Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Careers in... > Careers in Administration > Clerical Work job description
Job description: Clerical Work
Clerks are known by lots of different names - clerical workers or clerical assistants are just a couple of them. Whatever your title, your role will be more or less the same and you'll help manage the more routine administration tasks within an organisation or department. These include:
- Filing
- Projects e.g. gathering information by phone, letter, in person, or research
- Recording and updating computer systems
- Photocopying
- Sorting and distributing post, faxes etc
- Support for the reception desk
There will be some tasks you need to complete on a daily basis, but the projects will break up your routine and add interest as each will be quite different and will involve working with different people.
Hours and environment
It's an office based role, so you'll be at your desk 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. There may occasionally be a need for some overtime, especially if you're helping out on a specific project which is on deadline.
Depending on your employer there may be scope for flexi-working, part-time or job sharing.
Skills and interests
If you enjoy organising and problem solving then you could make a good clerk. The list of skills you should possess include:
- Good reading and writing skills
- Good with grammar and spelling
- Competent keyboard skills
- Good communications skills
- An ability to work individually and as part of a team
- The ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- Attention to detail
Entry
Most people in the industry get started after leaving school but it's equally suited to people with some experience under their belt.
Some employers will expect that you have GCSEs in maths and English. You can make your CV more attractive by taking a GNVQ or vocational A-level in Business Administration, an NVQ/SVQ or one of the courses offered by Pitman, OC (RSA) or the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Training
You'll probably start with the easier tasks like managing the post and filing, then work up to more complex tasks. Your initial training will be on the job, supervised by a more experienced person who will help you get to grips with company procedures, computer systems and information.
Increasingly employers are encouraging their administrative and clerical staff to gain NVQs/SVQs in Business Administration. On these courses you can learn more about communications, keyboard skills, producing documents and stock handling, all of which will help you build up a successful career. Full and part time courses are available to fit round your commitments.
Opportunities
There are opportunities in a wide range of businesses, from the private sector to the local Government, the civil service and the NHS.
In a bigger organisation, where you are part of a team of clerical assistants you can rise through the ranks to become a senior clerk, section head or even office manager. Alternatively you can choose to specialise in a specific area of clerical work, for instance as an accounts clerk, or with the right business qualifications you could transfer into another department where your skills are well suited, like HR or PA, and work your way up.
Annual income
It is not uncommon to be paid by the hour in this profession but a full time worker can expect to start on around £12,000 and to earn up to £24,000 with several years experience.
The highest salaries offered are in London and the South East or to those in specialist clerical positions like legal clerk or accounts clerk.
Jobs in Administration
Other Careers in Administration
