As of 2018, there are over 3 million office and clerical jobs in the United States.

Because of the high demand for clerical jobs, the field has become more competitive. So what can you do to land your dream job in a comfortable office?

Scroll down to learn more about how to land a clerical job along with common interview questions to help you prepare.

1. Do Some Research

Researching the company you are applying for is one of the best tips for landing a clerical job.

In almost every interview, the interviewer asks why you want to work here? Researching the company can help you better answer this question and determine if the job is the right fit for you.

Going into an interview with the mindset of only needing a job for the money typically ends badly. To be fully satisfied with your job, you should want it for more than the money.

Researching the company can help guide you to a clerical position that meets your wants and needs.

2. Update Your Resume

One of the best tips for landing a clerical position is to learn how to write a resume.

There are various formats of resume, so it can be challenging to figure out which is most effective. Your resume should be balanced and include both work experience and skill sets. The most used skill sets in the position you are applying for should be highlighted throughout your resume.

Make sure that your resume is up to date, neat, and easy to read. If it is full of too much information, it may end up at the bottom of the pile.

3. Take Initiative

Most companies are looking for potential employees who want to advance their careers within the business.

Taking initiative and being a self-starter are ways that you can stand out from the competition. Most clerical work is done without constant supervision, so you must possess the skills to work independently.

There may be things that come up that require you to think quickly and problem-solve on your own. Anticipating the needs of others makes a great office worker!

4. Strengthen Your Verbal Skills

Having strong communication skills is crucial when applying to a clerical position.

Although most of your work is done on a computer, you will likely have to talk to other departments to complete tasks. Clerical jobs require you to be able to work with employees both verbally and electronically.

Many clerical jobs also require you to speak with guests coming in an out of the business. They may also want you to help with sending out and receiving shipments.

5. Work on Typing

Data entry is often the most important role of a clerical position, meaning that you need strong typing skills.

If you fear that you have forgotten how to use computer programs and how to type quickly, you may want to hold off on accepting a job. Your computer skills should be fine-tuned before you get to the interview process so that you can reduce errors and get more practice.

Those that are slow at typing can practice online or take classes. Knowing how to quickly type will make you more efficient, it also prevents you from wasting money.

6. Have an Understanding of Technology

Most clerical positions are entry-level. Yet, you should still have a thorough understanding of computer programs and how to use office technology.

Printing, copying, and faxing are main components of an office position. Knowing how to work the printer is useful. Understanding how to do conference calls from a work phone is also necessary to be successful.

During training, you will likely be introduced to the technologies that your job requires you to use. Use this time to ask questions and get a full understanding of how to work with each device.

7. Practice Organization

Strong organizational skills are helpful in a clerical position along with attention to detail.

You can enhance your organizational skills by using a calendar, writing down task lists, or even by cleaning. Being organized will help you file documents and also retrieve them quicker.

In a clerical role, you will likely be finding and putting away documents for the company. If you are unorganized, you will slow the entire process down and affect other people’s work as well.

COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR CLERICAL JOBS

Clerical jobs are often an entry-level job, which can make the interview questions broad and somewhat predictable.

One of the most common questions that you will be asked about your previous role. Employers will want to know how your last role applies to the position you are interviewing for and if it prepared you for new tasks.

Another question that you should prepare to answer is the types of software that you have previously used. Many clerical jobs require you to create and format spreadsheets in Excel or Word.

This question helps employers identify if you have used similar programs for data entry that apply to the new position. Some employers may want you to have the experience so that it cuts back on training time.

Keep Calm and Get Your Clerical Side on

There are many types of clerical jobs in the United States; however, it is still a competitive field.

Utilizing the tips above can help you better prepare yourself for interviews and enhance your skills.

Strong communication and organizational skills can make you stand out from the competition. Make sure to research the company before your interview to decide if it is the job you will love!

Be sure to check out our list of admin & clerical jobs hiring near you. You may find your new position here!