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43-4021.00 - Correspondence Clerks


Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
8,400
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
7,200
Estimate
Change in Employment
-1,200
Estimate
Change in Employment %
-14.7%
Estimate
Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • Prepare documents and correspondence, such as damage claims, credit and billing inquiries, invoices, and service complaints.
  • Compile data from records to prepare periodic reports.
  • Read incoming correspondence to ascertain nature of writers' concerns and to determine disposition of correspondence.
  • Maintain files and control records to show correspondence activities.
  • Gather records pertinent to specific problems, review them for completeness and accuracy, and attach records to correspondence as necessary.
  • Route correspondence to other departments for reply.
  • Compose letters in reply to correspondence concerning such items as requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit information requests, delinquent accounts, incorrect billing, or unsatisfactory service.
Supplemental
  • Present clear and concise explanations of governing rules and regulations.
  • Type acknowledgment letters to persons sending correspondence.
  • Review correspondence for format and typographical accuracy, assemble the information into a prescribed form with the correct number of copies, and submit it to an authorized official for signature.
  • Complete form letters in response to requests or problems identified by correspondence.
  • Ensure that money collected is properly recorded and secured.
  • Respond to internal and external requests for the release of information contained in medical records, copying medical records, and selective extracts in accordance with laws and regulations.
  • Compute costs of records furnished to requesters, and write letters to obtain payment.
  • Compose correspondence requesting medical information and records.
  • Prepare records for shipment by certified mail.
  • Obtain written authorization to access required medical information.
  • Confer with company personnel regarding feasibility of complying with writers' requests.
  • Submit completed documents to typists for typing in final form, and instruct typists in matters, such as format, addresses, addressees, and the necessary number of copies.
  • Process orders for goods requested in correspondence.
  • Compile data pertinent to manufacture of special products for customers.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
 English Language
  • 84%
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 Clerical
  • 81%
    Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
 Customer and Personal Service
  • 80%
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
 Mathematics
  • 60%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Administration and Management
  • 59%
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 58%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Economics and Accounting
  • 57%
    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
 Law and Government
  • 54%
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
 Personnel and Human Resources
  • 50%
    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Computer printers
  • Computer inkjet printers
  • Computer laser printers
 Duplicating machines
  • Copy machines
  • Laser facsimile machines
 Computer data input devices
  • Document scanners
 Microfilm equipment and supplies
  • Microfiche viewing equipment
 Personal communication devices
  • Multiline telephone systems
 Book binding and sewing equipment and accessories
  • Paper folding machines
 Computers
  • Personal computers
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
 Data management and query software
  • Data entry softwareHOT
  • Microsoft AccessHOT
 Development software
  • Electronic data interchange EDI software
 Industry specific software
  • Electronic health record EHR software
  • GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCSHOT
 Finance accounting and enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP softwareHOT
  • SAPHOT
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Imaging software
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Microsoft PowerPointHOT
  • Microsoft WordHOT
  • Word processing software
 Business function specific software
  • Microsoft OfficeHOT
  • Microsoft SharePointHOT
 Information exchange software
  • Microsoft OutlookHOT
 Operating environment software
  • Microsoft WindowsHOT
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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Certifications
FastForward at Virginia's Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs and salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification, and get you into a career that can support you and your family. Explore the latest training program offerings by visiting FastForward
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
 Core
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
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Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
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Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.
INSTITUTION
PROGRAMS
Bridgewater College
 Programs
Eastern Shore Community College
 Programs
Paul D. Camp Community College
 Programs
Randolph-Macon College
 Programs
Southside Virginia Community College
 Programs
Tidewater Community College
 Programs
Wytheville Community College
 Programs