What Clerical Skills Do Employers Want to See on a Resume?

The right information on a resume can make the difference between whether you get an interview or you don't. With many people applying for the same position, it is crucial to understand what employers want to see on a resume. Clerical skills are one key area that many employers that look for.

In the pre-computer era, it was important to note any typing skills on a resume. Today, most employers assume that prospective employees can type. Only include typing skills on the resume if the job description specifically calls for it. What is more important to employers are any specific computer skills that you might have. For example, if you are proficient in using Microsoft Excel to create pivot tables, include a statement on your resume similar to "proficient in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables." Additionally, include any computer software that you are skilled in specific to the potential job opening. For example, if the position is in human resources, include any payroll software that you might have experience with.

An often overlooked talent on resumes is filing. Employers want to see that you have experience filing documents and are organized. Include a statement similar to this when highlighting your filing skills: "Experience organizing files in chronological, alphabetical and numerical order with the ability to retrieve any document in a timely manner." Another important aspect to include on your resume is any experience in filing classified documents. Employers may want to know that you can be trusted with important information.

One essential clerical skill is data entry. If you have experience entering numeric data on a 10-key keypad, include that on the resume. Employers are looking for efficiency and if the position requires a great deal of numeric input, any 10-key skills will be noticed on the resume. Detail what sort of data you have processed and include your error rate if known.

In small businesses, employees may have to complete multiple jobs. One skill that can set you apart from other applicants is any experience in completing payroll. Be specific about your skill set. Include any payroll software experience you might have, how often you completed payroll inputs and any additional duties that may be relevant like examining payroll-time card discrepancies, building cost analysis worksheets or calculating taxes.

Another important skill that employers like to see on resumes is the ability to handle invoices. Invoices are critical to a businesses as they contain dates that monies are due and dates on which monies must be paid. When including invoicing on your resume, include your experience in maintaining accurate transaction records, receiving and sending invoices in a timely manner and any additional responsibilities you have had with invoices such as finding errors and solving buyer - seller issues because of misprinted invoices.