15 Office Clerk Interview Questions and Answers

Interviews conducted for positions of high responsibility, such as those in the administrative or clerical field are quite tricky.

Since a company runs on the shoulders of its clerical staff, it is essential that the right people are hired for this position.

Appearing in an Office Clerk Interview requires preparation as you need to answer questions and create a discussion.

Interview questions can be easily answered if you have researched what you may be asked during an interview.

Recommended: Office Clerk Resume

Take a look at some of the questions (and possible answers) that you might be asked in an interview for an office clerk position.

Office Clerk Interview Questions and Answers

1. Tell me about yourself?

Thank you so much for inviting me for the office clerk interview today. I describe myself as a detail-oriented and technical-minded individual. After completing my high school diploma, I took a vocational certificate course in data entry and clerkship. I have served in different clerical capacities in various organizations for four years.

2. What were your duties in your previous job?

(Do not go into detail. You are being asked to provide information on just your primary responsibilities.)

As an office clerk, I was responsible for bookkeeping, answering telephone calls, handling and sorting correspondence, entering, maintaining, and retrieving client data, and performing stenography and dictations.

3. What kind of reports are you able to develop?

I am well versed in creating and issuing weekly financial reports, progress reports, budgeting, and project reports.

4. Are you comfortable working with large teams?

I possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. I enjoy teamwork, and I believe it always makes tasks more manageable.

5. Quote a stressful on the job experience, and how did you handle it?

Last Christmas, just before the holidays two clerks were on leave and I had to cover for them as well. I prioritized the tasks, compiled the data, and chalked out which task was most urgent. I remained calm and then got the work done strategically, without missing the deadline.

6. What is your typing speed, and how accurate is your typing?

I have a WPM of 60, and my typing is very accurate, I seldom err.

7. Why should we hire you?

You should hire me because I am an amicable and fun professional who enjoys working in a collaborative environment. I am good at data entry, well versed in secretarial tasks, and bring 5+ years of experience in the same.

8. Which office machines are you capable of operating?

I can operate facsimiles, photocopy machines, scanners, printers, and computers.

9. Do you have any experience in processing payrolls?

Yes, I am well-practiced in generating, processing, and validating weekly payrolls for 100+ employees.

10. How important do you feel is the role of time management in the position of an office clerk?

Time management is critical. Everything that an office clerk does needs to be managed within a specified time limit since other departments within the company depend on you to work in a time-efficient manner. Also, since the role of an office clerk requires some scheduling and appointment handling for other staff, time is true of the essence here.

11. What do you believe are the essential characteristics of an office clerk?

Apart from excellent time management skills, one has to be an excellent communicator and possess the ability to multitask. Additionally, an office clerk must be able to work with proper attention to detail and maintain the ability to handle confidential data with discretion.

12. What are your technical proficiencies as an office clerk?

I am proficient in the use of standard communication tools such as email, Messenger, and Skype. I can use MS Office and have exceptional skills in working on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

13. How do you prioritize your work since you receive work requests from many departments?

It is often difficult to determine which assignment to handle first. To ward off any negative repercussions, I take advice from my immediate supervisor when I am confused about priorities.

14. Tell me about your record management skills?

I am familiar with various data entry and information sorting software like County Clerk, OPAC, and Bellwether.

15. What do you know about the FERPA guidelines?

FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy and confidentiality of student clients.