What is an information and record clerk?
Information and record clerks are administrative professionals who perform a variety of clerical duties to maintain and manage an organization's records. They are responsible for tasks such as filing, data entry, record retrieval, and maintaining information systems. This "all other" category encompasses a wide range of roles that handle information and records, from file clerks to records specialists, ensuring that a company’s data is organized, secure, and accessible.
Typical Education
A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education, with most skills acquired through on-the-job training.
Salary Range (United States)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for information and record clerks, all other, was $43,160 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,010, while the highest 10% earned more than $60,610.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information and Record Clerks, All Other: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Day in the Life
How to Become an Information and Record Clerk
- Obtain a High School Diploma: This is the primary educational requirement.
- Gain Administrative Experience: Prior experience in an office or administrative setting is highly beneficial.
- Learn Office Technology: Become proficient with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
- Develop Key Skills: Focus on improving your organizational and attention-to-detail abilities.
- Understand Confidentiality: Since this role often involves sensitive information, a strong sense of integrity and an understanding of data privacy is essential.
Essential Skills
- Organizational Skills: Meticulously sorting, filing, and managing a large volume of documents and data.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in all data entry and record-keeping tasks.
- Computer Proficiency: Competency with records management software, databases, and general office applications.
- Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues to retrieve and provide information.
- Integrity: Handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Key Responsibilities
- Record Maintenance: Filing and organizing documents and records, both physical and digital.
- Data Entry: Accurately inputting and updating information in databases and other systems.
- Information Retrieval: Locating and providing records to authorized personnel upon request.
- Auditing and Verification: Periodically checking records for accuracy and completeness.
- Confidentiality: Ensuring all sensitive information is handled securely and in compliance with privacy regulations.
Common Interview Questions
- "How do you ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information you handle?" (The interviewer is looking for your understanding of data privacy and your commitment to ethical conduct when dealing with private or proprietary records.)
- "Tell me about your experience with filing systems, both digital and physical." (This assesses your organizational skills and your familiarity with different methods of record-keeping, such as databases, spreadsheets, and traditional filing cabinets.)
- "Describe a time you had to find a document or record that was difficult to locate." (This is a behavioral question that evaluates your problem-solving skills, persistence, and attention to detail when retrieving information.)
- "What steps do you take to verify the accuracy of the information you are entering or filing?" (The interviewer wants to see your process for preventing errors and ensuring that the records are correct.)
- "How do you stay updated on changes to record-keeping best practices or technology?" (This tests your commitment to professional development and your ability to adapt to new systems and processes.)
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