What does a General Clerk do?
Published 3 min read
A general clerk is responsible for a variety of administrative tasks in an organization. They may answer phones, take messages, sort mail, file documents, and perform other clerical duties as needed.
General Clerk job duties include:
- Maintains office records and files
- Answers telephone and gives information to callers, or routes calls to appropriate persons and places messages
- Greets visitors and callers, determines their needs, and directs them to appropriate persons or places
- Takes dictation in shorthand or by machine, and types correspondence
- Composes routine correspondence not requiring knowledge of specific facts or figures
- Copies information from one document to another using a typewriter, photocopier, or computer
- Collects and distributes mail within an organization
- Operates office equipment such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems
- Runs simple errands such as going to the post office or bank
- Performs other general office duties as assigned
General Clerk Job Requirements
There are no specific educational requirements for a general clerk, although some employers may prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent. There are no certification or experience requirements for this position, although on-the-job training may be necessary. General clerks typically perform a variety of clerical duties, such as answering phones, filing documents, and data entry.
General Clerk Skills
- Filing
- Data entry
- Copywriting
- Proofreading
- Editing
- Scheduling
- Answering phones
- Greeting customers
- Handling customer inquiries
- Processing customer orders
- Maintaining customer records
Related: Top General Clerk Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a General Clerk
A General Clerk is responsible for a variety of clerical and administrative tasks in an organization. They provide support to the staff and perform essential functions that keep the office running smoothly. If you are organized, detail-oriented, and have good communication skills, you may be well-suited for a career as a General Clerk.
There is no one specific path to becoming a General Clerk. Many people enter the field with little or no formal education beyond high school. However, some employers may prefer candidates who have completed some college coursework or have relevant experience in an office setting.
The best way to learn the skills necessary to be a successful General Clerk is on the job. Many of the tasks required in this role can be learned through on-the-job training. However, there are also a number of helpful resources available online and in libraries that can teach you the basics of office administration.
If you are interested in becoming a General Clerk, start by researching the duties and responsibilities of the role. Once you have a good understanding of what the job entails, start looking for opportunities to gain relevant experience or education. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful career as a General Clerk.
Related: General Clerk Resume Example
Related: General Clerk Interview Questions (With Example Answers)