BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasOffice Clerks, General

O*NET · 43-9061.00

Office Clerks, General

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 called Admin Clerk · Admin Tech · Administration Clerk · Administrative Clerk (Admin Clerk) · Administrative Support Specialist · Administrative Technician (Admin Tech) · Agent-Licensing Clerk · Animal Hospital Clerk
98 more

Animal Shelter Clerk · Attendance Clerk · Auction Assistant · Audit Control Clerk · Automobile Contract Clerk · Bilingual Office Assistant · Blood Bank Calendar Control Clerk · Blood Bank Credit Clerk · Blood Donor Unit Assistant · Board Attendant · Broadcast Checker · Call Center Specialist · Car Distributor · Chart Clerk · Charter · Circulation Clerk · Clerical Aide · Clerical Assistant · Clerical Dentist Assistant · Clerical Office Worker · Clerk · Code and Test Clerk · Congressional District Aide · Copyright Expert · Credit Card Clerk · Credit Card Control Clerk · Data Examination Clerk · Desk Clerk · Document Coordinator · Document Examiner · Document Processor · Election Clerk · Examination Proctor · Field Assistant · Field Clerk · Field Representative · Fingerprint Clerk · Floor Clerk · Floor Space Allocator · Front Office Assistant · Front Office Clerk · General Clerk · General Office Clerk · General Office Worker · Government Clerk · Grading Clerk · Greige Goods Marker · Health Unit Coordinator · History Card Clerk · Identification Clerk · Insurance Clerk · Laboratory Clerk · Laundry Clerk · Lost and Found Clerk · Lost Charge Card Clerk · Map Clerk · Marketing Clerk · Media Clerk · Melter Clerk · Office Admin Assistant · Office Administrative Assistant (Office Admin Assistant) · Office Aide · Office Assistant · Office Associate · Office Automation Clerk · Office Clerical Helper · Office Clerk · Office Employee · Office Helper · Office Services Specialist · Office Support Assistant · Office Worker · Order Caller · Police Aide · Police Clerk · Press Clippings Cutter and Paster · Process Server · Program Support Clerk · Property Clerk · Property Coordinator · Radio Message Router · Real Estate Assistant · Real Estate Clerk · Returned Telephone Equipment Appraiser · Router · Stubber · Telegraph Service Clerk · Test Technician · Throw-Out Clerk · Trace Clerk · Train Clerk · Trip Follower · Underwriting Clerk · Unit Clerk · Utility Worker · Weather Clerk · Wrong Address Clerk · Yard Clerk

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code CES35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Receptionists and Information Clerks

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional6.84
  • E Enterprising3.20
  • S Social3.06
  • R Realistic2.92
  • I Investigative1.85
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma2%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent41%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate7%
  • Some College Courses15%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree36%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (43%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (32%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Speakingbasic3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Writingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Service Orientation3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Time Management3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Active Learningbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Instructing2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23

Tasks

12 core · 8 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.4.6
  2. Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.4.3
  3. Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.4.3
  4. Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.4.1
  5. Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.4.0
  6. Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.3.9
  7. Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.3.9
  8. Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.3.8
  9. Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.3.7
  10. Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.3.6
  11. Deliver messages and run errands.3.5
  12. Inventory and order materials, supplies, and services.3.5
Show the other 8
  1. Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.4.1
  2. Complete and mail bills, contracts, policies, invoices, or checks.4.1
  3. Process and prepare documents, such as business or government forms and expense reports.3.8
  4. Monitor and direct the work of lower-level clerks.3.7
  5. Prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, and record and transcribe minutes.3.6
  6. Train other staff members to perform work activities, such as using computer applications.3.3
  7. Count, weigh, measure, or organize materials.3.2
  8. Troubleshoot problems involving office equipment, such as computer hardware and software.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Administrative4.25.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • English Language3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Customer and Personal Service3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Administration and Management3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Computers and Electronics2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics2.72.8
  • Economics and Accounting2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
Show all 33
  • Communications and Media2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Education and Training2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Law and Government2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Psychology2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sales and Marketing2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications2.00.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Production and Processing1.81.3Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Philosophy and Theology1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.71.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Geography1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Transportation1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Design1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Engineering and Technology1.50.6Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Therapy and Counseling1.5—
  • Chemistry1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Foreign Language1.40.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Mechanical1.4—
  • Fine Arts1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Physics1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Biology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Oral Comprehension3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written Comprehension3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written Expression3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Near Vision3.43.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Speech Clarity3.43.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Selective Attention3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Time Sharing2.92.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Far Vision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.82.6
  • Flexibility of Closure2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Number Facility2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual Speed2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Finger Dexterity2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Auditory Attention2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Control Precision2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Memorization2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.12.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Visualization2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Trunk Strength1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception1.50.5
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.50.8
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.6
  • Multilimb Coordination1.40.8
  • Static Strength1.40.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.32.9
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.03.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.73.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.53.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.52.5Level 1 looks like: Record the weight of a patient during a routine health exam
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Processing Information3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.32.8
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.22.7
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.12.8
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.12.8
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.02.9
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.02.9
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.92.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.62.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Thinking Creatively2.62.6
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.51.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.7
  • Training and Teaching Others2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.41.6Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Developing and Building Teams2.31.6Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Performing General Physical Activities2.22.0Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.11.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Handling and Moving Objects2.12.6
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.11.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.3—

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • E-Mail4.8
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Spend Time Sitting4.4
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks4.2

Technology

59 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (7)

  • Google Workspace softwarehot
  • Intuit QuickBookshot
  • Microsoft Excelhot
  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Microsoft Outlookhot
  • Microsoft PowerPointhot
  • Microsoft Wordhot

Hot (13; 7 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Facebook
  • Google Docs
  • Henry Schein Dentrix
  • MEDITECH software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Project
  • Microsoft SharePoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Oracle PeopleSoft
  • SAP software
  • Yardi software
Other tools (39)
  • 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 Dynamics
  • 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
  • St. Paul Travelers e-CARMA
  • Transcription system software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
  2. File Clerks
  3. Receptionists and Information Clerks
  4. Administrative Services Managers
  5. Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
  6. Correspondence Clerks
  7. First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
  8. Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants
  9. Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service
  10. Billing and Posting Clerks

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.