To become a records clerk, you will need at least a high school diploma. Practical experience in an office environment is also recommended. Additional courses in word processing, business, and office administration can also help you find employment. Some companies use computerized filing systems, so a records clerk may need to be computer literate. Record clerks must have good organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Various businesses such as doctor's offices, law firms, and insurance companies employ records clerks.
Special qualifications are usually not needed to become a records clerk, but some individuals working in this field have college educations or associate degrees. Most employers require that applicants have a high school diploma and some practical experience. Any administrative or office-related experience is a good stepping stone to becoming a records clerk.
Experts recommend taking college courses or evening classes in subjects such as word processing, and business or office administration to get an edge on the competition. A records clerk's duties may include other administrative tasks, such as word processing or data entry, so a variety of skills should help to provide you with more job opportunities.
It is best to be computer literate if you want to become a records clerk. A lot of companies still use the paper filing systems, but computers are becoming more widespread, and eventually, most filing systems will be computerized. Basic knowledge or computer skills should be sufficient, as long as you know how to work within various operating systems. Training in word processing and database software would also be useful.
Record clerks have to create and maintain filing systems for various documents, so you need strong organizational skills and the capacity for attention to detail. A records clerk also needs strong analytical abilities and reading skills in order to analyze documents quickly and easily. Interpersonal skills are important since most records clerks have to work with people on a daily basis. You would be expected, not only to keep records and update filing systems, but also to deliver files to personnel when requested. The records clerk is responsible for the files, so you would be responsible for seeing that they were returned and filed in their proper place.
If you want to become a records clerk, you could distribute your resume or curriculum vitae (CV to local businesses or join a temp agency to gain experience. Record clerks work in almost all industries. Doctor's offices, law firms, or insurance companies are only a few examples. Some businesses will also train records clerks, so on-the-job training could be available to suitable candidates.
