Correspondence Clerks

Compose letters in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and typing correspondence.

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

1. Prepare documents and correspondence such as damage claims, credit and billing inquiries, invoices, and service complaints.

2. Compile data from records to prepare periodic reports.

3. Present clear and concise explanations of governing rules and regulations.

4. Read incoming correspondence to ascertain nature of writers' concerns and to determine disposition of correspondence.

5. Type acknowledgment letters to persons sending correspondence.

6. Review correspondence for format and typographical accuracy, assemble the information into a prescribed form with the correct number of copies, and submit it to an authorized official for signature.

7. Maintain files and control records to show correspondence activities.

8. Gather records pertinent to specific problems, review them for completeness and accuracy, and attach records to correspondence as necessary.

9. Complete form letters in response to requests or problems identified by correspondence.

10. Route correspondence to other departments for reply.

11. Compose letters in reply to correspondence concerning such items as requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit information requests, delinquent accounts, incorrect billing, or unsatisfactory service.

Active Listening - 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 Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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

Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.

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

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

Customer and Personal Service - 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.

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

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

Administration and Management - 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.

Public Safety and Security - 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.

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.

The college search results are undergraduate programs associated with Correspondence Clerks. Further education may also be required to pursue this career.

The training search results include both short and long-term programs associated with Correspondence Clerks, and may be more appropriate for adult and non-traditional students. Further training may also be required to pursue this career.

In NY the average wage for this occupation was:

$25,950 (per year) for entry level workers, and $38,670 (per year) for experienced workers.

Based on the total number of annual openings and its growth rate, the employment prospects for this occupation are described as Least Favorable.

During 2006, there were approximately 760 Correspondence Clerks employed in NY.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 750  employed in NY. This represents a decrease of 0 job(s) each year, and a total of 20 job openings each year.

Administrative Support Specialists - Visit this link for information on this career in the military.

Information and record clerks (Intro) - Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.

Statement Clerks - Prepare and distribute bank statements to customers, answer inquiries, and reconcile discrepancies in records and accounts.

Procurement Clerks - Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.

Credit Authorizers - Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts.

Credit Checkers - Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. Telephone or write to credit departments of business and service establishments to obtain information about applicant's credit standing.

Medical Secretaries - Perform secretarial duties utilizing specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Duties include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.