks to help keep them running. General office clerks perform a variety of clerical tasks from answering telephones to typing documents and filing records. Rather than performing a single specialized task, these clerks have responsibilities that change with the needs of the employer… their duties may even change daily. Some clerks enter data into computers or use software applications to perform other tasks. They also frequently use a variety of office equipment such as photocopiers, scanners, and fax machines. A clerk’s specific duties depend on the office they work in. For example, a general office clerk at a college or university may process college applications while a clerk at a hospital may file and retrieve medical records. Most clerks work in an office setting full time, but part-time positions are not uncommon. Office clerks usually learn their skills while on the job. Their training typically lasts around one month and may include instructions on office equipment, procedures, and proper phone etiquette. Most office clerks need a high school diploma or equivalent. For those who aren’t familiar with word processing and spreadsheet software, computer courses may be helpful