If you’re aiming for a clerical job, your resume should do more than just list tasks. It needs to highlight the strengths that make you a reliable, organized, and detail-oriented professional. Hiring managers want to see that you can keep daily operations running smoothly, and that’s where your clerical skills on resume come into play.
These skills show employers that you’re not only capable but ready to take on the demands of the role. So how can you present them clearly and effectively?
Let’s break down what clerical skills are, the top ones employers look for, and how to showcase them on your resume the right way.
What Are Clerical Skills?
Clerical skills are the essential abilities that help keep an office or organization running smoothly. These skills involve performing the routine tasks and responsibilities that ensure daily operations are efficient and well-organized. Whether you’re working in an entry-level clerical position or a more advanced role, these skills are vital for maintaining order and supporting overall productivity.
When you highlight your clerical skills on resume, you show potential employers that you’re capable of handling the foundational tasks that help an office function efficiently.
Clerical Skills vs. Administrative Skills: What’s the Difference?
You might come across the terms “clerical skills” and “administrative skills” often, and while they seem similar, they’re actually a bit different.
Clerical skills are all about handling routine tasks that keep the office running smoothly. These are the things that help maintain order, like managing paperwork, sorting mail, or entering data. They’re typically focused on getting specific tasks done efficiently.
Administrative skills, however, are a bit broader. They involve taking on more responsibility, like making decisions, planning, and overseeing other tasks or people. For example, you might be in charge of managing office procedures, creating reports, or supervising staff. If you’re applying for an administrative assistant position, you’ll likely need a mix of both clerical and administrative skills.
To put it simply:
- Clerical skills – Task-based, hands-on support
- Administrative skills – Broader responsibilities, planning, and oversight
So, when you’re listing your clerical skills on resume, feel free to include both types of skills if they’re part of your experience. This shows you can handle the day-to-day tasks, as well as take on more complex responsibilities when needed.
Top 10 Clerical Skills Employers Look For
Want to make your clerical resume stand out? These are the top clerical skills that show employers you’re ready to take on the job.
1. Data Entry
Speed and accuracy are crucial. Employers look for candidates who can quickly and accurately input large amounts of data without errors. Highlight any experience with data entry tools or handling complex datasets efficiently.
2. Microsoft Office
Most clerical positions require a strong command of Microsoft Office. Being proficient in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint is essential for creating documents, managing spreadsheets, handling emails, and scheduling meetings.
3. Time Management
Being able to manage deadlines and prioritize tasks is a key part of any clerical role. Employers need someone who can keep everything organized, from appointments to project timelines, even in a fast-paced environment.
4. Attention to Detail
In a clerical role, small mistakes can lead to big problems. Whether it’s a scheduling error or an overlooked document, showing that you’re detail-oriented on your clerical skills on resume demonstrates that you’re reliable and careful with important tasks. Highlighting your attention to detail will show employers that you can manage complex responsibilities without overlooking the finer points.
5. Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential. Employers value candidates who can clearly convey information, whether through answering the phone, writing professional emails, or interacting with clients and team members.
6. Organization
Clerical positions often require managing various files, documents, and schedules. Your ability to stay organized and keep everything in order will show employers that you can handle multiple responsibilities and keep the office running smoothly.
7. Problem Solving
Offices are unpredictable, and you may face unexpected challenges, like missing files or last-minute scheduling changes. Demonstrating how you’ve handled these situations in the past shows that you can think on your feet and find solutions quickly.
8. Multitasking
Clerical jobs often require juggling several tasks at once. Whether it’s answering calls, organizing documents, or scheduling appointments, highlighting your ability to multitask effectively on your clerical skills on resume shows employers that you’re efficient and dependable. This skill is key to managing the fast-paced nature of clerical work and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
9. Customer Service
If you’ve worked with clients or assisted with office reception duties, this is a valuable skill. Employers appreciate candidates who can stay professional while interacting with customers, answering questions, and providing support in a courteous manner.
