Clerks

A clerk is a worker who performs routine administrative or clerical tasks in a variety of settings, including offices, retail stores, libraries, and government agencies. The role covers a range of duties centered on organizing, processing, and communicating information. Historically, the term derives from clerics or scribes, but in modern usage it refers to non-professional staff who perform clerical work across many sectors.

Common duties include filing and recordkeeping, data entry, document preparation, scheduling, answering phones, handling correspondence, and customer service. In retail, clerks assist customers, ring up purchases, stock shelves, and process transactions. In libraries, courthouses, or government offices, clerks manage records, assist patrons, and support administrative workflows.

Qualifications commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent, with on-the-job training or vocational programs common. Key skills are attention to detail, organization, basic computer literacy, typing or data-entry speed, and effective communication. Proficiency with office software, databases, and record-management systems is frequently required, and some roles may demand specialized knowledge or licensure.

Career prospects for clerks are often entry-level, with opportunities to advance to administrative assistant, office administrator, or supervisory roles. The work can be routine and repetitive, but varies by industry. Digital recordkeeping and automated processes have shifted some tasks toward automation, yet clerks remain essential for information handling, front-office service, and daily operations.