Order Clerk

Your Fit

Income

$45K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-18.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Order Clerk?

An Order Clerk is responsible for processing customer orders, ensuring accuracy, and handling inquiries related to products or services. They play a crucial role in the supply chain by coordinating between customers, sales teams, and logistics departments.

Sample job titles:

Materials Specialist, Order Clerk, Warehouse Clerk, Warehouse Person

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Order Clerk.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Order Clerk earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$34K per year	$38K per year	$45K per year	$52K per year	$62K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $4.84K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Order Clerk do?

Work environment

Order Clerks typically work in office settings within retail, manufacturing, or distribution companies. They may spend much of their time on the computer and phone, managing orders and communicating with customers and other departments. The role can involve a standard 9-to-5 workday, though some positions, especially in retail, might require weekend or evening hours.

Quick task list

Receives and processes customer orders via phone, email, or online systems.
Verifies order details and availability of products or services.
Coordinates with shipping and logistics for order fulfillment.
Handles customer inquiries and resolves order-related issues.
Maintains records of customer interactions and transactions.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Retail Order Processing: Specializing in handling orders in a retail environment, often involving direct customer interaction.
Wholesale Order Management: Dealing with large-scale orders, typically in a business-to-business context.
E-commerce Order Fulfillment: Focusing on orders placed through online platforms.
Custom Orders Coordinator: Handling specialized or customized orders, requiring detailed attention to specifications.
International Order Specialist: Managing orders that involve international shipping and customs regulations.

Description

Order Clerks are key to ensuring customer satisfaction and efficient order processing in various industries. Their role involves not only processing orders but also managing customer expectations and ensuring that products or services are delivered in a timely manner. They need to have a good understanding of the company's products or services, as well as inventory and logistics processes.

Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as Order Clerks often deal with multiple orders simultaneously and need to communicate effectively with different departments and customers. They must be adept at problem-solving, especially when dealing with delayed orders or product availability issues. Familiarity with order processing software and systems is also important in this role.

This occupation offers the opportunity to work in a range of industries and can be a stepping stone to roles in sales, customer service management, or logistics. For those who enjoy interacting with customers and managing detailed processes, it can be a rewarding career choice.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Being a vital link in the customer service chain and contributing to customer satisfaction.
The challenge and fulfillment of successfully managing and fulfilling orders.
Opportunities to interact with a diverse customer base and develop interpersonal skills.

You might make a good Order Clerk if you are...

Detail-oriented, ensuring all aspects of an order are correct and processed efficiently.
A strong communicator, capable of handling customer inquiries and coordinating with different departments.
Organized, able to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Proficient with computers and familiar with order processing and inventory management software.
Interested in a career that combines customer interaction with logistical coordination.

Pros:

Stable employment in various industries.
Interaction with customers and internal teams, providing a dynamic work environment.
Development of valuable skills in customer service and logistics.

Cons:

The role can be fast-paced and demanding, especially during peak periods.
It may involve dealing with dissatisfied customers or resolving order issues.
Repetitive tasks and the need for meticulous attention to detail.

How to become an Order Clerk

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient for entry-level positions. Some employers may prefer candidates with additional coursework or an associate degree in business, customer service, or a related field, adding 2 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Business Studies to understand basic business operations and customer service principles.
Mathematics for skills in managing orders and inventory.
Computer Science to develop proficiency with software and databases.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in customer service or retail-oriented clubs or part-time jobs.
Engaging in roles that require organization and planning, such as event planning committees.
Volunteering in roles that involve interaction with people and handling inquiries.

Preparation after high school

Consider a certificate or associate degree in business, customer service, or logistics for advanced knowledge.
Seek internships or entry-level positions in customer service, retail, or logistics to gain practical experience.
Attend workshops or courses in communication, time management, and specific order management software systems.

More resources

National Retail Federation (NRF) - Offers resources and certifications for professionals in retail, including order management.
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) - Provides networking and education opportunities in logistics and supply chain management.
American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) - Offers insights and research on customer satisfaction in various industries.
Institute for Supply Management (ISM) - Provides certification and training for professionals in procurement and supply management.

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