The Role of Correspondence Clerks: Duties, Career Paths, and Qualifications
Correspondence clerks are responsible for managing an organization’s written communication with external parties, including clients, customers, and vendors. They ensure that all correspondence is complete, accurate, and compliant with the organization’s policies and procedures.
Typical duties of a correspondence clerk include:
- Routing mail and other incoming correspondence to the appropriate department or individual
- Preparing and sending outgoing correspondence, such as letters, emails, and faxes
- Reviewing correspondence for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policies
- Maintaining files and records of all correspondence
- Answering phones and directing calls to the appropriate person
Correspondence clerks work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, government, finance, and legal services, among others. Some common job titles for this role include:
- Administrative Clerk
- Customer Service Representative
- Office Assistant
- Receptionist
- Secretary
To become a correspondence clerk, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers may prefer or require additional education or training, such as an associate’s degree in business administration or a related field. You may also need to demonstrate proficiency in relevant software applications, such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
As you gain experience in the field, you may be able to progress to more senior roles, such as a lead correspondence clerk or a supervisor. To move up in your career, you may need to demonstrate strong performance in your current role, complete additional training or education, or gain industry-specific certifications.
If you’re new to the field, one way to get started is to look for entry-level positions as an administrative clerk, receptionist, or customer service representative. You may also want to consider completing a certificate or diploma program in office administration or business operations to develop skills in areas such as communication, organization, and time management.
Salary Information for Correspondence Clerks
Correspondence clerks are responsible for creating and maintaining a company’s correspondence with clients, customers, and suppliers. The job level and salary data provided indicate that the national average for correspondence clerks ranges from an entry-level salary of $37,564.80 to an intermediate level of $50,190.40. Full-time correspondence clerks can earn between $38,334.40 and $50,294.40, depending on their level and if they are part of a union.
The data shows that non-union correspondence clerks earn less on average than unionized clerks. This suggests that joining a union may have a positive effect on a correspondence clerk’s salary.
According to PayScale, the average salary of a correspondence clerk varies by location within the United States. The two geographies where this job function is best paid are in San Francisco, California, where the average pay is $45,000 per year, and in New York, New York, where the average pay is $44,000 per year. The two geographies where this job function is least paid are in Tampa, Florida, where the average pay is $33,000 per year, and in Houston, Texas, where the average pay is $32,000 per year.
Summary
In summary, correspondence clerks are responsible for creating and managing a company’s written communication with external parties. They work in a variety of industries and may progress in their careers to more senior roles. Correspondence clerks typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and may need additional education or training. Location, industry, job level, and union status can have an impact on the average salary of a correspondence clerk.
Overall, correspondence clerks play a vital role in ensuring that a company’s written communication is accurate, complete, and compliant with company policies and procedures.