10. Adaptability
Change is a constant in most offices, whether it’s new software, changing team structures, or shifting priorities. Employers love candidates who can adjust to these changes with a positive attitude and continue to stay productive.
How to List Clerical Skills on Your Resume
To make your clerical skills stand out on your resume, it’s important to highlight them in a way that catches the attention of hiring managers. Follow these steps to effectively showcase your abilities and show potential employers that you’re the right candidate for the job.
1. Read the job posting carefully.
Each job is different, so take the time to read the job posting thoroughly. Look for specific clerical skills on resume mentioned in the job description, like “data entry,” “calendar management,” or “Microsoft Office proficiency.” Tailoring your resume to match these skills shows you’re a great fit for the role and can meet the specific needs of the employer.
2. Use keywords from the posting.
Many hiring managers use software to scan resumes before they even read them. To get your resume past the software, make sure you include the right clerical skills from the job posting. This will increase your chances of standing out.
3. Include a skills section.
Having a dedicated “Skills” section makes it easy for employers to see your top clerical skills at a glance. Keep this section short, sweet, and focused on the skills most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
4. Back it up with examples in the work experience section.
Don’t just list your clerical skills on resume—show them in action. In your work experience section, share examples of how you used your soft skills, problem-solving, or time management abilities to succeed in your previous roles. This gives employers proof of your clerical skills in real-world situations, demonstrating your effectiveness in handling various office tasks.
5. Use action verbs.
Starting your bullet points with strong verbs like “organized,” “coordinated,” “maintained,” “prepared,” or “managed” gives your resume more impact. It shows you’re proactive and ready to take charge.
Sample Resume Section for Clerical Skills
Below, you’ll find sample resume sections tailored to different levels of experience—whether you’re just starting your career, have some experience under your belt, or are a seasoned professional. These examples will give you a clear idea of how to highlight your skills and make your resume stand out to hiring managers.
Entry-Level Clerical Skills Section
Office Clerk | March 2019 – Present
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Fast and accurate data entry (50 WPM)
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Effective time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Experience answering phones and responding to emails
- Capable of maintaining filing systems and office organization
- Basic knowledge of office equipment (printers, fax machines, etc.)
Mid-Level Clerical Skills Section
Administrative Assistant | June 2015 – February 2019
Skills
- Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- High-speed data entry (75 WPM) with strong accuracy
- Proven track record of organizing and maintaining digital and physical filing systems
- Strong multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication skills, including managing calls, emails, and client interactions
- Experience scheduling meetings and coordinating calendars for multiple executives
- Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting in a busy office setting
- Providing administrative support for a team of 5-10 professionals
Senior-Level Clerical Skills Section
Executive Administrative Assistant | January 2012 – May 2015
Skills
- Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Fast and highly accurate data entry (80 WPM)
- Strong organizational and time management skills, managing multiple calendars and schedules for senior executives
- Excellent communication skills, including answering phones, drafting correspondence, and coordinating meetings with clients and vendors
- Extensive experience in implementing and maintaining office systems, both digital and physical
- Proven ability to manage office supplies and ensure efficient office operations
- Strong problem-solving skills in resolving office challenges and improving workflow
- Lead administrative support for a team of 15+ professionals
Coordinating large-scale projects and special events from start to finish
Make Your Clerical Job Application Stand Out with a Compelling Resume
Your clerical resume is your first opportunity to show hiring managers that you are the right fit for the role. It’s not just about listing your clerical skills on resume; it’s about presenting them in a way that directly aligns with the job you are applying for. By emphasizing the clerical skills that matter most, like data entry, organization, and communication, you will demonstrate that you can handle the day-to-day tasks with efficiency and accuracy.
If you want to make sure your clerical resume truly shines, consider working with professionals who know how to highlight your strengths. At Resume Professional Writers, we specialize in creating clerical resumes that get noticed. We will help you showcase your skills, achievements, and experience in a way that speaks directly to hiring managers.
Reach out to us today and let us work together to build a resume that sets you apart from the competition and opens doors to exciting clerical opportunities.
