7 Clerical Resume Examples

A polished clerical resume can make all the difference in landing your dream position. Whether you're an experienced office clerk or just starting your career in administration, this comprehensive guide will provide you with expert tips and clerical resume examples to help you create a standout. From highlighting your organizational skills to showcasing your attention to detail, we'll cover everything you need to know to land your dream job in the clerical field.

Clerical Resume Examples

Entry-Level Administrative Assistant Resume

This entry-level administrative assistant resume example demonstrates how to showcase relevant skills and internship experience for those just starting their clerical careers.

Experienced Office Clerk Resume

This experienced office clerk resume example shows how to highlight a strong track record of administrative support and efficiency improvements.

Legal Secretary Resume

This legal secretary resume example demonstrates how to highlight specialized skills and knowledge relevant to the legal industry.

Medical Records Clerk Resume

This medical records clerk resume example showcases skills in healthcare administration and medical coding.

Executive Assistant Resume

This executive assistant resume example demonstrates high-level administrative support skills and experience working with C-suite executives.

Data Entry Specialist Resume

This data entry specialist resume example highlights accuracy, speed, and proficiency with various data management tools.

Receptionist Resume

This receptionist resume example showcases strong customer service skills and ability to manage front office operations efficiently.

How to Write a Clerical Resume

Clerical Resume Outline

A well-structured clerical resume should include the following sections:

• Header with contact information
• Professional summary or resume objective
• Work experience
• Education
• Skills
• Additional sections (certifications, projects, volunteer work)

This outline ensures that you present all relevant information in a logical and easy-to-read format, allowing potential employers to quickly assess your qualifications for clerical positions.

Which Resume Layout Should a Clerical Professional Use?

For clerical positions, a chronological resume layout is often the most effective. This format highlights your work history and career progression, which is particularly important in administrative roles. Here's why it works well for clerical professionals:

• Showcases career growth: Employers can easily see how you've advanced in your clerical career.
• Highlights recent experience: Your most recent and relevant positions are prominently displayed.
• Demonstrates stability: A chronological layout can show consistent employment, which is valued in clerical roles.
• Easy to read: Hiring managers can quickly scan your work history and resume skills.

However, if you're changing careers or have limited experience, a functional or combination resume might be more suitable. These formats allow you to emphasize your skills and qualifications over your work history.

What Your Clerical Resume Header Should Include

Your clerical resume header is the first thing a potential employer sees, so it's crucial to make a good impression. Here are some examples:

What Your Clerical Resume Summary Should Include

A strong clerical resume summary or objective statement is crucial for catching the attention of hiring managers. It should concisely highlight your key skills, experience, and career goals. Here's what to include:

• Years of experience in clerical or administrative roles
• Key skills relevant to the position (e.g., data entry, customer service, scheduling)
• Any notable achievements or resume accomplishments
• Your career objective or how you aim to contribute to the organization

Remember to tailor your summary to the specific job you're applying for, using keywords from the job description when appropriate.

Clerical Resume Summary Examples

Most Common Clerical Responsibilities

Understanding the most common clerical responsibilities can help you tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences and skills. Here are some typical duties for clerical positions:

• Data entry and management
• Filing and maintaining records (both physical and digital)
• Answering phones and directing calls
• Scheduling appointments and managing calendars
• Preparing and processing documents (e.g., reports, memos, invoices)
• Managing office supplies and inventory
• Greeting visitors and managing front desk operations
• Coordinating meetings and events
• Assisting with basic bookkeeping tasks
• Operating office equipment (e.g., printers, copiers, fax machines)

When describing your experiences, use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible to make your resume more impactful.

What Your Clerical Resume Experience Should Include

Your work experience section is crucial in demonstrating your capabilities as a clerical professional. Here's what to include:

• Job title, company name, location, and dates of employment
• Key responsibilities relevant to clerical work
• Specific achievements and contributions
• Quantifiable results whenever possible
• Relevant software or tools you've used

Use bullet points to make your experience easy to read and highlight your most impressive accomplishments.

Clerical Resume Experience Examples

What's the Best Education for a Clerical Resume?

While many clerical positions don't require advanced degrees, having the right educational background can set you apart from other candidates. Here's what to consider:

• High school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum requirement
• Associate's degree in office administration, business, or a related field can be beneficial
• Bachelor's degree in business administration or a similar field can open doors to more advanced clerical roles
• Vocational training or certificates in office skills can demonstrate specialized knowledge

When listing your education, include the degree or diploma, the institution's name, and graduation date. If you're a recent graduate with limited work experience, you may want to place your education section before your work experience.

What's the Best Professional Organization for a Clerical Resume?

Joining professional organizations can demonstrate your commitment to your career and provide networking opportunities. Some relevant organizations for clerical professionals include:

• International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
• American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP)
• Association of Executive and Administrative Professionals (AEAP)
• National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS)
• Association of Virtual Assistants (AVA)

When listing professional memberships on your resume, include the organization's name and your membership status or any leadership roles you've held within the organization.

