front desk information clerk

What does a Information Clerk do?

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Information clerks perform routine office functions in a business, government, or organization. Additionally they maintain records, inform customers, and collect data. Information clerks can be found working in a variety of places such as hotels, healthcare facilities, or other locations. Next, watch a video to learn what an information clerk does.

How to Become an Information Clerk

front desk information clerk

Information clerks typically require a high school diploma. Depending on the position, an employer may desire a candidate to have some college education or an associate’s degree. Courses in spreadsheet applications, social sciences, and word processing are encouraged, especially for those that are municipal clerks, eligibility interviewers, or human resources assistants.

Training on-the-job typically lasts a few weeks and covers clerical procedures and computer applications. In the case of government employees, training may take several months with training in various government regulations and programs. Information clerks looking to advane to a human resources specialist would want to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Job Profile of a Information Clerk

There are numerous types of information clerks such as court clerks, file clerks, hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks. However, their duties typically include supporting the function of an office by preparing orders, claims, bills, or routine reports. They record and collect data from staff, the public, and customers. He or she would answer questions for the public or customers concerning services or products. They have the duties of filing and maintaining paper or electronic records.

Information clerks may confirm reservations for passengers for transportation or hotels or process applications for license permits. He or she may conduct telephone interviews or in person, through mail, or online.

Information Clerk Career Video Transcript

“Keeping information organized and getting things done” could be the motto of information clerks everywhere. And they do work everywhere— courts of law, hospitals, license offices, airports, just about every business out there, employs information clerks. Information clerks process many kinds of information both online and in print. They receive requests, orders, and applications, explain procedures, enter and retrieve data, and file documents.

Some, such as front desk clerks, interact with the public frequently, and also handle fees and payments. These clerks often administer private information, so integrity is an essential quality in this field. They are also skilled at using different office equipment and have an excellent understanding of data storage tools and procedures. Although information clerks are employed in many industries, most work in government agencies, hotels, and healthcare facilities.

While most work normal full-time office hours, part-time schedules are common for file clerks and hotel clerks, who also often work evenings, weekends, and holidays. For those clerks who deal with dissatisfied customers, positions can be stressful at times. Clerks who work at airline ticket or shipping counters handle heavy luggage or packages, sometimes up to 100 pounds. Information clerks typically need a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job. In some positions, employers may prefer candidates with college experience or an associate’s degree.

Article Citations

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Clerks.

National Center for O*NET Development. 43-4171.00. O*NET OnLine.

The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

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