what is a clerk?
As a clerk, you complete most basic office roles alongside secretaries or administrative assistants. For instance, you enter data into a computer, sort mail, scan documents and file reports. Since you are a jack of all trades, you perform routine tasks or different daily functions, depending on your responsibilities. Your specific tasks also vary depending on the employer. For instance, in a marketing firm, your responsibilities differ from working in an office environment.
Clerks work in different settings, from retail and consultancy companies to hospitals, law firms and government offices. The tasks are closely related regardless of the work environment, but you need some industry-specific knowledge to excel in each role.
When you work in a small company, you juggle all the administrative and clerical tasks and ensure the office runs smoothly. However, large companies have specialised roles for clerks. For instance, you may be in charge of bookkeeping or data entry while admin assistants perform other administrative tasks.
To become successful in the role, you need good communication and computer skills. Since your work involves data entry, proficiency in Microsoft Office makes your job easier. Organisation skills also help you juggle most of the duties efficiently.
Would working as a clerk suit your ability to work efficiently and computer skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a clerk role.
average salary of a clerk
According to ONS, a clerk takes home a median salary of £23,400 annually or £12 per hour. The compensation package usually depends on the company structure and your responsibilities in the organisation. When you are a trainee with minimal experience, your salary starts at £21,054 per year. When you have additional years of experience or other qualifications, your earnings can increase to £30,000 per year.
Clerks are often paid overtime hours or rewarded in kind with extra holiday or leave days for working additional hours. Some companies also pay end-year bonuses and provide other allowances.
how to increase your salary as a clerk
Your compensation package depends on the business sector you work for and the roles you play. For instance, a medical clerk or legal clerk is likely to earn more than an office clerk. The former requires additional industry-specific knowledge. Accounts clerks take home a higher salary since they prepare financial accounts.
Your qualifications also influence your pay. While you can become a clerk with minimal post-secondary education, you need extra qualifications to command a higher salary. Sometimes, the location affects the pay structures due to fluctuations in demand. Urban centres have a high demand for clerks, and companies are willing to pay more.
types of clerks
Some types of clerks include:
- accounts clerk: as a clerk in charge of bookkeeping, you maintain up-to-date financial records and prepare accounts as requested by the accountant. That includes dealing with sales invoices, receipts and payments.
- data entry clerk: as a data entry clerk, you fill information into computer databases and systems. You ensure the company's documents and files are up to date. You also write letters, create reports and organise paperwork.
- medical records clerk: your job is to update patient databases with the relevant information. You ensure the hospital has the correct personal information and medical records.
- barristers' clerk: your job is to run and manage the barristers' offices. You file documents, handle correspondence and write emails to clients.
working as a clerk
Working as a clerk involves juggling multiple tasks, so you need multitasking abilities. If you enjoy working in a busy working environment, continue reading for details on the duties and schedules of clerks.
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clerk job description
Some of the typical duties of a clerk include:
- filling reports and documents: your primary role is to keep the office organised. That means you need to file documents properly for easy retrieval. When a co-worker requests a document, you can help them find it.
- performing basic bookkeeping duties: as a clerk, you need to keep track of the petty cash and perform basic bookkeeping records. For instance, you compile financial records, collect receipts or invoices and pass them to the accounts department.
- answering inquiries: your job involves answering phone calls made to the company. You need to respond to queries professionally and provide good customer service to clients. You also redirect calls to the appropriate department for further assistance. Sometimes, you answer inquiries made through company emails and social media.
- operating machines and office equipment: as a clerk, you do most of the printing work in the office. That means you use office equipment like photocopiers, voice mail systems and scanners. You also perform regular maintenance and ensure the office has enough stationery.
- handling correspondence: in some offices, clerks receive mail and packages sent to the company. Your job is to sort the packages and pass them along to the relevant departments.
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work environment
Clerks typically work in comfortable indoor office settings in both the public and private sectors. In some companies, you perform a receptionist role, welcoming visitors and organising their appointments. You need good phone etiquette since you talk to clients on the phone.
Clerks may travel for conferences or events that the organisation hosts in other locations throughout the year. However, they tend to spend more time in one place to ensure the office runs smoothly.
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who are your colleagues?
Whether you work in a hospital or an office, your colleagues may include data entry clerks, administrative assistants, secretaries and office managers. You may also work with management accountants and accounting technicians, as well as other specialists that could include local government revenues officers, lawyers and legal executives.
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work schedule
Most office clerks work 40 hours a week in full-time positions from 8 am to 5 pm. They rarely work overtime and do not get unexpected work schedule changes. Some law clerks may work more than 40 hours a week and spend a few hours at the weekend completing specific tasks and projects if there are upcoming deadlines. You can also finish your tasks from home. Homeworking and other remote opportunities are available in many companies.
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job outlook
Working as a clerk is an entry-level position with a clear career progression path. You can develop your career by becoming an admin assistant or office manager. Specialisation options are also available. For instance, some clerks become bookkeepers and improve their qualifications to join accounting roles. Hospital records clerks can specialise in hospital administration and become care home managers or administrators.
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advantages of finding a clerk job through randstad
Finding your clerk job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a clerk is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
A clerk doesn't need post-secondary education since most employers provide on-the-job training. However, if you want to perform specialist roles like bookkeeping or work in a barrister's office, you must complete a college course. For instance, a barrister's clerk may need a university degree in law or a diploma in applied law. If you want to work as a medical records clerk or an accounts clerk, you need a certificate or diploma course in business administration or bookkeeping.
You could join the profession through apprenticeship opportunities. The apprenticeship includes workplace and college training. You can find advanced business administration apprenticeship courses that take 12 to 18 months.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills and competencies of a clerk include:
- written and verbal communication: as a clerk, you need expertise in communicating on the phone or in person. You should have the ability to strike up conversations with others and build stronger relationships. Written communication skills are essential for writing emails and reports.
- computer skills: as a clerk, you need Microsoft Office expertise to complete your data entry tasks and prepare documents and presentations for your co-workers. Knowledge of task management software and company messaging systems can also help you maintain productivity.
- detail-oriented skills: as a clerk, you need to identify mistakes on a project before sharing it with the team. That means you should be attentive to details when typing and proofreading documents. Some mistakes like mathematical errors in invoices can cause customer complaints.
- time-management skills: your role involves juggling many tasks, and you need to be good at prioritising work to ensure deadlines are met. Time management skills assist with planning your time wisely and meeting deadlines.
- organisational skills: as a clerk, you need to remain efficient and productive. That means you should organise your work schedule efficiently. You also have to file documents safely and organise any documents that need to be signed by managers.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a clerk
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how can you be a good clerk?
Becoming a good clerk who improves the organisation's operations includes showing core competence, managing your time, and having a solid grasp of the industry. It's essential to be trustworthy because of the sensitive information you may handle. Having sound judgment also enhances your professionalism and competence. Good reasoning and critical thinking skills ensure you can work quickly and independently when you encounter problems.
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what tasks are not performed while working as a clerk?
Clerks have a long list of different tasks they perform throughout the day. However, some duties don't fit their job descriptions and are more advanced. These include making managerial decisions that impact the organisation, cleaning the office setting or working on technical issues or problems with the IT department.
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how much interaction do clerks have with other people throughout the day?
Clerks often interact with other people and are the first point of contact because they work at the front desk in an office. They are the first people clients see when they walk in the door and are the first voice potential customers hear on the phone. You represent the company, so it's necessary to have a friendly, professional and welcoming demeanour.
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how do I apply for a clerk vacancy?
Applying for a clerk job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
