Correspondence Clerks
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $28K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $33K
Median Salary: $38K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $45K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $54K
Demand
Core Tasks
Present clear and concise explanations of governing rules and regulations.
Process orders for goods requested in correspondence.
Compose correspondence requesting medical information and records.
Compose letters in reply to correspondence concerning such items as requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit information requests, delinquent accounts, incorrect billing, or unsatisfactory service.
Maintain files and control records to show correspondence activities.
Compile data pertinent to manufacture of special products for customers.
Ensure that money collected is properly recorded and secured.
Obtain written authorization to access required medical information.
Read incoming correspondence to ascertain nature of writers' concerns and to determine disposition of correspondence.
Compute costs of records furnished to requesters, and write letters to obtain payment.
Prepare documents and correspondence, such as damage claims, credit and billing inquiries, invoices, and service complaints.
Gather records pertinent to specific problems, review them for completeness and accuracy, and attach records to correspondence as necessary.
Review correspondence for format and typographical accuracy, assemble the information into a prescribed form with the correct number of copies, and submit it to an authorized official for signature.
Compile data from records to prepare periodic reports.
Complete form letters in response to requests or problems identified by correspondence.
Confer with company personnel regarding feasibility of complying with writers' requests.
Respond to internal and external requests for the release of information contained in medical records, copying medical records, and selective extracts in accordance with laws and regulations.
Prepare records for shipment by certified mail.
Type acknowledgment letters to persons sending correspondence.
Route correspondence to other departments for reply.
Submit completed documents to typists for typing in final form, and instruct typists in matters, such as format, addresses, addressees, and the necessary number of copies.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
English Language
84%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Clerical
81%
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.
Customer and Personal Service
81%
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
61%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and Management
60%
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.
Computers and Electronics
58%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Economics and Accounting
57%
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government
55%
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Personnel and Human Resources
51%
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Public Safety and Security
49%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Top 10 Skills
Writing
80%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension
78%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
75%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
75%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
70%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking
68%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness
65%
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination
60%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation
60%
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Top 10 Abilities
Written Comprehension
80%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression
80%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension
75%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision
73%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Expression
73%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
73%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Inductive Reasoning
70%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Speech Clarity
70%
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Deductive Reasoning
68%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Speech Recognition
68%
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
94%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
89%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
86%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
83%
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
82%
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing Administrative Activities
81%
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Documenting/Recording Information
80%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
80%
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
80%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Processing Information
80%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Detailed Work Activities
Maintain operational records.
Prepare business correspondence.
Read materials to determine needed actions.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Check data for recording errors.
Compile data or documentation.
Route mail to correct destinations.
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Package objects for shipping.
Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
Obtain written authorization to perform activities.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Provide information to coworkers.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
Prepare outgoing mail.
Work Context
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Deal With External Customers
How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Letters and Memos
How often does the job require written letters and memos?
Education
Interests
Conventional
96%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
62%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Realistic
39%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Social
39%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Investigative
34%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
29%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
91%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
88%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
88%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Integrity
88%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self Control
84%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Independence
82%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
81%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Adaptability/Flexibility
80%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Concern for Others
78%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Stress Tolerance
78%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Work Values
Relationships
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Support
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions
41%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
39%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Achievement
34%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
