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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.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
159,000
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
150,100
Estimate
Change in Employment
-8,900
Estimate
Change in Employment %
-5.6%
Estimate
Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
  • Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.
  • Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
  • Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.
  • Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order.
  • Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.
  • Place materials into storage receptacles, such as file cabinets, boxes, bins, or drawers, according to classification and identification information.
  • Answer questions about records or files.
  • Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems.
  • Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition.
  • Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements.
  • Design forms related to filing systems.
  • Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.
  • Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
  • Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
  • Find, retrieve, and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users.
Supplemental
  • Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.
  • Operate mechanized files that rotate to bring needed records to a particular location.
  • Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.
  • Complete general financial activities, such as processing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, collecting cash payments, or issuing receipts.
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.
 Clerical
  • 79%
    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.
 English Language
  • 74%
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
 Computers and Electronics
  • 70%
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
 Customer and Personal Service
  • 70%
    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
  • 59%
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 Personnel and Human Resources
  • 56%
    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
 Administration and Management
  • 55%
    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.
 Economics and Accounting
  • 54%
    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
 Communications and Media
  • 54%
    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
 Law and Government
  • 53%
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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
 Duplicating machines
  • Copy machines
  • Laser facsimile machines
 Computer data input devices
  • Document scanners
 Printmaking supplies and accessories
  • Document stamps
 Office furniture
  • File cabinets
  • Mechanized file systems
 Microfilm equipment and supplies
  • Microfiche viewing equipment
  • Microfilm viewing equipment
 Personal communication devices
  • Multiline telephone systems
 Computers
  • Personal computers
 Ladders and scaffolding
  • Stepladders
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.
 Content management software
  • Adobe Systems Adobe AcrobatHOT
 Data management and query software
  • Data entry softwareHOT
  • Microsoft AccessHOT
 Operating environment software
  • Electronic filing software
  • Microsoft WindowsHOT
 Industry specific software
  • Electronic health record EHR software
 Information exchange software
  • Email software
  • Microsoft OutlookHOT
 Finance accounting and enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • Intuit QuickBooksHOT
 Content authoring and editing software
  • Microsoft ExcelHOT
  • Microsoft PowerPointHOT
  • Microsoft WordHOT
  • Optical scanning software
  • Word processing software
 Business function specific software
  • Microsoft OfficeHOT
  • Microsoft SharePointHOT
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.
No specific certifications are listed for this career
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