Office Clerks, General

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.89
Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.84
Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.82
Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.79
Complete and mail bills, contracts, policies, invoices, or checks.78
Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.76
Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.75
Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.73
Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.73
Process and prepare documents, such as business or government forms and expense reports.71
Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.69
Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.68

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Monitor and direct the work of lower-level clerks.67
Prepare meeting agendas, attend meetings, and record and transcribe minutes.65
Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.64
Inventory and order materials, supplies, and services.63
Deliver messages and run errands.62
Train other staff members to perform work activities, such as using computer applications.57
Count, weigh, measure, or organize materials.56
Troubleshoot problems involving office equipment, such as computer hardware and software.49

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Active Listening69
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension69
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Speaking66
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Instructing44
Teaching others how to do something.

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Judgment and Decision Making44
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Complex Problem Solving41
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics28
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Systems Analysis25
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Material Resources22
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Quality Control Analysis19
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Management of Financial Resources16
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Troubleshooting13
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operation and Control10
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Technology Design10
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Operations Analysis3
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Administrative80
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
English Language70
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service61
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administration and Management50
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics47
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics43
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Economics and Accounting36
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Public Safety and Security36
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Communications and Media33
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Personnel and Human Resources33
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Education and Training31
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Law and Government27
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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Psychology27
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sales and Marketing26
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Telecommunications24
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Production and Processing20
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sociology and Anthropology19
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Philosophy and Theology17
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Geography16
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Transportation15
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Engineering and Technology13
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design12
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Therapy and Counseling12
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Foreign Language11
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mechanical11
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Chemistry9
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Medicine and Dentistry8
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Physics8
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Fine Arts6
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
History and Archeology5
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Food Production4
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Biology1
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension69
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension69
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression66
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity60
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition60
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Information Ordering53
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Problem Sensitivity53
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Category Flexibility50
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning50
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

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Selective Attention50
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Time Sharing47
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision44
The ability to see details at a distance.
Fluency of Ideas44
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Mathematical Reasoning44
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Flexibility of Closure41
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Number Facility41
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Perceptual Speed41
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Finger Dexterity35
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Auditory Attention28
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Control Precision28
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Memorization28
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality28
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization28
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness25
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Hearing Sensitivity25
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Manual Dexterity22
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Depth Perception13
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed13
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Multilimb Coordination10
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Static Strength10
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers81
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates76
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information72
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing Administrative Activities68
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Documenting/Recording Information64
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships63
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Processing Information63
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization62
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work61
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events58
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards56
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge54
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

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Making Decisions and Solving Problems52
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Scheduling Work and Activities52
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings51
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public49
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Analyzing Data or Information47
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Assisting and Caring for Others40
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Thinking Creatively40
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People39
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials38
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others38
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Training and Teaching Others38
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others37
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information36
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others34
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing and Building Teams33
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources33
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Coaching and Developing Others31
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Performing General Physical Activities29
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Developing Objectives and Strategies28
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Controlling Machines and Processes27
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Handling and Moving Objects27
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Staffing Organizational Units27
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates25
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment21
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others17
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment15
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment14
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others13
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment8
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability79
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Attention to Detail71
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Cooperation54
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Integrity49
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Social Orientation48
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Adaptability34
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Self-Control34
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity33
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Cautiousness32
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Initiative28
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Empathy27
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism25
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

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Stress Tolerance25
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation23
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Humility23
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Perseverance19
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence15
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Intellectual Curiosity3
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Tolerance for Ambiguity1
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional97
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Enterprising37
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social34
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic32
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Investigative14
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Telephone Conversations
- Every day93%
E-Mail
- Every day89%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others82%
- Contact with others most of the time14%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day90%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day74%
- Once a week or more but not every day18%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important77%
- Very important12%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important64%
- Very important24%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually60%
- More than half the time25%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important65%
- Very important14%
- Important13%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important66%
- Very important12%
- Fairly important13%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results45%
- Important results17%
- Moderate results14%
- Minor results16%
Time Pressure
- Every day24%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%

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Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom29%
- Some freedom24%
- Limited freedom40%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week27%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually33%
- More than half the time25%
- About half the time23%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)16%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)32%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)45%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important32%
- Very important11%
- Important34%
- Not important at all14%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom14%
- Some freedom34%
- Limited freedom24%
- Very little freedom25%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month44%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never28%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually36%
- More than half the time17%
- Never39%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day30%
- Once a month or more but not every week16%
- Never36%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours15%
- 40 hours59%
- Less than 40 hours26%
Conflict Situations
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week18%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never28%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility15%
- High responsibility15%
- Moderate responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility30%
- No responsibility21%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious13%
- Serious14%
- Fairly serious37%
- Not serious at all26%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility12%
- High responsibility16%
- Moderate responsibility13%
- Limited responsibility24%
- No responsibility35%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day22%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never56%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time12%
- Less than half the time72%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- More than half the time14%
- About half the time14%
- Less than half the time32%
- Never36%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated24%
- Slightly automated20%
- Not at all automated44%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day24%
- Never68%
Level of Competition
- Highly competitive11%
- Moderately competitive15%
- Slightly competitive31%
- Not at all competitive39%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never60%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time37%
- Never46%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never63%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never79%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all80%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never87%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time33%
- Never65%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Never85%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never89%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never88%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never86%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time15%
- Never81%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never90%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never91%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never89%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never98%
Exposed to High Places
- Never96%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never96%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never97%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never96%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never97%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never98%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never97%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)99%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Data base user interface and query software
Blackboard software, Database software, Microsoft Access, Yardi software
Document management software
Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft SharePoint, Records management software, Transcription system software
Medical software
Henry Schein Dentrix, Medical condition coding software, Medical procedure coding software, MEDITECH software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, Oracle PeopleSoft, Oracle PeopleSoft Financials, SAP software
Word processing software
3M Post-it App, Evernote, Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook, Google Sites, LinkedIn, Social media sites
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
Bookkeeping software, Intuit QuickBooks, Sage 50 Accounting
Customer relationship management CRM software
Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce.com Salesforce CRM
Desktop publishing software
Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher
Office suite software
Google Workspace software, Microsoft Office software
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Dropbox, Google Drive
Project management software
Mavenlink, Microsoft Project
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Graphics or photo imaging software
SmugMug Flickr
Enterprise application integration software
Electronic Data Interchange EDI systems
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Instant messaging software
GroupMe
Human resources software
ADP Workforce Now
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Billing and invoicing software
Billing software
Calendar and scheduling software
Appointment scheduling software
Information retrieval or search software
LexisNexis

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate office equipment.
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Execute sales or other financial transactions.
Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Maintain inventory records.
Compile data or documentation.
File documents or records.
Distribute incoming mail.

Show all 27 →

Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
Sort mail.
Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.
Check data for recording errors.
Prepare employee work schedules.
Schedule appointments.
Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
Record information from meetings or other formal proceedings.
Transcribe spoken or written information.
Monitor inventories of products or materials.
Provide information to coworkers.
Train personnel.
Calculate weights, volumes or other characteristics of materials.
Maintain office equipment in proper operating condition.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Health Unit Coordinator

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology