File Clerk Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a file clerk. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a file clerk.
Who is a File Clerk?
The field of file clerking has grown in popularity over the past several years. Often, people in this field have a high school education or a GED, but the job is still incredibly versatile. Most file clerks have a high school diploma or GED, which will provide them with the computer and soft skills they need to be successful in their role. However, some positions may require more specialized training, including coursework in specific fields or industries. For example, some candidates may have completed courses in business administration or health care information management. They may also have experience with word processing software, which will be helpful in their job. A file clerk is responsible for organizing documents and taxes for a company. They also enter large amounts of data into a computer and verify the data is accurate before submitting it. A file clerk may greet customers as they enter the company or may direct general questions to the appropriate employees. Depending on the job description, they may also answer phones.
As the name suggests, file clerks work in legal offices, but they also work in public offices, schools, libraries, and government buildings. Some file clerks travel to the company’s location to perform their duties, while others spend their days at a desk, scanning documents. While some of them may interact with coworkers regularly, some work alone and rarely interact with the public. Therefore, file clerks need to be able to handle a high level of confidentiality and maintain the integrity of all information that they handle.
While many file clerks are technically competent in computer skills, many have previous administrative support experience and minimal educational requirements. Some roles require applicants to have previous work experience in the same field. Some jobs may require candidates to have a certain amount of education and work experience.
File clerks must know how to use bookkeeping software and create online databases and spreadsheets. They are responsible for keeping employee records organized, maintaining financial records, and scanning important paper documents. As a file clerk, you may be called upon to perform other office duties, such as answering phones, relaying messages, sorting mail, and keeping inventory of office supplies. Ultimately, file clerks play a critical role in organizations across the country.
File Clerk Job Description
Below are the file clerk job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a file clerk job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
In a typical file clerk job, a person’s duties involve filing and keeping records. The position requires reading and storing information on paper files and keeping records in order. The average job description of a file clerk is 40 hours per week. They can also work in an office environment. In some cases, they can be classified as a secretary, a banker, or an executive, although the exact requirements will vary.
The responsibilities and obligations section is the most important part of the job description.
These include:
- Creating and adding material to hardcopy files as needed for record-keeping.
- Retrieving files on request and delivering them to appropriate persons or departments.
- Updating the database of digital records.
- Finding and fixing email address errors.
- Performing routine checks to ensure the integrity of the file system.
- Moving outdated files to inactive storage or destroying them after obtaining the necessary approval.
- Preparing files for tax purposes.
- Coordinating trips and confirming appointments as needed.
- Receiving customers and vendors and directing them to the appropriate place.
- Answering the phone when needed and making direct calls.
Qualifications
If you have been thinking of pursuing a career in legal offices, you may be wondering: what are the qualifications to become a file clerk? This section of this article will provide you with an overview of the qualifications that are required of this type of office assistant. Before you begin your application, make sure you understand all of the steps involved. As with any office job, there are requirements to succeed in this position. They should be able to sort, organize, and store all types of files. Additionally, they should have excellent typing skills and the ability to stay on top of their workload.
Besides the basic skills needed for this profession, having a solid knowledge of the filing system is also very important. You must be organized and detail-oriented and must be able to work with other people as well. You should also be able to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to handle deadlines with ease. As a file clerk, you must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality, since your job involves handling sensitive client information.
A high school diploma is a minimum requirement to get a file clerk position. Some employers may require an associate’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree. Other job requirements include computer classes, which will help you learn more about word processing and spreadsheets.
Another important qualification is that the file clerk should have good organizational skills and should be able to prioritize his tasks and be self-motivated. A file clerk must be well-versed in several computer programs. Some may perform data entry on paper files. You may also need to know how to create documents to complete the tasks required of your position.
Essential Skills
A file clerk is a person who organizes and maintains documents and files. They may be required to lift heavy boxes containing thousands of files. These workers must be physically fit to do this job. They should be able to work in a team, as well as interact intelligently with their colleagues. The following are some essential skills that a file clerk should have:
Organizational Skills: The most important skill for a file clerk is a sense of organization. A detail-oriented person, a strong sense of integrity, and good interpersonal skills will benefit from this job. A good organizer must be able to sort, batch, and archive files. They must have strong typing skills, as they will be handling information. They should also be able to keep a neat desk and must have good data-gathering skills and be able to research.
