all about office clerk jobs
As an office clerk, you act as a catch-all for all the administrative tasks your coworkers need assistance with. As a result, you can be indispensable to your coworkers.
If you're looking to get into the administrative field, an office clerk job is an ideal entry-level job to start with, as it doesn't require a lot of previous experience, but can lead to exciting new opportunities. Randstad Canada can help you find the right office clerk job. Begin your search now.
what office clerk jobs entail
As an office clerk, you provide assistance with scheduling, clerical tasks, and anything else your coworkers require. You're also a resident expert in office equipment, especially if your office has a small or non-existent tech support department. Office clerks can work part-time or full-time. You will most likely work at a computer workstation or in a reception area. You are often required to support several coworkers, occasionally an entire department or floor, depending on the size and structure of your company.
average office clerk salaries in canada
Most office clerk salaries range from approximately $27,000 to $45,000. Starting salaries for office clerks tend to be on the lower end of this range. As an office clerk just starting out in the field, you can expect a salary in the low to mid $30,000 range in most markets. Though office clerk salaries fall below the national average income for Canadians, as an entry level position, entry clerk jobs often lead to other higher paying positions in administrative support and related fields.
Your salary as an office clerk will also be somewhat dependent on your location. Though office clerk salaries are fairly consistent across the country, Quebec and Montreal are a notable exception. Office clerks in Montreal make slightly less than the national average, with starting salaries occasionally dipping below the $30,000 mark.
your day to day tasks
As an office clerk, you provide catch-all office support. You're a jack of all trades and know how to operate all the key office equipment. You can also support your coworkers with a variety of administrative tasks. Daily tasks may include:
- answering phones and providing information
- scheduling meetings and maintaining calendars
- operating office equipment such as computers, printers, fax machines,
- photocopiers, scanners and telephone answering systems
- stuffing envelopes, preparing packages and delivering mail
- performing a variety of basic administrative tasks such as filing
- typing up documents or word processing
- running errands for coworkers and management
- assisting coworkers with tasks wherever necessary
where you can work
As an office clerk, you can work in many different verticals across Canada. There are office clerk jobs to be found in both the public and private sectors. Any business that operates out of an office can use your support! Office clerk jobs pop up in government, finance, healthcare, education, and general business, among many others.
You will usually work at a desk in an office. Depending on the size of your company, you may work in a reception area and fulfill receptionist duties as well. As a full-time office clerk, you will typically follow a 9 to 5 work schedule of 35 to 40 hours per week. If your employer's office hours differ from the standard 9 to 5, your work schedule will likely reflect this as well.
what you bring to the table
To thrive as an office clerk, you'll need top-notch communication skills, as well as basic clerical and administrative skills. Some of the most important skills employers are looking for include:
- familiarity with office equipment
- solid understanding of computer systems
- strong customer service skills
- organization and attention to detail
- dependability, flexibility and efficiency
- an ability to work well in team settings
- an ability to follow directions
training and certifications
Many companies now require a high school diploma or GED when filling office clerk jobs, though this is not always required. Vocational schools may also offer job training and certifications that employers are looking for. Solid experience and a demonstrated proficiency with word processing and other key computer skills may help you overcome a lack of formal education.
It’s important to note that, as technology evolves, businesses are increasingly reliant on software. To thrive in an office clerk job, you must be tech savvy and stay current with the industry standard software in your field.
where your career is headed
Office clerk jobs are often seen as an entry point into an industry or organization. For this reason, office clerk positions are an ideal option for students, part-timers, temporary workers, and people who are returning to the workforce and looking to build on their current work experience.
As you hone your skills and show that you can excel at the tasks given to you, you may find an opportunity to develop a specialty and move up within your organization. Office clerks can graduate into roles such as administrative assistants or executive assistants. Jobs in HR, marketing, PR and other fields are also an option.