Introducing the Job of File Clerk File clerks are the keepers of a company's important documents.
They are responsible for creating and maintaining the filing and storage systems of a company.
They locate and deliver files when required and play a very important role in any company's functioning.
Key Responsibilities Organizations today generate a vast amount of information.
File clerks are responsible for classifying, storing, retrieving and updating this information.
In small offices they often carry out other responsibilities such as entering and processing data, sorting mail and operating fax or photocopy machines.
Clerks first examine incoming documents and code them according to a definite system which may be organized numerically, alphabetically or by subject matter.
They then store all documents that may be in the form of reports, orders, letters or receipts and enter the information necessary to retrieve them from storage devices.
While in some offices they still deal with a paper file and folder system, most now utilize computerized filing and retrieval system employing electronic storage media such as hard drives.
Simply storing the records is not enough and in order for them to be useful they must be kept up to date.
Therefore, another key responsibility is ensuring that any new information is added to the relevant file in a timely manner.
In addition, they also check files at regular intervals to make sure that they are correctly sequenced and placed.
With the changing information needs of an organization, file clerks are also responsible for implementing appropriate changes in the filing system of the office.
When the company needs a record, the file clerk locates it and delivers it to the employee concerned.
If necessary, they make copies of the records and distribute them.
They also keep track of the material removed from the files to ensure that it is properly returned whenever applicable.
Level of Education Required For the position employers generally prefer those who have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Courses in business, computers, typing and English are greatly helpful.
Proficiency in computer software handling is becoming increasingly important as more and more files are now being stored electronically.
In small offices it may consist of nothing more than a quick explanation of the filing system.
In the case of specialized computer databases, more specialized training may be required.
Career Path With experience, file clerks can advance to more senior clerical positions in the office like receptionist or book keeping clerk.
By acquiring additional qualifications at work, they also hope to rise to other positions like Administrative Assistant.
Employment of file clerks is expected to decline through the decade because the computerization of filing systems has made accessing information simple enough to operate without specialized people for it.
Among file clerk job seekers, those who have typing and other secretarial skills and are familiar with a wide range of office machines, particularly computers, will have the best prospects.
Summary When discussing the File Clerk Resume, they are keepers of important files of an office.
Due to computerization, this career is on a decline.
For the positions still remaining, those who have additional skills like typing and familiarity with office equipment and especially computers will have the best prospects.