Communication skills: As a file clerk, you need to be able to communicate effectively with a range of people. Good communication skills are essential to maintaining a good team.
Multitasking ability: The ability to multitask is also essential. If you’re able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, you can be more efficient in your job. Keeping track of your work is crucial if you want to stay productive.
Computer Skills. Many file clerk jobs require you to be an expert in the field of computing. Having good computer skills will help you work more efficiently.
Applicants should have the ability to learn how to use computers. They should have experience with various software. A file clerk should know how to use system and application software. A file clerk must be able to understand the underlying principles of computer programs. They should also be knowledgeable about the terminology used in various software programs as this may be advantageous as they work with different databases.
Attention to detail: This is a crucial skill that is essential for file clerks. A file clerk may help a company organize and maintain its documents and records. This position may require the individual to input large amounts of data into a computer, and they must make sure that all of the information is accurate before submitting it. They may also greet customers and direct general questions to the proper employees.
In addition to these skills, a file clerk should have a solid sense of responsibility. As an assistant to a legal professional, a file clerk should be able to make decisions quickly and accurately. The job description of a file clerk should be able to convey the qualifications and daily duties of a file clerk.
As a file clerk, you must be able to perform basic clerical and filing duties. Aside from being quiet and well-organized, you should also be able to follow instructions. You should be able to maintain a high level of customer care must also follow the directions of the team leader and keep the rules of business procedure.
How to Become a File Clerk
To get this type of job, you must have excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail. You should also have excellent technical skills and be able to work well with others. Because the legal field is fast-paced, you will need to be able to meet deadlines and work with other people. You should be an individual with good interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Some file clerks may need no previous training. However, some employers prefer applicants with prior clerking or customer service experience. If you are a newcomer to the field, you may need to undergo on-site training. This training usually takes weeks or months that would involve intense training on how to handle office supplies and basic clerical functions. You can also choose to take Microsoft Office Certification classes to improve your knowledge of Word and other important clerical skills.
You can also complete an online course to improve your knowledge on the job. This training course will help you learn digital information management and how to organize files. It will also prepare you for the job.
Most file clerk jobs require just a high school education. However, some employers will prefer applicants with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Computer skills are also essential, as you may need to create and manage documents. If you have these skills, it can serve as an advantage to obtain a job as a file clerk. And you can also learn the ins and outs of different computer programs.
As a beginner, you can find an educational program that is relevant to the field. In most cases, you can start working as a file clerk immediately after you graduate. Once you have chosen a specific degree, you will need to begin applying for jobs as a file clerk. The career itself is relatively straightforward, but the most important step is determining what type of file clerk you want to be. As a file clerk, you’ll have to be able to maintain a well-organized office. A high school diploma is a minimum requirement, but an associate’s degree will give you an edge over your peers.
Where to Work
Employment of file clerks was anticipated to decrease in the year 2014 due to a rise in workplace automation. Effective, central computer storage tools and networks enable any type of individual in an organization to easily access data, thus getting rid of the need for file clerks.
File clerks are needed in most industries in the world including the technological industry, health industry, economic industry, educational industry, and many more. Employment opportunities are available in most of these industries, thereby giving file clerks a golden opportunity to find a good job.
Other online platforms where file clerks can try to find jobs include:
- 4 Edge Resources
- Jobberman
- Profession Builder
- Glassdoor
- Beast
- Law Jobs
- Legislation Crossing
File Clerk Salary Scale
A file clerk’s average yearly salary is $26,330. The pay range varies greatly depending on the company. Those with less than two years of experience make less than this amount. Those with five to ten years of experience earn more. The median salary is the average. The goal is to be on the higher end of this scale. This figure is not a guarantee. The pay scales can be found by state, but you should be aware of them.
A file clerk usually holds an entry-level position in a company. Most people in this role perform odd jobs and office administration. They work in the office filing system and help senior employees with their work. However, the salary ranges vary widely. A high school diploma is a must. You can expect to work part-time, full-time, or even over time, depending on your experience and the size of your company.
The average hourly salary for a file clerk is $23,520. Salaries for this position can range anywhere from $17 to $69 per hour. This salary range is fairly stable and is highly dependent on the company. A file clerk typically earns between $30,520 and $52,400. This is a high-paying job and the pay is usually pretty good. A high school diploma is required and you can expect to make between $36,000 and $43,000 a year.