what is a clerk?
As a clerk, you fulfil an important role within your organisation. You provide administrative support, taking care of some of the more routine tasks that need to be taken care of. Your work not only makes things run more smoothly at the clerical level, but it also frees up more senior staff, making it possible for them to carry out their job more effectively.
Clerks are necessary for a wide range of businesses and industries, though your work environment will typically be office-based regardless of your employer's business. The scope of your job is affected by the size of the business you work for, however. For example, working for a smaller company will typically see you juggling many administrative tasks. On the other hand, working for a larger company may result in you focusing more on a particular area of administrative work.
Being a clerk requires excellent organisational skills, good communication, and an aptitude for working with computers. Your work involves a good deal of data entry and proficiency with office-related software, such as word processing and spreadsheet software.
Does working as a clerk sound like something that would suit your organisational skills and proficiency with computers? If so, read on to find out what skills and qualifications you need to succeed in this profession.
find your jobaverage clerk salary
According to Talent, the average salary of a clerk in India is ₹250,000 per year, with a typical hourly rate being ₹100. The full range of pay for this profession starts at around ₹180,000 for entry-level positions and goes up to over ₹500,000 for the most experienced clerks.
factors that affect clerk's pay
Your salary as a clerk is affected by many things. These factors include the type of industry you work in, the size of the organisation that employs you, and the location of the job. For example, working in larger cities and metropolitan areas may result in higher salaries compared to those working in smaller towns and rural areas. If you have specialised skills, a higher level of education, and a strong work ethic, it could also lead to a higher salary.
Experience plays a significant role in determining your pay as a clerk. If you have more years of experience and a proven track record of successful performance, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary. On the other hand, if you are just starting out in your career, you will likely be paid less. You have the potential to increase your salary as you gain experience and meet or exceed your employer's expectations.
types of clerks
While the fundamental role of a clerk is the same regardless of the industry you work in, there are different types of clerk. Each of these types has a different speciality that changes aspects of your day-to-day responsibilities. Common types of clerks include:
- administrative clerks: as an administrative clerk, you perform various administrative tasks, like maintaining records and files, handling correspondence, and scheduling appointments. You play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the organisation through your support of other staff members.
- data entry clerks: data entry clerks are responsible for entering information into computer systems and databases, as well as maintaining and updating those systems. In this profession, you play a crucial role in ensuring that information is accurately processed and stored.
- accounting clerks: in this role, you are responsible for basic accounting tasks, such as reconciling bank statements, preparing invoices, and maintaining financial records. You work closely with your organisation's accounting department to ensure financial information is accurate and up-to-date.
- filing clerks: as a filing clerk, you are responsible for organising and maintaining files, both paper and electronic. You also handle the retrieval and distribution of information as required. A core aspect of your role is ensuring that information is easily accessible and retrievable.
working as a clerk
The specific duties of a clerk include the following:
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clerk job description
What does a clerk do? The specific duties of a clerk include:
- maintain accurate and up-to-date records: regardless of the type of clerk you are, a core aspect of your role is maintaining various records. To do this, you use administrative software—as well as work with paper documents.
- prepare and distribute documents and correspondence: putting together memos, letters, and emails is another common duty for clerks. You take instruction from your supervisors or managers and craft the necessary correspondence. You usually handle the sending of that correspondence as well.
- basic accounting tasks: while accounting work will generally be handled by accountants, you may be responsible for more routine accounting tasks. These tasks involve things like filing invoices, sending purchase orders, and entering information into your organisation's accounting software.
- respond to communications: another aspect of your role as a clerk involves responding to communications, such as emails and phone calls. This will typically involve ensuring that the communications reach the intended person at your organisation.
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work environment
As a clerk, you typically work in an office environment, spending much of your time at a desk using a computer. The work environment may be fast-paced and deadline-driven, and you may be expected to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. You are able to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines, as well as maintain a professional demeanour and appearance at all times. If you work for a large company, your immediate environment may be shared with a lot of other clerks.
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who are your colleagues?
You work with a variety of colleagues, including administrative staff, executive assistants, accountants and managers. Depending on the nature of your role, you may also interact with customers and clients on a regular basis.
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work schedule
Your work schedule as a clerk varies depending on the specific role and the industry you work in. As a rough guide, you typically work regular office hours from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Some clerks may also be required to work evenings, weekends, or overtime, depending on the needs of the organisation.
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job outlook
The job outlook for clerks in India is positive, with employment in this field expected to grow in the coming years. As more and more companies recognise the importance of having well-trained, efficient administrative staff, the demand for clerks is expected to increase. Another factor in this positive outlook is advances in technology and the increasing reliance on computer systems that create new job opportunities for clerks.
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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 on a monthly basis
- 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
The qualifications required to become a clerk can vary depending on the job and employer. Some of the academic qualifications for clerks include:
- language: India is home to over twenty languages, and it will typically be required that you are able to read, write, and speak the language of the state your employer is based in.
- higher education: a +2 certificate is required to work as a clerk, though a particular stream is not essential. Most employers will require higher education, and Class 12th Certificate is necessary to prove that you’ve reached that level.
- bachelor's degree: many employers look for a bachelor's degree in their clerks, particularly if it is a specialist clerk role. There are no specific requirements on what subject this degree should be in, but it helps to be relevant to the type of clerk role you apply for.
clerk skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a clerk include:
- organisational skills: a large part of your role as a clerk involves organising things, whether they be files, schedules, correspondence, or others. Your ability to stay on top of things and keep them organised helps you to ensure that things run smoothly.
- multitasking: you often handle multiple tasks at once as part of your routine work. Your organisational ability helps here, but a penchant for multitasking is also useful. You manage your workload efficiently, ensuring that everything is taken care of in a timely manner and prioritising your tasks appropriately.
- interpersonal skills: much of your role as a clerk involves working with colleagues and communicating with people inside and outside of the company. Your strong interpersonal skills help you to ensure there are no problems due to miscommunications, as well as generally help you complete your tasks smoothly.
- discretion: depending on the specifics of your role, you may be tasked with handling confidential documents. In these situations, your competence and discretion ensure that you can carry out your responsibilities without breaching any company policies.
FAQs about working as a clerk
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a clerk.
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what does a clerk do?
The role of a clerk is primarily administrative in nature and involves performing a variety of tasks to support the day-to-day operations of the organisation you work for. This involves handling correspondence, filing, working with office software, and more.
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can a clerk work flexible hours?
The work schedule of a clerk may vary depending on the specific job role and the industry they work in, but many clerks work regular office hours from 9 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Some clerks may also be required to work evenings, weekends, or overtime. Part-time clerk roles are also an option in some cases.
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do clerks make a lot of money?
The average salary of a clerk in India is roughly ₹250,000 per year. Entry-level positions tend to pay closer to ₹180,000 per year, while the highest-paid clerks in the country can earn upwards of ₹500,000 per year.
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what skills does a clerk need?
The key skills and competencies needed to be a successful clerk include strong organisation and time management, attention to detail, and effective communication skills. You will also need to have proficiency in using computer systems and software, as well as the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
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how do I become a great clerk?
A great clerk improves the organisation's operations through competence and excellent time management. Good reasoning and critical thinking skills ensure you can work quickly and independently when you encounter problems.
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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!