Receptionists and Information 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.

Operate telephone switchboard to answer, screen, or forward calls, providing information, taking messages, or scheduling appointments.94
Greet persons entering establishment, determine nature and purpose of visit, and direct or escort them to specific destinations.92
Receive payment and record receipts for services.91
Schedule appointments and maintain and update appointment calendars.85
Analyze data to determine answers to questions from customers or members of the public.81
Calculate and quote rates for tours, stocks, insurance policies, or other products or services.80
Transmit information or documents to customers, using computer, mail, or facsimile machine.78
Hear and resolve complaints from customers or the public.78
File and maintain records.77
Provide information about establishment, such as location of departments or offices, employees within the organization, or services provided.76
Perform administrative support tasks, such as proofreading, transcribing handwritten information, or operating calculators or computers to work with pay records, invoices, balance sheets, or other documents.74
Collect, sort, distribute, or prepare mail, messages, or courier deliveries.73

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Keep a current record of staff members' whereabouts and availability.73
Schedule space or equipment for special programs and prepare lists of participants.64
Process and prepare memos, correspondence, travel vouchers, or other documents.61
Perform duties, such as taking care of plants or straightening magazines to maintain lobby or reception area.60
Enroll individuals to participate in programs and notify them of their acceptance.56
Take orders for merchandise or materials and send them to the proper departments to be filled.55
Enter and update databases of contact information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers.—

Skills

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

Speaking72
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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.
Service Orientation66
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Critical Thinking53
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Writing50
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Monitoring47
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving44
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

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Instructing41
Teaching others how to do something.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Judgment and Decision Making35
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Negotiation31
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Learning Strategies28
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Management of Personnel Resources25
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics25
Using mathematics to solve problems.
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.
Quality Control Analysis22
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring16
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Management of Financial Resources10
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources10
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Programming10
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Troubleshooting10
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
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.
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.
Technology Design0
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

Knowledge

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

Customer and Personal Service80
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.
Administrative72
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 Language68
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Computers and Electronics60
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.
Public Safety and Security43
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.
Administration and Management42
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.
Telecommunications42
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Personnel and Human Resources39
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Communications and Media38
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training37
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 Government33
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

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Medicine and Dentistry25
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.
Production and Processing23
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Foreign Language22
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.
Sociology and Anthropology21
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Psychology20
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.
Economics and Accounting18
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Sales and Marketing16
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.
Transportation12
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Engineering and Technology11
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.
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.
Philosophy and Theology7
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.
Therapy and Counseling7
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Chemistry6
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.
Design6
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Geography6
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.
Building and Construction5
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Fine Arts5
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production5
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
History and Archeology5
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Mechanical5
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Biology3
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 Expression75
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Recognition72
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Speech Clarity69
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Comprehension66
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Written Expression60
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Near Vision53
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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.
Inductive Reasoning44
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering44
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).

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Problem Sensitivity44
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 Flexibility41
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Deductive Reasoning41
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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.
Fluency of Ideas38
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).
Memorization38
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Number Facility38
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Flexibility of Closure35
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Mathematical Reasoning35
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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.
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Finger Dexterity31
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Hearing Sensitivity28
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Speed of Closure28
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
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.
Control Precision25
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Manual Dexterity25
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
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.
Trunk Strength10
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 Perception6
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.
Static Strength6
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Wrist-Finger Speed6
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Dynamic Strength3
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Glare Sensitivity3
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
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.
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.
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 Computers89
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information84
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public82
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates79
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems73
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others67
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others67
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization65
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.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships65
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Processing Information64
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge62
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information61
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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Performing Administrative Activities59
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work57
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Scheduling Work and Activities57
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others56
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others52
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards50
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings49
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People45
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events44
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Coaching and Developing Others38
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials38
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Developing Objectives and Strategies37
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Training and Teaching Others37
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates36
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Thinking Creatively36
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Controlling Machines and Processes35
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Developing and Building Teams34
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others34
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Analyzing Data or Information30
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Staffing Organizational Units30
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Selling or Influencing Others28
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Handling and Moving Objects27
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources26
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing General Physical Activities26
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.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information24
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
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.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment9
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3
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.

