Occupation AtlasOrder Clerks
O*NET · 43-4151.00
Order Clerks
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.
66 more
Blood Bank Order Control Clerk · Catalogue Clerk · Classified Ad Clerk · Classified Ad Clerk (Classified Advertisement Clerk) · Classified Ad Taker · Classified Ad Taker (Classified Advertisement Taker) · Clerical Order Filler · Compliance Clerk · Contact Clerk · Contact Worker · Film Rental Clerk · Food and Beverage Order Clerk · Fulfillment Associate · Fulfillment Center Associate · Fulfillment Clerk · Fulfillment Specialist · Gas Distribution and Emergency Clerk · Hub Associate · Mail Order Clerk · Materials Specialist · Merchandise Processor · New Order Clerk · Omni Fulfillment Outfitter · Order Admin · Order Administrator (Order Admin) · Order Analyst · Order Associate · Order Booker · Order Builder · Order Caller · Order Clerk · Order Desk Clerk · Order Editor · Order Entry Admin · Order Entry Administrator (Order Entry Admin) · Order Entry Clerk · Order Entry Rep · Order Entry Representative (Order Entry Rep) · Order Entry Specialist · Order Filler · Order Fulfillment Associate · Order Make Up Clerk · Order Processing Clerk · Order Processor · Order Puller · Order Selector · Order Specialist · Order Taker · Order Tracer · Receiver · Reordering Clerk · Routing Clerk · Service Order Clerk · Shipping Coordinator · Subscription Clerk · Telephone Ad Taker · Telephone Ad Taker (Telephone Advertisement Taker) · Telephone Order Clerk · Want Ad Clerk · Want Ad Clerk (Want Advertisement Clerk) · Want Ad Receiver · Want Ad Receiver (Want Advertisement Receiver) · Warehouse Clerk · Warehouse Order Picker · Warehouse Order Puller · Warehouse Person
Compare with another occupationCompare with New Accounts 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
CERConventional · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional6.97
- E Enterprising4.54
- R Realistic2.57
- S Social2.52
- I Investigative1.00
- A Artistic1.00
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 (57%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Up to and including 1 month (32%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (59%)
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.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Service OrientationImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- WritingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- PersuasionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- InstructingImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Technology DesignImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
11 core · 8 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Review orders for completeness according to reporting procedures and forward incomplete orders for further processing.Importance 4.5
- Obtain customers' names, addresses, and billing information, product numbers, and specifications of items to be purchased, and enter this information on order forms.Importance 4.4
- Recommend merchandise or services that will meet customers' needs.Importance 4.3
- Inspect outgoing work for compliance with customers' specifications.Importance 4.3
- Receive and respond to customer complaints.Importance 4.2
- Verify customer and order information for correctness, checking it against previously obtained information as necessary.Importance 4.2
- Check inventory records to determine availability of requested merchandise.Importance 4.2
- Compute total charges for merchandise or services and shipping charges.Importance 4.1
- Inform customers by mail or telephone of order information, such as unit prices, shipping dates, and any anticipated delays.Importance 3.9
- File copies of orders received, or post orders on records.Importance 3.9
- Notify departments when supplies of specific items are low, or when orders would deplete available supplies.Importance 3.7
Show the other 8
- Prepare invoices, shipping documents, and contracts.Importance 4.3
- Direct specified departments or units to prepare and ship orders to designated locations.Importance 4.1
- Confer with production, sales, shipping, warehouse, or common carrier personnel to expedite or trace shipments.Importance 4.1
- Adjust inventory records to reflect product movement.Importance 4.1
- Collect payment for merchandise, record transactions, and send items, such as checks or money orders for further processing.Importance 4.1
- Recommend type of packing or labeling needed on order.Importance 4.1
- Calculate and compile order-related statistics, and prepare reports for management.Importance 4.1
- Attempt to sell additional merchandise or services to prospective or current customers by telephone or through visits.Importance 3.8
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Production and ProcessingImportance 4.2Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 4.1Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.9Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.7Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- MathematicsImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
Show all 33
- TransportationImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.2Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 3.1Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.2Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- MechanicalImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- DesignImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- PsychologyImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Food ProductionImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.7Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- PhysicsImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.5Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.5Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- ChemistryImportance 1.3Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.0Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Near VisionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech RecognitionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Number FacilityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Far VisionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- OriginalityImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.3Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.1Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.1Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.8Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Getting InformationImportance 4.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 4.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.7Level 4.8Level 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
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.4Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
Show all 41
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.2Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.4Level 2.6
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 2.7
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.2Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.1Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.8
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.6
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
23 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 (3)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Order management software
Hot (10; 2 more marked hot above)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Apple Safari
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Mozilla Firefox
- SAP software
Other tools (10)
- Automated manifest system software
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Email software
- IBM Sterling Configure, Price, Quote
- Inventory management systems
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft System Center
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Warehouse management system WMS
- Web browser 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.
New Accounts Clerks
Average difference 0.1 points · Management of Material Resources −0.7, Quality Control Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Bill and Account Collectors
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis −0.7, Operation and Control −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Tellers
Average difference 0.2 points · Speaking −0.6, Active Listening −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Animal Control Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.0, Reading Comprehension −0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Office Clerks, General
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.9, Operations Monitoring +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening −0.6, Service Orientation −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness +0.6, Instructing +0.5
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Demonstrators and Product Promoters
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −0.9, Technology Design +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.
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.