What Are the Best Awards for a Clerical Resume?

Including relevant awards on your clerical resume can help you stand out from other candidates. Some awards that can be valuable for clerical professionals include:

• Employee of the Month/Year awards
• Recognition for exceptional customer service
• Awards for efficiency or productivity improvements
• Certifications or completion of specialized training programs
• Academic honors (if recent and relevant)

When listing awards, include the name of the award, the organization that presented it, and the date received. Be sure to briefly explain the significance of the award if it's not immediately apparent.

What Are Good Volunteer Opportunities for a Clerical Resume?

Volunteer experience can demonstrate your skills and commitment, especially if you're new to the clerical field. Consider these volunteer opportunities:

• Administrative support for local non-profit organizations
• Event planning and coordination for community events
• Data entry or record-keeping for charities
• Reception or front desk volunteer at hospitals or community centers
• Office assistance for schools or religious organizations

When including volunteer work on your resume, treat it similarly to paid work experience, highlighting relevant skills and achievements.

What Are the Best Hard Skills to Add to a Clerical Resume?

Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities that are easy to quantify. For clerical positions, consider including these hard skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Typing speed (e.g., 70 WPM with 98% accuracy)
• Data entry and management
• Bookkeeping and basic accounting
• Experience with specific software (e.g., QuickBooks, Salesforce)
• Filing and records management
• Scheduling and calendar management
• Proficiency in multiple languages (if relevant)

Remember to tailor your skills to the specific job requirements mentioned in the job description.

What Are the Best Soft Skills to Add to a Clerical Resume?

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively with others. For clerical roles, consider highlighting these soft skills:

• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Verbal and written communication
• Customer service
• Adaptability
• Problem-solving
• Multitasking
• Teamwork
• Discretion and confidentiality

When listing soft skills, try to provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in your previous roles.

What Are the Best Certifications for a Clerical Resume?

Certifications can demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional development. Some valuable certifications for clerical professionals include:

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)
• Certified Virtual Assistant
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Certified Legal Secretary Specialist (CLSS)

When listing certifications, include the full name of the certification, the issuing organization, and the date of acquisition or renewal.

Tips for an Effective Clerical Resume

To create a standout clerical resume, keep these tips in mind:

• Tailor your resume to each specific job application
• Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements
• Quantify your achievements whenever possible
• Proofread carefully to ensure there are no errors or typos
• Use a clean, professional layout with consistent formatting
• Include relevant keywords from the job description
• Highlight your technological proficiencies
• Showcase your organizational and communication skills

Remember, your resume is your first impression on potential employers, so make it count!

How Long Should I Make My Clerical Resume?

For most clerical positions, a one-page resume is ideal. This length allows you to highlight your most relevant skills and experiences without overwhelming the reader. However, if you have extensive relevant experience (typically more than 10 years), a two-page resume may be appropriate.

To keep your resume concise:

• Focus on your most recent and relevant experiences
• Use bullet points to convey information efficiently
• Avoid repetitive information
• Adjust margins and font size (within reason) to fit content on one page

Remember, quality is more important than quantity. Prioritize the most impactful information that demonstrates your qualifications for the specific clerical role you're applying for.

What's the Best Format for a Clerical Resume?

The best format for a clerical resume typically depends on your experience level and career trajectory. Here are the most common formats:

1. Chronological: This format lists your work history in reverse chronological order. It's ideal if you have a steady career progression in clerical roles.
2. Functional: This format emphasizes your skills rather than your work history. It can be useful if you're changing careers or have gaps in your employment.
3. Combination: This format blends elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It's effective if you want to highlight both your skills and your work history.

For most clerical positions, a chronological or combination format works well. These formats allow you to showcase your relevant experience and skills effectively.

What Should the Focus of a Clerical Resume Be?

The focus of your clerical resume should be on demonstrating your ability to support office operations efficiently and effectively. Key areas to emphasize include:

• Administrative skills: Highlight your proficiency in tasks such as scheduling, filing, and data management.
• Technical skills: Showcase your knowledge of relevant software and office equipment.
• Communication skills: Emphasize your ability to interact professionally with colleagues, clients, and visitors.
• Organizational abilities: Demonstrate how you've improved efficiency or streamlined processes in previous roles.
• Attention to detail: Provide examples of how your accuracy has benefited previous employers.
• Adaptability: Show how you've successfully handled multiple tasks or adapted to changing priorities.

Remember to tailor your resume to the specific clerical position you're applying for, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to that role.

Conclusion

Crafting an effective clerical resume is crucial for standing out in today's competitive job market. By highlighting your relevant skills, showcasing your achievements, and tailoring your resume to each specific role, you can significantly increase your chances of landing your desired clerical position. Remember to keep your resume concise, well-organized, and error-free. As you continue your job search, consider using tools and resources to streamline your application process and track your progress.

To get started on your journey to clerical success, sign-up for Huntr and take control of your job search today.