Cooperation82
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Dependability82
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Social Orientation76
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Attention to Detail63
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Empathy62
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Optimism61
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Self-Control61
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Sincerity57
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Integrity54
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Humility41
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Stress Tolerance40
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Adaptability38
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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Self-Confidence38
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Initiative28
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Cautiousness26
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Achievement Orientation18
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.
Perseverance16
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity15
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.

Conventional88
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.
Enterprising54
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.
Social43
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.
Realistic16
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.
Investigative13
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.
Artistic2
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 day100%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others88%
- Contact with others most of the time12%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day88%
E-Mail
- Every day68%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day77%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day84%
- Never16%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important73%
- Fairly important15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results63%
- Important results20%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important57%
- Very important14%
- Important15%
- Fairly important11%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually50%
- More than half the time13%
- About half the time28%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom40%
- Some freedom34%
- Limited freedom14%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom22%
- Some freedom53%
- Limited freedom16%

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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually26%
- More than half the time50%
- Less than half the time24%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important19%
- Very important41%
- Important38%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important12%
- Very important63%
- Important11%
- Fairly important11%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually47%
- Never25%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Every day32%
- Once a month or more but not every week47%
- Never11%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)17%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)13%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)52%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)18%
Conflict Situations
- Every day12%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month29%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day16%
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day33%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never35%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day18%
- Once a month or more but not every week42%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never24%
Time Pressure
- Every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never33%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important23%
- Important17%
- Not important at all30%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week39%
- Never40%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time34%
- Less than half the time46%
- Never12%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- 40 hours63%
- Less than 40 hours35%
Degree of Automation
- Highly automated17%
- Moderately automated24%
- Slightly automated32%
- Not at all automated27%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility20%
- Limited responsibility57%
- No responsibility17%
Public Speaking
- Every day12%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month33%
- Never43%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- About half the time28%
- Less than half the time48%
- Never23%
Consequence of Error
- Fairly serious30%
- Not serious at all43%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility23%
- Limited responsibility42%
- No responsibility34%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- About half the time13%
- Less than half the time67%
- Never20%
Work Schedules
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never55%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive16%
- Slightly competitive17%
- Not at all competitive66%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all81%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time48%
- Never52%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a year or more but not every month22%
- Never75%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time30%
- Never70%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never84%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never82%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never96%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never97%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never95%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never99%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Never99%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Never99%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never100%
Exposed to High Places
- Never100%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never100%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

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

High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Post-secondary certificate

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Electronic mail software
Email software, IBM Notes, Microsoft Outlook
Word processing software
3M Post-it App, Google Docs, Microsoft Word
Data base user interface and query software
Claim processing system software, FileMaker Pro, IBM Check Processing Control System CPSC, St. Paul Travelers e-CARMA
Medical software
GE Healthcare Centricity EMR, Kodak Dental Systems Kodak SOFTDENT Practice management software PMS, McKesson Lytec, Medical condition coding software
Accounting software
Bookkeeping software, Intuit QuickBooks
Document management software
Filing system software, Microsoft SharePoint Server
Customer relationship management CRM software
Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge, Microsoft Dynamics
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Calendar and scheduling software
Appointment scheduling software, Electronic calendar management software
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Desktop publishing software
Microsoft Publisher
Cloud-based data access and sharing software
Google Drive
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Time accounting software
HMS
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Billing and invoicing software
Billing software
Mobile messaging service software
Intrado SchoolMessenger

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.

Schedule appointments.
Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Analyze operational or research data.
Calculate costs of goods or services.
Send information, materials or documentation.
Respond to customer problems or complaints.
File documents or records.
Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons.
Operate computers or computerized equipment.
Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy.

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Distribute incoming mail.
Sort mail.
Record personnel information.
Schedule operational activities.
Prepare business correspondence.
Clean facilities or equipment.
Provide notifications to customers or patrons.
Order materials, supplies, or equipment.

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