The specific responsibilities of a general office clerk differ greatly depending on the size and type of business. In general, however, many clerks answer the phone and file documents. Customers may also receive responses via email, phone, or printed letter. Essentially, general clerks perform a variety of tasks as needed to assist with paperwork or computer work in an office setting. Many people who work in this field are in entry-level positions.
Some office clerks run errands for meetings, such as getting coffee. They might be in charge of keeping office supplies stocked. A general office clerk is responsible for sending faxes, photocopies, and addressing corporate invitations to clients. General clerks may perform some bookkeeping or data entry tasks, depending on departmental needs. Some clerks prepare client letters or mailings.
Depending on the needs of the company, the types of tasks that general office clerks perform may change seasonally or even daily. Despite the fact that most office clerking jobs are entry-level, some senior positions require clerks to write reports or perform business analysis. General clerks at all levels must be able to collaborate effectively with others and blend seamlessly into the workplace culture. It is critical to work accurately in order to ensure that files are placed in the correct location. A general clerk may be required to fill in information on a variety of tasks or projects.
The responsibilities of a general office clerk in a small business may differ significantly from those of a similar position in a large corporation. In very small businesses, for example, a general clerk may be responsible for more errands such as mailing letters and picking up mail in addition to opening it. This type of clerk is also more likely to have the same responsibilities every day, such as answering the phone and waiting on customers. Postal and pharmacy clerks are frequently required to receive product training.
Proofreading is a job task that a general clerk may perform in some offices because having another set of eyes proofread an important document or client communication before it is sent can be beneficial. A general office clerk may record minutes at meetings in some cases, but this is usually done secretaries or administrative assistants.