Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   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.
•   Performing Administrative Activities Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Working Life

A clerical assistant engages in basic office support tasks, such as record keeping, taking minutes of meetings, photocopying, data entry and drafting documents. Tasks may be repetitive or monotonous and will often require keen attention to detail.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
• Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
• Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
• Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
• Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
• Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
• Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
• Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.
• Complete work schedules, manage calendars, and arrange appointments.
• Type, format, proofread, and edit correspondence and other documents, from notes or dictating machines, using computers or typewriters.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

A degree is generally not necessary for entry into clerical work.

A level 5 or 6 Administration course may be useful, especially any course which develops skills with programs routinely used in an office, such as Word or Excel.

A certain amount of training will occur on the job, varying by location, as different organisations will have different systems and programs for carrying out day to day work.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €32k

Data Source(s):
Brightwater Salary Survey 2020

Last Updated: April, 2021

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Records clerks and assistants, Library clerks and assistants, Human resources administrative occupations, Sales administrators, Other administrative occupations n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment levels have been static since 2021 with the higher-than-average growth rate relating to earlier in the five-year period. This is the largest of the administrative occupations, with employment spread across all sectors of the economy. The small number of mentions of difficult-to-fill vacancies in the Recruitment Agency Survey related to site administration roles with Skills for Growth data also noting issues with recruitment for general office admin roles.

A high volume of recent job hires suggests job churn is occurring, and with a high share of those employed aged 55 years or over, job opportunities are likely to arise even without any employment growth due to replacement demand alone.