Clerks create documents and spreadsheets on a daily basis. Office staff use a variety of platforms and operating systems to complete vital tasks. You want a candidate that has knowledge of multiple data processing and data entry programs, such as Microsoft Office and Google Docs. Proficiency levels can help you determine their efficiency and speed when completing tasks. The results of skills tests will define the candidate's accuracy. What to look for in an answer:

• Data entry and processing skills
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets and related products
• Speed, accuracy and higher proficiency levels

Clerks work in a variety of industries. The processes followed in each industry varies. Clerks perform a variety of clerical duties that are similar in all industries. Their experience in more than one industry could prove valuable to your company as they could have experience with protocol and standards for information systems and IT practices. A candidate with vast clerical experience in multiple industries could possess specialized skills and additional certifications in these fields. What to look for in an answer:

• Experience in multiple industries as a clerk
• Broader understanding of information systems, standards and data processing
• Familiarity with IT protocol and standards

Communication and customer service skills help clerks manage incoming customer and business calls. A clerk must have higher than average skills since they work alongside office managers and other clerical workers. Customers, visitors and business partners speak to clerks to acquire information daily. The candidate's skills indicate that they are a people person with great interoffice communications. They value high-quality customer service and want to serve customers better. What to look for in an answer:

• High-quality customer service skills
• Great communication skills and friendliness
• Knowledge of the importance of being a people person and serving customers

Detail-oriented candidates are more likely to find mistakes in documents, letters and reports. In business, all outgoing documents and letters must be mistake-free. Mistakes lead to misunderstandings and make the company look less professional. A candidate that proofreads their work and reviews documents they create won't present your company with embarrassing circumstances. Clerks review mailing lists and double check information if they have a keen eye for detail. What to look for in an answer:

• Detail-oriented data processing skills
• Editing and proofreading skills
• Mistake-free documents and data entry

In an office setting, clerks perform multiple job duties and must remain organized throughout the workday. Organizational skills are vital to keeping work straight and avoiding regrettable mistakes. The right candidate is well-organized and multitasks with ease. He or she values organization and keeping their workspace clutter-free. They stay focused on tasks as the office manager assigns them and follows through as more tasks are assigned. What to look for in an answer:

• Superior organizational skills in the workplace
• Experience remaining focused on tasks and completing them as assigned
• Multitasking skills