17+ Clerk Interview Questions And Answers In 2024

If you’re soon to complete your interview for your next clerk position, it’s going to help a lot if you are prepared to answer the most commonly asked clerk interview questions.

Rather than trying to work it all out on your own, I have sourced some of the most common interview questions and answers for clerk jobs.

By the end of this article, you’ll feel more confident to step into the interview, wow the hiring manager, and secure the role as you stand out from the competition with your clear and strong communication. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

17 Clerk Interview Questions + Answers

1. Why do you want to work here?

The hiring manager usually likes to get a sense of what drew you to this role, and why you chose this company.

Tips for answering this question:

Try to make it personal to the company, rather than just saying ‘I needed a job’
Research the company’s history and state some facts in your answer, about what you like about the company’s work and experience.

2. What is your past experience?

If you have previous roles to reference, then create a list of your relevant experience to refer to and remember when asked this question.

Example Answers:

In my previous role/s, I maintained a variety of records, handled financial data and transactions, and managed a database.
I used software programs to reference and summarise data, compared bank statements with ledgers, communicated with clients, and more.

3. What are the most important skills for an office clerk to have?

An office clerk needs a lot of different skills since they are given so many different tasks.

Example Answers:

I have computer and IT proficiency, social perceptiveness, and active listening, and clear speaking, I have strong writing and dictation/transcribing skills.
I have strong time management and problem-solving skills, along with experience in managing a variety of documents, data, and information.

4. What computer skills do you have that will benefit this role?

You will no doubt be using some computer systems in your role, so sharing all relevant skills will be beneficial.

Example Answers:

I have proficient use in all Microsoft Office programs, from spreadsheets in Excel to different word files. I am also familiar with Microsoft and Mac operating systems and have worked on both.
I can use all regular Office programs, as well as Photoshop, Architect Office, and Quickbooks.

5. How do you handle stressful situations in general?

When it comes to managing tasks and deadlines, there is a lot that clerks do. This may create stress and pressure, so the hiring manager would like to know how you might deal with that.

Example Answer:

I like to tackle each thing one step at a time, and refer to a task list that I create each week, and then another one for each day so that everything feels organized in my mind when I am dealing with the pressures of deadlines or many tasks. This keeps me calm and collected.

6. Do you have any money handling experience?

Generally, there will be some basic bookkeeping and financial management in clerk roles. So sharing any past experience is something an HR manager will want to know.

Tips to answer this question:

Reference whether you collected, counted, and disbursed money.
What basic bookkeeping experience have you had?
If you were responsible for making banking transactions, share this.

7. What filling system do you use in the office?

There are many ways to answer this based on your experience and preferences in managing documents. Here are just a few.

Possible answers to this question:

I use expanding files for documents – like accordion designed folders.
Where I do not need to use physical paper, I have cloud-based folders that are password protected for information that is valuable and confidential to the company.

8. What are some of your strengths as a clerk?

Don’t be modest here, this is your chance to shine!

Example Answer:

I feel that the biggest strengths that I lend to my clerk role are time management, as I can multitask with ease, as well as problem-solving.

9. What are some weaknesses?

If you can share that you know your weaknesses and are working on them, you will seem like a grounded and mature potential employee.

Example Answer:

I know that I have meticulous attention to detail, which is a strength, however, sometimes I get lost in a task for a long time, wanting it to be perfect. I’m learning to handle this by honing my prioritization skills.

10. How do you see the difference between an administrative assistant and a clerk?

An employer might ask a technical question like this to get your sense of understanding your overall role.

Example Answers:

An admin assistant role is more about communicating with top-level managers or owners, with the responsibilities more than an office clerk as they can arrange meetings and supervise staff, etc.
An office clerk is communicating with all levels of the company, and their duties are more about data management, answering phones, and communicating.

11. What is your typing speed?

This could potentially be a very important factor for some employers.

Tips for answering this question:

Aim for sharing that you have between 50-60 words per minute with a high accuracy level if that’s the case with your skills because this is the ideal level for employers to know.
If you have lower proficiency in typing, share that you are learning to type faster, and have been improving.

12. What forms of correspondence were you responsible for?

Different roles and companies will demand different levels of handling correspondence with clients and co-workers. Share your experience in your answer.

Example Answers:

I was responsible for typing rough drafts, corrected copies, and dictations of correspondence, and also for sending documents and information internally and externally to clients.
My level of grammar and spelling, as well as professional standard English composition, is high, which made this correspondence feel easy to me.

13. What is one of your most rewarding experiences as a clerk?

Be creative with this answer if this question comes up.

Example Answer:

I remember a day where there was so much to do, and a client called asking for some urgent information. I felt pressured to find this information, while also handling my deadlines, but I ended up shuffling things around, researched what they needed, and gave them their answer before the end of the day, while also finishing all of my tasks.

The gratitude from this client was very touching and made me feel happy to know that I could help them, without sacrificing my tasks.

14. What is the biggest challenge working as a clerk?

You could give a range of answers here, unique to your personal experience. The below answer is one that can be used in any scenario.

Example Answers:

I would say that since the role is one that handles many different tasks, like basic bookkeeping, communicating with people, answering correspondence, managing data, and operating software and machines, the main challenge of a clerk would be time management.

15. What is your availability?

Towards the end of the interview, this practical question may come up.

Tips for answering this question:

In the case that you have flexible availability, it’s valuable to express that you have no times/days that are off-limit.
If there are some circumstances where you know you definitely can’t work, share these details clearly, telling them why you can’t work those days/times.

16. What is your ideal work schedule?

Some hiring managers ask this question if there is some space for them to craft a unique schedule.

Tips for answering this question:

If you do have some preferences for workdays and times, share them. Be sure to express the importance of consistent work, however, in that the job is more important to you than time off.
If you have no preferences and can work whenever needed, this is the ideal case for the employer.