What is a Correspondence Clerk?

Correspondence Clerk Definition Compose letters or electronic correspondence in reply to requests for merchandise, damage claims, credit and other information, delinquent accounts, incorrect billings, or unsatisfactory services. Duties may include gathering data to formulate reply and preparing correspondence.

List of Correspondence Clerk Job Duties

• Compute costs of records furnished to requesters, and write letters to obtain payment.
• Review correspondence for format and typographical accuracy, assemble the information into a prescribed form with the correct number of copies, and submit it to an authorized official for signature.
• Prepare documents and correspondence, such as damage claims, credit and billing inquiries, invoices, and service complaints.
• Ensure that money collected is properly recorded and secured.
• Read incoming correspondence to ascertain nature of writers’ concerns and to determine disposition of correspondence.
• Present clear and concise explanations of governing rules and regulations.

Skills Needed to be a Correspondence Clerk

Correspondence Clerks state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Dispute Resolution Analyst
• Correspondence Specialist
• Suggestion Clerk
• Correspondence Review Clerk
• Legislative Correspondent

Is There Job Demand for Correspondence Clerks?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 7,200 jobs in the United States for Correspondence Clerks.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 2.1% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 200 new jobs for Correspondence Clerks by 2026. The BLS estimates 800 yearly job openings in this field per year.

The states with the most job growth for Correspondence Clerks are Texas, Florida, and Maryland.

Watch out if you plan on working in Ohio, Colorado, or Massachusetts. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Correspondence Clerk Average Salary

The average yearly salary of a Correspondence Clerk ranges between $24,460 and $56,550. The median salary for this occupation is $37,290.

How much do Correspondence Clerks make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Rhode Island	$46,820
California	$45,530
New Jersey	$45,370
Massachusetts	$44,930
Georgia	$44,360
Louisiana	$43,360
New York	$43,140
Arizona	$42,990
Maryland	$42,440
Texas	$41,750
Pennsylvania	$41,490
Connecticut	$41,470
South Carolina	$40,930
Colorado	$40,620
Virginia	$40,290
Tennessee	$39,240
Oregon	$39,000
Florida	$38,880
North Carolina	$38,700
Hawaii	$38,260
Kansas	$37,610
Oklahoma	$37,540
Illinois	$36,600
New Hampshire	$36,510
Missouri	$36,350
Maine	$35,920
Ohio	$32,630
Washington	$32,300
Michigan	$31,580
Indiana	$30,600
Iowa	$29,840
Alabama	$29,640
South Dakota	$29,110

What Tools do Correspondence Clerks Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Correspondence Clerks may use on a daily basis:

• Data entry software
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• SAP

How do I Become a Correspondence Clerk?

What education is needed to be a Correspondence Clerk?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Correspondence Clerks?

You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming Correspondence Clerks might also be interested in the following careers:

• Credit Checkers

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons