← All occupations

Procurement Clerks

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.

  • Track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders.86
  • Perform buying duties when necessary.86
  • Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.84
  • Calculate costs of orders, and charge or forward invoices to appropriate accounts.84
  • Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers.83
  • Approve and pay bills.82
  • Maintain knowledge of all organizational and governmental rules affecting purchases, and provide information about these rules to organization staff members and to vendors.81
  • Determine if inventory quantities are sufficient for needs, ordering more materials when necessary.81
  • Check shipments when they arrive to ensure that orders have been filled correctly and that goods meet specifications.81
  • Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems.79
  • Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files, reports and price lists.79
  • Review requisition orders to verify accuracy, terminology, and specifications.79
Show all 19
  • Respond to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations.78
  • Monitor in-house inventory movement and complete inventory transfer forms for bookkeeping purposes.76
  • Compare suppliers' bills with bids and purchase orders to verify accuracy.74
  • Locate suppliers, using sources such as catalogs and the internet, and interview them to gather information about products to be ordered.73
  • Monitor contractor performance, recommending contract modifications when necessary.69
  • Prepare invitation-of-bid forms, and mail forms to supplier firms or distribute forms for public posting.69
  • Train and supervise subordinates and other staff.62

Skills

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

  • Reading Comprehension75

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Speaking75

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Active Listening72

    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.

  • Critical Thinking69

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Monitoring66

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Social Perceptiveness66

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Writing66

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Complex Problem Solving63

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Judgment and Decision Making63

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Active Learning56

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Coordination53

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Service Orientation53

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

Show all 35
  • Mathematics50

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Time Management50

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Negotiation47

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Persuasion47

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Management of Personnel Resources44

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Instructing38

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Learning Strategies35

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

  • Management of Financial Resources35

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Management of Material Resources35

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Systems Analysis31

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation31

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Operations Analysis22

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Quality Control Analysis16

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Technology Design13

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Programming10

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Operations Monitoring6

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • 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.

  • Operation and Control0

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

  • Science0

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Troubleshooting0

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

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

  • English Language74

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Administrative70

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Customer and Personal Service69

    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.

  • Economics and Accounting62

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • Administration and Management61

    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.

  • Mathematics61

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Computers and Electronics55

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Transportation53

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Public Safety and Security50

    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.

  • Education and Training43

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Production and Processing43

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Telecommunications41

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

Show all 33
  • Communications and Media39

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Law and Government37

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Personnel and Human Resources35

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Engineering and Technology33

    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.

  • Mechanical30

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Chemistry29

    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.

  • Geography29

    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.

  • Sales and Marketing29

    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.

  • Philosophy and Theology20

    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.

  • Building and Construction19

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Psychology18

    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.

  • Sociology and Anthropology17

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Therapy and Counseling17

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

  • Design16

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Biology15

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Medicine and Dentistry14

    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.

  • Physics12

    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.

  • 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.

  • Fine Arts10

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Food Production10

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

  • History and Archeology9

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Oral Comprehension75

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression75

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Near Vision72

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Written Comprehension72

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Information Ordering69

    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).

  • Written Expression69

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Speech Clarity66

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Deductive Reasoning63

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Inductive Reasoning63

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Problem Sensitivity63

    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.

  • Speech Recognition60

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Mathematical Reasoning53

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Show all 52
  • Category Flexibility50

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Fluency of Ideas47

    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).

  • Selective Attention47

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Perceptual Speed44

    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.

  • Number Facility38

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Time Sharing38

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Originality35

    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.

  • Flexibility of Closure31

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Far Vision28

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Speed of Closure28

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Auditory Attention25

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Memorization25

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Visual Color Discrimination25

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Visualization25

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Hearing Sensitivity22

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • 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.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness16

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Finger Dexterity16

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Manual Dexterity16

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Dynamic Strength13

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Extent Flexibility13

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Multilimb Coordination13

    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 Strength13

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed13

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Explosive Strength6

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Control Precision0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Depth Perception0

    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.

  • Dynamic Flexibility0

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out 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 Computers87

    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 Subordinates81

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Getting Information80

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Processing Information74

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships73

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge72

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Performing Administrative Activities68

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization67

    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.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events67

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems67

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Analyzing Data or Information65

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work63

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Show all 41
  • Scheduling Work and Activities62

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Documenting/Recording Information61

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings58

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • 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.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies53

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources53

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others53

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others48

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Coaching and Developing Others47

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People45

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others44

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Thinking Creatively43

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Training and Teaching Others43

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others42

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates41

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Handling and Moving Objects39

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others38

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information35

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public35

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Performing General Physical Activities33

    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.

  • Selling or Influencing Others33

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials32

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes31

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Staffing Organizational Units27

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Developing and Building Teams26

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment19

    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.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment14

    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.

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment14

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment11

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

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

  • Dependability82

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Attention to Detail79

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Integrity70

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Cautiousness60

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Achievement Orientation39

    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.

