Clerical Secretary Career Overview

Duties and Responsibilities of a Clerical Secretary

Modern technology has changed the way that clerical secretaries perform their job duties; but the essence of what these professionals do has remained the same. Clerical secretaries coordinate an office's administrative activities and retrieve and integrate information, which they then distribute to the appropriate staff and clients. Depending on the particular sector of the office, some clerical secretaries will schedule meetings and appointments, maintain the organization's files and perhaps also handle travel arrangements. Some Monster.com posting employers have been more specific in an advertised position's responsibilities, as is demonstrated by the following excerpts:

• 'Must possess computer skills (WordPerfect, Word, Excel and Access). Proofreading and editing skills and the ability to work independently as well as in coordination with others is required. Work requires thorough ability to maintain confidentiality.'-Archdiocese of Philadelphia
• 'The selected candidate will provide administrative and process support to Pricing Analysts, resolve discrepancies with customers; manage retailer pricing rollups and communications; utilize internal systems (VIPR) to compile wholesaler pricing; and handle daily communications with wholesalers and field personnel.'-Anheuser-Busch - Field Sales

Job Requirements

In order to become a successful clerical secretary, applicants should have a high school diploma or its equivalent. It is also necessary to have an extensive knowledge of computer software applications, including database management, word processing and spreadsheets. Any professional clerical secretary should be willing to continually obtain more technical and computer skills, as technologies are constantly changing. Further, clerical secretaries need to have good language and grammar skills, as well as excellent communication skills, because they often must interact with clients and other coworkers. Many employers will also specify that clerical secretaries have discretion and good judgment, as they are privy to confidential information. There are other unique job requirements that particular sectors require of clerical secretaries, as shown in two sample jobs taken from Monster.com:

• 'Excellent computer skills, Teamwork and cooperation with others, Excellent verbal communication, Professional and courteous attitude, Organized work ethic, Works well under pressure, Customer focus.'-- Cal Vista Home Loans Inc
• 'Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure; Type at least 60 wpm; Ability to multi-task and good organizational skills;'-Rhumbline Legal Solutions

Employment Outlook

Even though automation technology has enabled offices to transfer many traditional administrative duties from clerical secretaries to computers, there will never be a replacement for the excellent communication skills necessary to be a great clerical secretary. The ability to work well with clients and keep an office running smoothly will always be highly desirable. Applicants who can demonstrate these traits should continue to enjoy good job prospects, even though the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov, predicts that job growth for clerical secretaries will be slower than average. Many clerical secretaries will remain with the same organization for many years, earning additional job responsibilities and employer trust. The BLS lists $34,970 as the median annual salary for clerical secretaries.