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Clerical worker skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Brandy Bailey

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical clerical worker skills. We ranked the top skills for clerical workers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 24.4% of clerical worker resumes contained data entry as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a clerical worker needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 clerical worker skills for your resume and career

1. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how clerical workers use data entry:

Served as a general receptionist, responsible for managing front office administrative operations including directing clients and data entry.
Performed data entry in web development organizations and private institutions using Microsoft Office.

2. Scheduling Appointments

Scheduling appointments is the practice of finding a free slot with the person(s) you want to meet. The process of scheduling appointments involves finding mutually free time, negotiating follow-ups, sending reminders, and creating new appointments. Scheduling appointments is important to ensure that the timings of consecutive meetings do not clash with each other.

Here's how clerical workers use scheduling appointments:

Performed general office tasks including: copying, scheduling appointments, faxing documents and maintaining confidentiality of staff and student issues.
Answer the telephone, word processing, making copies, filing, scheduling appointments, and providing information to visitors.

3. Customer Service

Customer service is the process of offering assistance to all the current and potential customers -- answering questions, fixing problems, and providing excellent service. The main goal of customer service is to build a strong relationship with the customers so that they keep coming back for more business.

Here's how clerical workers use customer service:

Administered customer service by providing the specific information needed for each individual and undergrad nursing student of Victor Valley Community College.
Communicate with PlyGem Customer Service with truck issues*Enter Payroll

4. Telephone Calls

Telephone calls are a communication means through which a caller is connected to the called party. The call is done through a telecommunications device called a telephone. The caller can use a landline, mobile phone, or satellite phone to make the call.

Here's how clerical workers use telephone calls:

Greeted University guests and answered telephone calls during transitional period.
Answered telephone calls; typed/sent letters, entered donations into parish program; greeted, assisted visitors

5. Database Systems

Here's how clerical workers use database systems:

Entered and maintained all insufficient fund checks for the bank in a database system.
Review time sheets, verify attendance records and compare information to parks database system.

6. Front Desk

Here's how clerical workers use front desk:

Job entails assisting students at the front desk, processing and approving paperwork, handling sensitive information, and office duties.
Worked directly with visitors by managing the front desk, answering and directing phone calls and emails, and offering assistance.

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7. Office Equipment

Here's how clerical workers use office equipment:

Used a variety of office equipment: computer, calculator, copier, fax machine, etc.
Maintained office equipment, documents, and patient records.

8. Word Processing

Here's how clerical workers use word processing:

Performed word processing for several medical departments.
Perform clerical work, such as word processing, photocopying, faxing, filing, collating, etc.

9. Payroll

Payroll is the sum of all the compensation that an organization has to pay to employees at a specified time. Payroll is managed by the finance or HR department while small business owners may handle it themselves. Payroll isn't fixed as it varies every month due to sick leaves, overtime, etc.

Here's how clerical workers use payroll:

Worked at various temporary assignments by assisting with mailings, performing receptionist duties and distributing payroll.
Conducted payroll, processed payments, and purchased necessary business related items.

10. Computer System

Here's how clerical workers use computer system:

Document processing using manual and computer system.
Entered resident information into computer system.

11. PowerPoint

Here's how clerical workers use powerpoint:

Constructed Word and PowerPoint documents regarding services and products provided by company.
Gather and distribute data from field and create PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets for management, field and product vendors.

12. Office Machines

An office machine is a mechanical and electronic device that is used to get work done in an organization or establishment, to finish multiple works in a short time, and to enhance productivity. Office machines are essential in running a modern office and range from calculators to printers to computers.

Here's how clerical workers use office machines:

Perform general office duties such as typing, operating office machines such as fax and photocopier, and sorting mail.
Operated office machines, such as: photocopiers and scanners, fax machines, voice mail systems, and PC.

13. Fax Machines

Here's how clerical workers use fax machines:

Used printer and fax machines to assist agents.
Operated multi-lined telephones, fax machines, copy machines and desktop computers.

14. Clerical Support

Clerical support performs activities that must be done in every workplace in order to support the company going forward. These duties, which come within the category of clerical support, are typically delegated to entry-level employees since they are simple and easy to learn. Even though clerical duties like printing and filing are easy, they require time and in many instances, other workers are preoccupied with other activities and unable to keep up with all that needs to be accomplished. As a result, many businesses employ clerical support staff who are solely responsible for these duties.

Here's how clerical workers use clerical support:

Provided administrative and clerical support to ensure the efficient operation of the corporation.
Provided front office customer care and clerical support for very busy college reception office.

15. Direct Calls

Direct calls are connections established with a previous customer or client, most likely a subscriber.

Here's how clerical workers use direct calls:

Provided information to citizens; greeted patrons at the information desk, direct calls, miscellaneous office tasks
Answer telephones direct calls and take messages for office staff.

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What skills help Clerical Workers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What soft skills should all clerical workers possess?

Brandy Bailey

Career Coach, Ohio University - Lancaster Campus

Soft skills may vary depending on the employer, industry, and personal opinions. My biggest ones are communication skills, adaptability, self-awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, intercultural competency, creativity or innovation, and time management.

Do you want to know more?

List of clerical worker skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a clerical worker resume and required skills for a clerical worker to have include:

Data Entry
Scheduling Appointments
Customer Service
Telephone Calls
Database Systems
Front Desk
Office Equipment
Word Processing
Payroll

Computer System
PowerPoint
Office Machines
Fax Machines
Clerical Support
Direct Calls
WPM
Windows
Multi-Line Phone System

Computer Programs
Patient Charts
Clerical Tasks
Voice Mail Systems
QuickBooks
Copy Machines
Facsimile Machines

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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