  • Cooperation39

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Self-Confidence37

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Social Orientation36

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Perseverance32

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Stress Tolerance28

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Adaptability26

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

  • Sincerity26

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

Show all 21
  • Self-Control22

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Initiative19

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Intellectual Curiosity17

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

  • Humility15

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Empathy11

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Optimism5

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Innovation4

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Leadership Orientation3

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity3

    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.

  • Conventional100

    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.

  • Enterprising52

    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.

  • Realistic36

    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.

  • Investigative12

    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.

  • Social11

    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.

  • 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.

  • E-Mail

    • Every day100%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day94%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important90%
  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others64%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important77%
    • Very important14%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day78%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • Some freedom32%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • Some freedom36%
    • Limited freedom15%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

      • Extremely important55%
      • Very important15%
    • Spend Time Sitting

      • Continually or almost continually35%
      • More than half the time60%
    • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

      • Very important results36%
      • Moderate results19%
    Show all 57
    • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

      • Duration of Typical Work Week

        • Less than 40 hours11%
      • Time Pressure

        • Every day43%
        • Once a week or more but not every day11%
        • Once a month or more but not every week12%
      • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

        • Extremely important17%
        • Very important15%
        • Important58%
      • Written Letters and Memos

        • Every day37%
        • Once a week or more but not every day14%
        • Once a year or more but not every month13%
      • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

        • Very important24%
        • Important63%
        • Fairly important11%
      • Physical Proximity

        • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)84%
      • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

        • Every day31%
        • Never27%
      • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

        • Continually or almost continually27%
      • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

        • High responsibility19%
        • Moderate responsibility33%
        • Limited responsibility37%
        • No responsibility11%
      • Conflict Situations

        • Once a week or more but not every day16%
        • Once a month or more but not every week27%
      • Exposed to Contaminants

        • Every day19%
      • Health and Safety of Other Workers

        • High responsibility29%
        • Moderate responsibility17%
      • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

        • Once a week or more but not every day14%
        • Never13%
      • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

        • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

          • Consequence of Error

            • Serious33%
            • Fairly serious23%
            • Not serious at all37%
          • Spend Time Standing

            • Less than half the time88%
          • Spend Time Walking or Running

            • Less than half the time83%
          • Degree of Automation

            • Moderately automated12%
            • Slightly automated67%
            • Not at all automated19%
          • Level of Competition

            • Highly competitive20%
            • Not at all competitive67%
          • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

            • Never71%
          • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

            • Every day13%
            • Once a year or more but not every month17%
            • Never70%
          • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

            • Once a month or more but not every week17%
            • Once a year or more but not every month11%
            • Never71%
          • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

            • Never84%
          • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

            • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

              • Less than half the time28%
              • Never67%
            • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

              • Never85%
            • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

              • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

                • Never86%
              • Outdoors, Under Cover

                • Never88%
              • Public Speaking

                • Once a year or more but not every month14%
                • Never82%
              • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

                • Not important at all91%
              • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

                • Never95%
              • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

                • Less than half the time14%
                • Never86%
              • Work Schedules

                • Regular (established routine, set schedule)93%
              • Exposed to Disease or Infections

                • Never94%
              • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

                • Never94%
              • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

                • Never98%
              • Exposed to Radiation

                • Never95%
              • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

                • Never100%
              • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

                • Never99%
              • Exposed to High Places

                • Never99%
              • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

                • Never100%
              • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

                • Never99%

              Typical Education Levels Reported

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

              • High school diploma or equivalent
              • Bachelor’s degree
              • Some college, no degree

              Technology Skills

              Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

              • Enterprise resource planning ERP software

                Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne, Oracle PeopleSoft, Radiant Systems CounterPoint, SAP software

              • Presentation software

                Microsoft PowerPoint

              • Data base user interface and query software

                Microsoft Access, Oracle Database

              • Spreadsheet software

                Microsoft Excel

              • Electronic mail software

                Microsoft Outlook

              • Accounting software

                Intuit QuickBooks

              • Document management software

                Microsoft SharePoint

              • Enterprise application integration software

                Electronic data interchange EDI software

              • Office suite software

                Microsoft Office software

              • Operating system software

                Microsoft Windows

              • Word processing software

                Microsoft Word

              • Internet browser software

                Web browser software

              • Calendar and scheduling software

                Work scheduling software

              • Inventory management software

                Inventory tracking software

              Professional Associations

              Related Occupations

              Detailed Work Activities

              More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

              • Maintain operational records.
              • Order materials, supplies, or equipment.
              • Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
              • Send information, materials or documentation.
              • Calculate costs of goods or services.
              • Analyze financial information.
              • Execute sales or other financial transactions.
              • Inspect shipments to ensure correct order fulfillment.
              • Maintain current knowledge related to work activities.
              • Monitor inventories of products or materials.
              • Provide information to coworkers.
              • Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.
              Show all 19
              • Check data for recording errors.
              • Coordinate shipping activities with external parties.
              • Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.
              • Track goods or materials.
              • Obtain information about goods or services.
              • Supervise clerical or administrative personnel.
              • Train personnel.
              O*NET in-it

              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

              Limited time offer