The duties of general office clerks are too varied and diverse for them to be classified in any specific administrative support occupation. Rather than specialize in a single primary task, general office clerks have duties that are as diverse as the needs of the employer. Some days may be spent filing or typing; others may be spent entering data at a computer terminal. They also may operate photocopiers, fax machines, or other office equipment; prepare mailings; proofread copy; and answer telephones and deliver messages.
A general office clerk in a doctor's office may not perform the same tasks as a clerk in a large financial institution or in the office of an auto parts wholesaler. Although they all may sort checks, keep payroll records, take inventory, or access information, they also may perform duties specific to their employer like organizing medications, making transparencies for a presentation, or filling orders received by fax machine.
Duties also vary by level of experience. Inexperienced employees may transcribe data, operate calculators, or record inquiries while more experienced workers may handle greater responsibilities. They might maintain financial or other records, verify statistical reports for accuracy and completeness, handle and adjust customer complaints, take inventory of equipment and supplies, answer questions on departmental services and functions, and help prepare budgetary requests. Senior general office clerks may be expected to oversee and direct the work of lower level clerks.
General office clerks have a variety of skills, enabling them to work in almost any office setting.
For the most part, working conditions for general office clerks are the same as those for other office employees in the same company. Those on a full-time schedule usually work a standard 40-hour week. Some may work shifts or overtime during busy periods and 1 in 4 works part time. In addition, many general office clerks work as temporaries.
General office clerks held about 2,688,000 jobs in 1992. They work in every sector of the economy. Most general office clerks are employed in relatively small businesses, with over 50 percent working in the services or wholesale and retail trade industries.
Many general office clerk jobs are entry level and do not require office or business experience. Employers usually require a high school diploma, and some require typing, word processing, and other general office skills. In addition, basic computer skills are becoming increasingly important.
Training for this occupation is available in business education programs offered in high schools, community and junior colleges, and postsecondary vocational schools. Courses in keyboarding, microcomputer applications, and office practices are particularly helpful.
General office clerks usually work with others. Therefore, they should be cooperative and able to work as part of a team. They must also be willing to change to meet the unexpected requirements of the job.
General office clerks who exhibit strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills may be promoted to supervisory positions. Others move into different clerical jobs, such as receptionist, typist, or secretary. Advancement to professional occupations in the establishment usually requires more formal education like a college degree.
Opportunities for persons interested in becoming general office clerks should be quite favorable. The large size and high turnover of this occupation should produce a significant number of job openings. Jobseekers who have typing and other secretarial skills, basic computer skills, and knowledge of office machine operation such as fax machines and copiers should have the best opportunities. General office clerks should find many opportunities for part-time or temporary work, especially during peak business periods.
Because they are so versatile, general office clerks find work in virtually every kind of industry. Therefore, employment is not dependent on the fortunes of any single sector of the economy. Similarly, because they perform a wide variety of office duties using many types of equipment, their employment is not necessarily dependent on any particular technological development.
Employment of general office clerks is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 as more small businesses place a single office worker frequently a general office clerk in charge of all clerical work.
Median annual earnings of full-time general office clerks were about $18,500 in 1992; the middle 50 percent earned between $14,300 and $24,100 annually. Ten percent earned less than $11,400, and 10 percent more than $29,500.
According to a survey of workplaces in 160 metropolitan areas, beginning general office clerks had median annual earnings of $12,700 in 1992, with the middle half earning about $11,400 to $14,600 a year. The most experienced general office clerks had median annual earnings of about $23,800, with the middle half earning between about $20,800 and $26,900 a year.
General office clerks' salaries vary by industry. They tend to be highest in public utilities and mining and lowest in construction and finance, insurance, and real estate.
In 1993, the Federal Government paid general office clerks a starting salary of between $13,382 and $16,393 a year, depending on education and experience. In 1993, general office clerks in the Federal Government earned an average annual salary of $22,791.
General office clerk is usual,ly an entry-level office job. Entry-level jobs in other settings include cashier, medical assistant, teacher aide, and food and beverage service worker.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor