What Does a File Clerk Do?
A file clerk is usually considered an entry-level administrative role. Typically, a file clerk organizes, stores, and retrieves paper and electronic documents for a company or organization. The primary responsibility of a file clerk is to maintain an accurate and efficient filing system to ease the process of finding and accessing important documents.
It is common for file clerks to work in an office setting and in a variety of industries, such as health care, legal, government, or finance. This role requires strong attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills. It is also possible to be required to have basic computer skills and knowledge of electronic filing systems, depending on the job requirements.
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National Average Salary
File clerk salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.
The average U.S. salary for a File Clerk is:
$34,460
File Clerk Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring a file clerk. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1
The file clerk is responsible for the accurate and timely filing of all company documents. They will also be responsible for retrieving documents as needed. The file clerk must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for someone who is highly organized and has excellent attention to detail. The file clerk must be able to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Typical duties will include filing all company documents accurately and promptly, retrieving documents as needed, and working independently in a fast-paced environment.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Maintain and organize files
- Answer phones and greet visitors
- Sort and respond to mail
- Handle schedules and calendars
- Maintain office equipment
- Order supplies
- Pay invoices
Education and experience
Legal file clerks need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. A college degree is not typically required, and most employers provide on-the-job training for their specific needs. It would be helpful for a job candidate to have computer skills and an interest in law.
Required skills and qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with others
- Discretion and the ability to handle confidential information
- Expertise in time management and multitasking
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Keen attention to detail
Preferred qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Strong organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work independently
Example 2
ABC company is hiring candidates who are highly motivated self-starters for their File Clerk position, so if you love organization and order, this may be an excellent career opportunity. In this position, you will manage and maintain physical and digital filing systems, operate office equipment, and complete general office work, as part of basic clerical tasks.
How you will make an impact
- Must be capable of answering questions about records and files
- Handle and support diverse projects on the behalf of other employees
- Gathering and indexing materials to be filed from departments and employees
- According to specified guidelines, order high volume of letters, memoranda, invoices, and other indexed documents
- Handle documents and tasks related to faxing, archiving, scanning, filing, and word processing
- Give utmost attention to quality control to ensure proper document filing
- Using allotted time frames, retrieve data
Requirements
- Navigating basic office equipment and protocols experience desired
- Please apply with a high school diploma or its equivalent
- Great written, verbal, and interpersonal skills
- Comfortable handling office equipment
- At least 1+ years of File Clerk experience preferred
- Demonstrated flexibility to adapt to changes in procedures
- Word and Excel experience is desired
- Ability to handle multiple tasks to prioritize needs and expedite tasks upon request
- Highly organized and self-motivated
Example 3
We are looking for an organized File Clerk to perform file management and maintenance for our Accounting Department. You will organize files according to our filing system and digitalize all essential documents as necessary. You will be expected to protect and update files as well as make them easily accessible to your colleagues. A file clerk must be organized and possess a serious understanding of confidentiality and data protection. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, skilled with computers, and enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
Responsibilities
- Check incoming paperwork (correspondence, invoices etc.) and distribute copies electronically to the correct entities
- Rename and save all monthly statements quickly during the first few workdays of each new month
- Create or update records with new files and information
- Provide information to Auditors as requested
- Enter paperwork into an electronic system either by data entry or by using optical scanners
- Track reports as complete/in-process
- Deliver outgoing mail to the local post office (valid FL driver’s license required)
- Follow policies to safeguard data and information
Skills
- Proven experience as a file clerk
- Very good knowledge of MS Office and office equipment such as photocopier, scanner etc.
- Good command of English both oral and written
- Dependable with a respect to confidentiality and policies
- Excellent organizational skills
- Great attention to detail
- High school degree or GED
Example 4
We are a Firm where people truly believe in what they do and strive to achieve the highest standards of performance and success.
Key responsibilities include
- Accurately place documents in correct folders and file drawers
- Organize, update, and maintain physical and electronic files
- Special projects and additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
- 1-3 years experience in related areas
- Accurate computer typing skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Ability to lift heavy boxes at a maximum of 70 pounds
Minimum education
- Bachelor’s Degree
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- Microsoft Office Specialist. The majority of offices still use Microsoft Office on the daily, and if candidates aren’t experienced in all of the tools, they could have a difficult time being file clerks. This certification has around 150 hours of instruction, and they will need to pass an exam to receive it.
- Google Workspace Certification. Becoming certified in Google Workspace can really help candidates stand out from the crowd. This certification aims to show that they possess the digital skills to work collaboratively and productively in a professional environment. There are six different learning modules, and at the end, candidates will need to pass an exam to receive this certification.
Sample Interview Questions
- What are your organizational skills like?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure to meet a deadline?
- How would you describe your attention to detail?
- How long have you worked with filing systems?
- What are some of the filing systems you worked with?
- What are some of the ways you identify filing errors?
- How do you organize files in your work area?
- What is your experience working with document retrieval systems?
- Have you previously used any software or tools associated with this job title before? If so, please provide details.
- What motivates you to do your best work?
- Can you tell me about a time when you had to work as part of a team?