Order Clerks
Receive and process incoming orders for materials, merchandise, classified ads, or services such as repairs, installations, or rental of facilities. Generally receives orders via mail, phone, fax, or other electronic means. Duties include informing customers of receipt, prices, shipping dates, and delays; preparing contracts; and handling complaints.
Sample of reported job titles:
Hub Associate, Materials Specialist, Order Analyst, Order Clerk, Order Entry Administrator, Order Entry Representative, Order Processing Clerk, Order Taker, Sales Assistant, Warehouse Clerk
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- Obtain customers' names, addresses, and billing information, product numbers, and specifications of items to be purchased, and enter this information on order forms.
- Prepare invoices, shipping documents, and contracts.
- Inform customers by mail or telephone of order information, such as unit prices, shipping dates, and any anticipated delays.
- Receive and respond to customer complaints.
- Verify customer and order information for correctness, checking it against previously obtained information as necessary.
Technology Skills
- Accounting software:Intuit QuickBooks
- Data base user interface and query software:Automated manifest system software,Microsoft Access
- Document management software:Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Electronic mail software:Email software,Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software:IBM Sterling Configure, Price, Quote,Microsoft Dynamics,Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne,SAP business and customer relations management software
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates:Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Getting Information:Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Performing Administrative Activities:Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization: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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Calculate costs of goods or services.
- Calculate financial data.
- Calculate shipping costs.
- Collect deposits, payments or fees.
- Compile data or documentation.
Work Context
- Telephone:100% responded"Every day"
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled:93% responded"Every day"
- Contact With Others:92% responded"Constant contact with others"
- Electronic Mail:91% responded"Every day"
- Work With Work Group or Team:70% responded"Extremely important"
Worker Requirements
Skills
- 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.
- Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Service Orientation:Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Social Perceptiveness:Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Knowledge
- 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.
- Administrative: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 Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Sales and Marketing: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.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
- 48%High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
- 24%Some College Courses
- 16%Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
- 8%Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Worker Characteristics
Abilities
- Near Vision:The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Speech Clarity:The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Interests
- 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.
- Enterprising:Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
- Social:Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Work Values
- Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Cooperation:Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Dependability:Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Persistence:Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
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