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 job
1

average 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.

man in office pumping fist
man in office pumping fist
2

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.
3

working as a clerk

The specific duties of a clerk include the following:

4

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.
Young woman of color smiling
Young woman of color smiling
5

FAQs about working as a clerk

Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a clerk.

thank you for subscribing to your personalised job alerts.