Information and Record Clerks, All Other
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What they do:
All information and record clerks not listed separately.
Important Qualities
Communication skills. Information clerks must be able to explain policies and procedures clearly to customers and the public.
Integrity. Information clerks, particularly human resources assistants, have access to confidential information. They must be trusted to adhere to the applicable confidentiality and privacy rules governing the dissemination of this information.
Interpersonal skills. Information clerks who work with the public and customers must understand and communicate information effectively to establish positive relationships.
Organizational skills. Information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently.
Job Details
What Information Clerks Do
Information clerks do routine clerical tasks such as maintaining records, collecting data, and providing information to customers.
Duties
Information clerks typically do the following:
- Prepare routine reports, claims, bills, or orders
- Collect and record data from customers, staff, and the public
- Answer questions from customers and the public about products or services
- File and maintain paper or electronic records
Information clerks do routine clerical tasks in an organization, business, or government. They use telephones, computers, and other office equipment, such as scanners and shredders.
The following are examples of types of information clerks:
Correspondence clerks respond to inquiries from the public or customers. They prepare standard responses to requests for merchandise, damage claims, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or complaints about unsatisfactory service. They may also check the organization’s records and type response letters for their supervisors to sign.
Court clerks organize and maintain records for courts of law. They prepare the calendar of cases, also known as the docket, and inform attorneys and witnesses about upcoming court appearances. Court clerks also receive, file, and send court documents.
Eligibility interviewers ask questions both in person and over the phone to determine whether applicants qualify for government assistance and benefits. They provide information about programs and may refer applicants to other agencies for assistance.
File clerks maintain electronic or paper records. They enter and retrieve data, organize records, and file documents. In organizations with electronic filing systems, file clerks scan and upload documents.
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks, also called front desk clerks, provide customer service to guests at the establishment’s front desk. They check guests in and out, assign rooms, and process payments. They also keep occupancy records; take, confirm, or change room reservations; and provide information about the hotel’s policies and services. In addition, front desk clerks answer phone calls, take and deliver messages for guests, and handle guests’ requests and complaints.
Human resources assistants provide administrative support to human resources managers. They maintain personnel records on employees, including their addresses, employment history, and performance evaluations. They may post information about job openings and compile candidates’ résumé for review.
Interviewers ask questions over the phone, in person, through mail, or online. They use the information to complete forms, applications, or questionnaires for market research surveys, census forms, and medical histories. Interviewers typically follow set procedures and questionnaires to get specific information.
License clerks process applications for licenses and permits, including administering tests and collecting fees. They determine whether applicants are qualified to receive a particular license or must submit additional documentation. They also maintain records of applications received and licenses issued.
Municipal clerks provide administrative support for town or city governments by maintaining government records. They record, file, and distribute minutes of town or city council meetings to local officials and staff and help prepare for elections. They may also answer information requests from local, state, and federal officials and the public.
Order clerks receive requests from customers and process their payments, which may involve entering the customer address and payment method into the order-entry system. They also answer questions about prices and shipping.
Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks take and confirm passengers’ bookings for hotels and transportation. They also sell and issue tickets and answer questions about itineraries, rates, and tours. Ticket agents who work at airports and railroads also check bags and issue boarding passes to passengers.
Work Environment
Information clerks held about 1.4 million jobs in 2022. Employment in the detailed occupations that make up information clerks was distributed as follows:
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks | 257,700 |
Interviewers, except eligibility and loan | 175,400 |
Court, municipal, and license clerks | 170,600 |
Information and record clerks, all other | 161,100 |
Eligibility interviewers, government programs | 157,500 |
Order clerks | 132,800 |
Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks | 123,000 |
Human resources assistants, except payroll and timekeeping | 107,600 |
File clerks | 91,100 |
Correspondence clerks | 6,000 |
The largest employers of information clerks were as follows:
Traveler accommodation | 17% |
Healthcare and social assistance | 12 |
State government, excluding education and hospitals | 8 |
Transportation and warehousing | 8 |
Federal government | 7 |
Information clerks work in nearly every industry. Although most clerks work in offices, interviewers may travel to applicants’ locations to meet with them.
The work of information clerks who provide customer service can be stressful, particularly when dealing with dissatisfied customers.
Reservation and transportation ticket agents at airports or shipping counters lift and maneuver heavy luggage or packages, which may weigh up to 100 pounds.
Injuries and Illnesses
Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Lifting and maneuvering heavy luggage or packages may lead to sprains, strains, or overexertion. To avoid injuries, these workers must follow procedures, such as protocols for safe lifting.
Work Schedules
Most information clerks work full time. However, part-time work is common for hotel clerks and file clerks.
Clerks in lodging and transportation establishments that are open around the clock may work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Getting Started
How to Become an Information Clerk
Information clerks typically need a high school diploma and learn their skills on the job.
Education
Although candidates for most of these positions usually qualify with a high school diploma, human resources assistants generally need an associate’s degree. Regardless of whether they pursue a degree, courses in word processing and spreadsheet applications are particularly helpful.
Training
Most information clerks receive short-term on-the-job training, usually lasting a few weeks. Training typically covers clerical procedures and the use of computer applications. Those employed in government receive training that may last several months and includes learning about government programs and regulations.
Advancement
Some information clerks may advance to other administrative positions with more responsibilities, such as secretaries and administrative assistants. With completion of a bachelor’s degree, some human resources assistants may become human resources specialists.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of information clerks is projected to decline 4 percent from 2022 to 2032.
Despite declining employment, about 154,100 openings for information clerks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment
Projected employment of information clerks varies by occupation (see table). The increased use of online ordering and reservation systems and self-service ticketing kiosks will limit demand for these workers.
Local governments will continue to need court, municipal, and license clerks to do tasks such as prepare case dockets, draft agendas, and issue permits. Eligibility interviewers will continue to be needed to determine whether government assistance, such as unemployment or Social Security benefits, is appropriate for people applying for it. However, the adoption of technology in data collection and document processing, which enables people to submit online responses and documents, will likely limit demand for most other interviewers and clerks.
Contacts for More Information
For more information about human resources assistants, visit
Society for Human Resource Management
Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of information clerks.
Occupation | Job Duties | Entry-Level Education | Median Annual Pay, May 2022 | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks |
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks produce financial records for organizations and check financial records for accuracy. |
Some college, no degree | $45,860 | |
Customer Service Representatives |
Customer service representatives interact with customers to handle complaints, process orders, and answer questions. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $37,780 | |
Financial Clerks |
Financial clerks do administrative work, help customers, and carry out transactions that involve money. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $45,570 | |
General Office Clerks |
General office clerks perform a variety of clerical tasks, including answering telephones, typing documents, and filing records. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $38,040 | |
Human Resources Specialists |
Human resources specialists recruit, screen, and interview job applicants and place newly hired workers in jobs. They also may handle compensation and benefits, training, and employee relations. |
Bachelor's degree | $64,240 | |
Lodging Managers |
Lodging managers ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at an accommodations facility. They also plan, direct, or coordinate activities to ensure that the facility is efficient and profitable. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $61,910 | |
Material Recording Clerks |
Material recording clerks track product information in order to keep businesses and supply chains on schedule. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $40,490 | |
Receptionists |
Receptionists do tasks such as answering phones, receiving visitors, and providing information about their organization to the public. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $33,960 | |
Medical Records Specialists |
Medical records specialists compile, process, and maintain patient files. |
Postsecondary nondegree award | $47,180 | |
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants |
Secretaries and administrative assistants do routine clerical and organizational tasks. |
High school diploma or equivalent | $44,080 |