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Clerk typist skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted experts

Allison White,

Allison White

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical clerk typist skills. We ranked the top skills for clerks typist based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 13.6% of clerk typist resumes contained data entry as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a clerk typist needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 clerk typist 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 clerks typist use data entry:

Gathered and sorted document information, data entry, determined document formats for data analysis, data entry and data presentations.
Performed full range of clerical/administrative duties to include preparing correspondence, data entry and supporting the Unemployment Tax Collections Department.

2. 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 clerks typist use customer service:

Provided customer service answering customer inquiries, solving problems, and providing information requested according to school procedures and administrative rules.
Provided exceptional customer service in managing accounts receivable and payable activities for the City of Philadelphia vendor relationships.

3. 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 clerks typist use telephone calls:

Received incoming telephone calls, and directed inquiry to appropriate staff members
Receive telephone calls and provide general information regarding procedural matters.

4. 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 clerks typist use payroll:

Performed secretarial, payroll, clerical and administrative functions for upper management.
Input time sheets for employees/rental companies and investigated/researched/resolved payroll discrepancies.

5. Office Equipment

Here's how clerks typist use office equipment:

Typed and filed documents, procured supplies and office equipment and operated audio-visual equipment.
Maintained general office equipment and assured good working conditions.

6. 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 clerks typist use clerical support:

Supported Superintendent's Office providing clerical support assisting several departments with distribution of supplies and information to multiple school sites.
Provide administrative/clerical support such as answering phones; assisting visitors, typing office correspondence, scheduling appointments.

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7. Input Data

Here's how clerks typist use input data:

Input data to verify location and validate information regarding motorists.
Analyzed and proofread documents to input data into Ledger/Transmittal system.

8. 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 clerks typist use scheduling appointments:

Provide administrative support for career counselors including scheduling appointments.
Provided information, taking messages and scheduling appointments.

9. Office Procedures

Office procedures are the protocols and standards which define how the staff works together. The office procedures can be a set of rules and regulations which guide the employees and help them run the office operations smoothly. Paperwork, customer interaction, taking messages, handling calls in and out all fall under the office procedures.

Here's how clerks typist use office procedures:

Performed general office procedures including administration, supply ordering, and scheduling.
Created and maintained office files and documentation of numerous office procedures.

10. Word Processing

Here's how clerks typist use word processing:

Created documents using word processing programs, responsible for general filing, responding to telephone inquires greeting and directing individuals requesting information
Automated various current manual processes utilizing word processing, spreadsheets and database software.

11. Front Desk

Here's how clerks typist use front desk:

Performed front desk coverage which consisted of screening and determining eligibility according to state income guidelines.
Monitored the front desk reception area enforcing security and confidentiality of facility.

12. Computer System

Here's how clerks typist use computer system:

Enter information correctly using an appropriate computer system, in accordance with legislative requirements and company policy.
Monitor abuse/neglect FAHIS computer system in addition to proper assignment to investigators of a report.

13. 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 clerks typist use office machines:

Operated standard office machines including copiers.
Optimized departmental efficiency through use of office machines and software, such as photocopiers and scanners, and Microsoft Office applications.

14. Purchase Orders

Here's how clerks typist use purchase orders:

Processed purchase orders, maintained inventory control measures, monitored acquisition of capital assets and budget for department.
General Services Administration Responsible for typing general correspondence, reports, purchase orders, specifications and requisitions.

15. Clerical Tasks

Clerical tasks are general office maintenance duties such as answering phone calls, filing and sorting documents, handling deliveries, data entry, and other administrative or office support tasks. Modern clerical roles require basic computer skills and good communication skills.

Here's how clerks typist use clerical tasks:

Performed clerical training and assisted others in performing related clerical tasks.
Performed other basic clerical tasks per instructions or as authorized

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What skills help Clerks Typist find jobs?

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

What hard/technical skills are most important for clerk typists?

Allison White

Associate Professor, Ohio University

In addition to production software skills, including MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, we often taught database skills using MS Access. Every employer has an employee database and a customer/client database that requires input and sometimes maintenance by office personnel. Keyboarding (65+ wpm), basic bookkeeping/accounting, and filing skills are a must.

What skills stand out on clerk typist resumes?

Allison White

Associate Professor, Ohio University

Knowledge of spreadsheets software such as MS Excel is a commonly sought-after skill. Employers want word processing and spreadsheet skills but often say they want high school graduates and pay accordingly. These skills aren't always taught in high school. Those in the field should seek these skills. Additionally, medical and legal assistants have highly sought after. Terminology courses for these specialized areas are sometimes offered at the vocational schools but are usually offered at the post-secondary level.

What soft skills should all clerk typists possess?

Allison White

Associate Professor, Ohio University

Employers have told me repeatedly that soft skills are often the most important. They will ask for my reference after I've gotten to know a student and been able to identify their communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. They want someone to take the initiative yet know when to ask questions. Customer service skills and confidentiality were also voiced by our internship supervisors. Verbal and non-verbal communication is a must. The applicant must be able to write well!!

Do you want to know more?

List of clerk typist skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a clerk typist resume and required skills for a clerk typist to have include:

Data Entry
Customer Service
Telephone Calls
Payroll
Office Equipment
Clerical Support
Input Data
Scheduling Appointments
Office Procedures
Word Processing
Front Desk
Computer System
Office Machines
Purchase Orders
Clerical Tasks

Date Stamps
Provide Clerical Support
HR
Statistical Data
Travel Arrangements
Meeting Minutes
Telephone Inquiries
Fax Machines
PowerPoint
Background Checks
Type Letters
Direct Calls
Rough Drafts
Routine Correspondence
Statistical Reports

Secretarial Support
Subpoenas
Form Letters
Multi-Line Phone System
Police Reports
Copy Machines
Xerox
Travel Vouchers
Child Support
Tuberculosis
Bank Deposits
Dictaphone
Mail Opening
Typewriters

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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