General Office Clerks

• Nature of the Work

  The duties of general office clerks are too varied and diverse for them to be classified in any specific administrative support occupation. Rather than performing a single specialized task, the duties of a general office clerk change with the needs of their employer. They may spend some days filing or typing; others 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.

  Duties vary significantly depending upon the office in which a clerk works. 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 unique to their employer, such as 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. In addition to performing more complex duties, senior general office clerks may be expected to oversee and direct the work of lower level clerks.

• Working Conditions

  For the most part, working conditions for general office clerks are the same as those for other office employees within 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 about 1 in 3 works part time. In addition, many general office clerks work as temporaries.

• Employment

  General office clerks held about 2,946,000 jobs in 1994. 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.

• Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

  Most general office clerk jobs are entry level administrative support positions, although they may require previous office or business experience. Employers usually require a high school diploma, and some require typing, basic computer skills, and other general office skills. Familiarity with computer word processing software and applications is becoming increasingly important.

  Training for this occupation is available through business education programs offered in high schools, community and junior colleges, and postsecondary vocational schools. Courses in word-processing, microcomputer applications, and office practices are particularly helpful.

  Because general office clerks usually work with other office staff they should be cooperative and able to work as part of a team. They should be able to communicate with a wide range of people and have good organizational skills and attention to detail. They also must be willing to change to meet the unexpected requirements of the job or take on additional responsibilities.

  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, secretary, or administrative assistant. Advancement to professional occupations within an establishment usually requires more formal education including a college degree.

• Job Outlook

  Employment of general office clerks is expected to change or grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Nonetheless, good job opportunities should continue to exist. The large size of this occupation and the high turnover associated with it will continue to produce a large number of job openings. After gaining some work experience or specialized skills, many workers transfer to jobs with higher pay or greater advancement potential.

  Increasing use of computers and expanding office automation mean a wider variety of duties can be performed by fewer office workers. As more small businesses consolidate their clerical staffs and job responsibilities become more diverse, it may become more common to find a single general office clerk in charge of all clerical work. However, as duties expand, employers will seek workers with greater computer skills and a broader range of office skills or experience.

  Job seekers who have computer word-processing and other secretarial skills, and knowledge of the operation of basic office machinery, such as fax machines and copiers, should have the best opportunities. Because they must be so versatile, general office clerks find work in virtually every kind of industry. In addition, they should find many opportunities for part-time or temporary work, especially during peak business periods in industries where these jobs are concentrated.

• Earnings

  Median annual earnings of full-time general office clerks were about $19,300 in 1994; the middle 50 percent earned between $14,900 and $25,000 annually. Ten percent earned less than $11,300, and 10 percent more than $32,200.

  According to a survey of workplaces in 160 metropolitan areas, beginning general office clerks had median annual earnings of $13,000 in 1993, with the middle half earning about $11,600 to $15,000 a year. The most experienced general office clerks had median annual earnings of about $24,000, with the middle half earning between about $21,500 and $27,200 a year. General office clerks' salaries varied by industry. They tended to be higher in transportation and public utilities and lower in construction and finance, insurance, and real estate.

  In 1995, the Federal Government paid general office clerks a starting salary of between $13,650 and $16,721 a year, depending on education and experience. In 1994, general office clerks in the Federal Government earned an average annual salary of about $23,100.

• Related Occupations

  General office clerk usually is an entry-level office job. The duties of general office clerks may include a combination of bookkeeping, typing, office machine operation, and filing; a variety of other administrative support workers perform similar duties. Entry-level jobs in other settings include cashier, medical assistant, teacher aide, and food and beverage service worker.

• Sources of Additional Information

  State employment service offices and agencies that specialize in placing administrative support personnel can provide information about job openings for general office clerks.

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