Order Clerks Go Back to List 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.

Technology used in this occupation:
	Document management software

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.
	Direct specified departments or units to prepare and ship orders to designated locations.
	Check inventory records to determine availability of requested merchandise.
	Review orders for completeness according to reporting procedures and forward incomplete orders for further processing.
	Attempt to sell additional merchandise or services to prospective or current customers by telephone or through visits.
	File copies of orders received, or post orders on records.

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.
	Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
	Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
	Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
	Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
	Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
	Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
	Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
	Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
	Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

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.
	Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and 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.
	Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
	Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
	Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
	Transportation - Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
	Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

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Education & Training   Education:   These occupations usually require a high school diploma.   Related Experience:   Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

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Wage Information
	Region Average Entry Level  Mid-Range  Annual  Hourly  Statewide $44,708.00 $21.50  $17.22  $17.79 - $23.35  Bridgeport/Stamford $45,193.00 $21.72  $18.31  $18.64 - $22.69  Danbury $42,274.00 $20.32  $16.53  $17.55 - $22.18  Hartford $45,915.00 $22.08  $16.77  $17.44 - $26.94  New Haven $45,988.00 $22.12  $17.43  $17.80 - $25.92  New London/Norwich $45,792.00 $22.01  $15.90  $17.30 - $28.74  Waterbury $47,494.00 $22.83  $16.31  $17.36 - $26.36

Occupation Outlook ( 2016 - 2026 ) Average Annual Job Openings:   1098   Employment in this occupation is expected to grow more slowly than average, and the number of annual openings will offer limited job opportunities.

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	Some of the occupational information on this page is formulated from O*NETTM v17.0 data. O*NETTM is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.