Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
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, office machine operation, and filing.
Also Known As:Administration Clerk, Administrative Clerk (Admin Clerk), Administrative Support Specialist, Administrative Technician (Admin Tech), Agent-Licensing Clerk, Animal Hospital Clerk, Animal Shelter Clerk, Attendance Clerk +95 more
Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.
Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.
Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.
Inventory and order materials, supplies, and services.
Deliver messages and run errands.
Supplemental Tasks (8)
Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.
Complete and mail bills, contracts, policies, invoices, or checks.
Process and prepare documents, such as business or government forms and expense reports.
Monitor and direct the work of lower-level clerks.
Prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, and record and transcribe minutes.
Train other staff members to perform work activities, such as using computer applications.
Count, weigh, measure, or organize materials.
Troubleshoot problems involving office equipment, such as computer hardware and software.
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
41%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
36%
Some College Courses
15%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
7%
Less than a High School Diploma
2%
Bachelor's Degree
0%
Technology & Tools
★ Hot Technologies
Adobe Acrobat
Adobe InDesign
Facebook
Google Docs
Henry Schein Dentrix
Intuit QuickBooks
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software
Yardi software
Software (60)
3M Post-it App
ADP Workforce Now
Alpha Software Alpha Five
Appointment scheduling software
Billing software
Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
Blackboard software
Bookkeeping software
Data entry software
Database software
Dropbox
Electronic Data Interchange EDI systems
Evernote
FileMaker Pro
Filing system software
Google Drive
Google Sites
GroupMe
IBM Check Processing Control System CPSC
IBM Notes
LexisNexis
LinkedIn
Mavenlink
Medical condition coding software
Medical procedure coding software
Microsoft Exchange
Microsoft Publisher
Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
Propertyware
Records management software
Sage 50 Accounting
Salesforce.com Salesforce CRM
SmugMug Flickr
Social media sites
Spreadsheet software
St. Paul Travelers e-CARMA
Transcription system software
Web browser software
Word processing software
Tools & Equipment (20)
10-key calculators
Computer laser printers
Computer terminals
Data input scanners
Desktop computers
Dictation equipment
Digital duplicating machines
Electric typewriters
Laptop computers
Laser facsimile machines
Letter folding machines
Multi-line telephone systems
Personal computers
Photocopiers
Photocopying equipment
Postage machines
Scanners
Switchboards
Typewriters
Voice mail systems
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.