According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals. | 86% |
| Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs. | 86% |
| Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing. | 84% |
| Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll. | 84% |
| Create, maintain, and enter information into databases. | 84% |
| Collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced. | 83% |
| Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions. | 81% |
| Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material. | 80% |
| Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations. | 79% |
| Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors. | 78% |
| Maintain scheduling and event calendars. | 76% |
| Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports. | 76% |
| Complete forms in accordance with company procedures. | 75% |
| Establish work procedures or schedules and keep track of the daily work of clerical staff. | 75% |
| Provide services to customers, such as order placement or account information. | 75% |
| Prepare and mail checks. | 74% |
| Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies. | 74% |
| Arrange conference, meeting, or travel reservations for office personnel. | 74% |
| Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet. | 73% |
| Supervise other clerical staff and provide training and orientation to new staff. | 73% |
| Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters. | 73% |
| Make copies of correspondence or other printed material. | 73% |
| Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions. | 73% |
| Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work. | 72% |
| Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events, such as luncheons or graduation ceremonies. | 71% |
| Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented. | 70% |
| Mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information. | 68% |
| Train and assist staff with computer usage. | 67% |
| Take dictation in shorthand or by machine and transcribe information. | 66% |
| Order and dispense supplies. | 66% |
| Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations. | 65% |
| Develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites. | 62% |
