Occupation AtlasFile Clerks
O*NET · 43-4071.00
File Clerks
File correspondence, cards, invoices, receipts, and other records in alphabetical or numerical order or according to the filing system used. Locate and remove material from file when requested.
57 more
Computer Aide · Computer Tape Librarian · Credit Card Clerk · Cut File Clerk · Cut Filer · Death Surveys Coder · Document Clerk · Document Coordinator · Document Scanner · Documentation Specialist · Documents Clerk · Documents Scanner · Enrollment Clerk · Enrollment Specialist · File Clerk · File Coordinator · File Keeper · File Maintenance Clerk · File Management Clerk · Filer · Filing Clerk · Fingerprint Clerk · History Card Clerk · Imaging Clerk · Import Export Clerk · Index Clerk · Indexer · Intelligence Clerk · Invoice Coder · Keyboarding Clerk · Legal File Clerk · Line Assigner · Lister · Manufacturing Clerk · Map Clerk · Medical Records Clerk · Medical Records Coder · Office Assistant · Police Records Clerk · Police Records Specialist · Pre Coder · Record Center Specialist · Record Clerk · Record Filing Clerk · Record Keeper · Records Analyst · Records Clerk · Records Custodian · Records Specialist · Records Tech · Records Technician (Records Tech) · Scanning Clerk · Support Tech · Support Technician (Support Tech) · Tape Librarian · Team Coordinator · Technical Records Specialist
Compare with another occupationCompare with Postal Service Clerks
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CRSConventional · Realistic · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional7.00
- R Realistic2.41
- S Social2.05
- E Enterprising1.76
- I Investigative1.28
- A Artistic1.01
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (42%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (35%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (34%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- NegotiationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- PersuasionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- InstructingImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- ProgrammingImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
12 core · 7 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.Importance 4.4
- Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.Importance 4.4
- Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.Importance 4.2
- Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.Importance 4.1
- Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order.Importance 4.1
- Find, retrieve, and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users.Importance 4.1
- Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.Importance 4.0
- Answer questions about records or files.Importance 4.0
- Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements.Importance 4.0
- Place materials into storage receptacles, such as file cabinets, boxes, bins, or drawers, according to classification and identification information.Importance 3.9
- Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.Importance 3.9
- Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems.Importance 3.3
Show the other 7
- Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.Importance 4.3
- Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.Importance 4.2
- Complete general financial activities, such as processing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, collecting cash payments, or issuing receipts.Importance 4.2
- Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition.Importance 3.7
- Operate mechanized files that rotate to bring needed records to a particular location.Importance 3.6
- Design forms related to filing systems.Importance 3.6
- Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.Importance 3.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- AdministrativeImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- English LanguageImportance 4.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.2Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- TelecommunicationsImportance 3.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- MathematicsImportance 3.2Level 2.8
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 2.8
Show all 33
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.4Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- TransportationImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- GeographyImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- PsychologyImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- MechanicalImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.6Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.6Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- BiologyImportance 1.5Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.5Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.5Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Information OrderingImportance 4.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Written ComprehensionImportance 4.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Category FlexibilityImportance 4.0Level 3.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.4Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
Show all 52
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.3Level 2.9
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Far VisionImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- MemorizationImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Time SharingImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Number FacilityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Auditory AttentionImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.1Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.1Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Processing InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.3Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.0Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.4Level 2.9
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.7Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.5Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.4Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.4Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.6Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
14 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (4)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
Hot (6; 4 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
Other tools (4)
- Electronic filing software
- Electronic health record EHR software
- Email software
- Optical scanning software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Postal Service Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.8, Troubleshooting +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Office Clerks, General
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −0.7, Operation and Control −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Tellers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics +0.9, Reading Comprehension −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking +0.7, Operation and Control −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.9, Persuasion +0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Medical Records Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Learning Strategies +0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Data Entry Keyers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Operations Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Library Assistants, Clerical
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Operations Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.