Work Environment
Office Clerks typically work in the following Career Sectors:
Videos & Interviews
Videos on the Web
- Office Clerk- from: Youtube Search
- Committee Clerk - from: icould [UK] Video
- Office Clerk - from: YouTube Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
The Work
Clerks work in offices, helping to ensure the smooth running of their organisation's administrative and information systems. They have a wide range of clerical and administrative duties, and usually work under supervision.
Clerks may be responsible for collecting and opening the post, and for delivering it to the appropriate department or member of staff. They may also collect outgoing mail and prepare it for sending.
They provide administrative support, carrying out duties such as photocopying, faxing, filing hard copy documents, answering the telephone, taking messages, ordering stationery and other resources, and perhaps providing cover on a reception desk, supporting updates on social media.
Some clerks may specialise in accounts/finance work, with particular responsibility for the financial aspects of office administration, such as preparing invoices and working out the cost of customer orders. They calculate wages based on employees' time sheets, deducting tax, medical insurance, pensions contributions and National Insurance.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
- Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
- Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
- Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
- Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
- Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
- Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
- Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.
- Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.
- Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.
Qualities - Office Clerk
Employers look for employees that are well organised, methodical and careful in their work.
Some clerical tasks can be repetitive, so you must be happy to work in this type of environment.
An ability to keep your concentration and accuracy at all times is also required.
Good literacy and number skills will be important, for example, when completing forms or keeping records of sales figures.
Computer, word processing or keyboard skills are increasingly important. Word processor operators may be required to have typing speeds of between 40 and 50 words per minute.
You must also be able to operate standard office equipment, such as fax machines and photocopiers.
Many employers prefer clerks to have a smart appearance, especially if they have reception duties. You are also likely to need a professional, polite, helpful telephone manner.
Clerks usually work under supervision, although you must be able to use your initiative to complete tasks.
Teamwork skills are also desirable in a clerk as you will be working as part of a larger team.
Interests - Office Clerk
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry - Office Clerk
Most of the training for an Office Administrator is on-the job. Many Office Administrator also perform secretarial duties so a secretary, customer service or administration course would be highly desired by employers.
Traning & Development
Traineeship: Business & Office administration NFQ level 5 search FET Traineeship
FET centre PLC course: Business & Office Administration NFQ level 5 search our FET PLC coursefinder
Last Updated: March, 2023
Pay & Salary - Office Clerk
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €45k
Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.
Data Source(s):
Jobs.ie/ Sigmar/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Brightwater
Last Updated: February, 2024
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Office Clerk
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
This is the largest of the administrative occupations, with employment spread across all sectors of the economy. Employment grew strongly between 2019 and 2020 but has only seen marginal growth in employment levels since then. Despite this, there was a high level of recent job hires indicating that job churn is a significant feature of this occupation.
Skills for Growth data points to some difficulties in filling a small number of administrator roles where skills such as digital, numerical, MS Office, and communications were in particular demand. Job opportunities are likely to continue for this role given its large size and the demand across sectors, even if employment rs as demand for skills outstrips supply across occupations.
Useful Contacts - Office Clerk
-
Public Appointments Service
- Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
- (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
- [email protected]
- Click Here
