File Clerk Resume Example
Starting a career as a file clerk gives you the chance to gain experience in organizing physical files and retrieving documents efficiently. If you want to stand out with your file clerk applications, you'll need to create a professional resume that makes a strong impression on employers. In this article, we'll discuss how to create a file clerk resume that catches the eye of employers, with tips and examples to help you write your own.
This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to craft a file clerk resume that positions you strongly against other candidates. The guide will show you practical examples of how to structure your resume to show off your best and most relevant skills and career achievements. It will also show you how to tailor your resume according to the job description and your unique skill set. Read on to access expert insights from Jobseeker that will help you create a winning file clerk resume.
Main sections of a file clerk resume
A successful file clerk resume will typically include each of the sections listed below, with some optional sections. For junior candidates with little work experience, other sections of the resume take on more prominence and might be placed before the work experience section. These could include education, skills, projects, hobbies and volunteer work.
Your resume layout and structure may differ depending on your experience levels, but make sure your resume includes the following:
Resume Header and Personal Information
The resume header is the place to add your name and contact details, along with your LinkedIn URL if you have a profile, so employers can find more information about your career journey and skills. You don't typically need to add a photo, or any other personal information to this section. Create a clear, well-structured header that acts as the headline of your resume. Use color accents and blocks to help this section stand out and catch the eye of the reader.
Only include professional, name-based email addresses in your resume header. If you have an old email address that uses nicknames, puns, references to your personal interests or anything else that could appear unprofessional, set up a new email just for your job applications. Finally, always double-check your contact details are correct and up-to-date before sending your resume.
Jeremy Roberts
jeremy.roberts@example.com
(111) 222 33 444 55
12 Grimmauld Place, Brooklyn, NY
linkedin․com/in/jeremy–roberts123
Resume Summary
Your resume personal profile is a short, concise paragraph to highlight two or three key skills and achievements in file clerk roles. You may also see this section named as 'resume summary' or 'resume objective'. Resume summaries tend to focus on your career experience, while resume objectives cover your ambitions and plans for the future. Furthermore, when writing your profile, focus on two or three key skills and achievements that showcase your suitability for file clerk roles.
Alternatively, write a paragraph that concentrates on your career objectives and how this role fits with your wider ambitions and progression.
The best resume summaries reflect the job description and focus on qualities that are relevant to working as a file clerk, while highlighting elements of your personality that make you an ideal candidate. They also quantify the information provided with evidence. See below for some great examples of how to approach your file clerk resume.
Good example:
Experienced File Clerk with a strong background as a Document Management Specialist. Proficient in organizing, maintaining, and retrieving documents with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. Skilled in electronic document management systems, ensuring efficient workflow and compliance with regulatory standards. Adept at handling confidential information, implementing filing systems, and providing support for administrative tasks. Reliable team player with excellent organizational and multitasking abilities
Bad example:
Worked with files and documents, organizing and finding them when needed. Used systems to manage documents electronically and followed rules. Handled private information and set up ways to store files. Helped with office tasks and worked well with others, managing multiple tasks at once
Alternatively, a poor resume summary would include bland, generic information that does little to prove your suitability for the role, while failing to provide any useful insights on you as a person or as a candidate. See above for some examples of things to avoid when writing your file clerk resume summary.
Skills
The skills section of a file clerk resume is a chance to list any skills you have that match those of the job description. You could include MS Office suite, time management skills or any other skills that show you're a suitable candidate. Again, include any skills that match those listed in the job description. Focus particularly on technical skills required for file clerk jobs and transferable skills that show your qualities as a file clerk.
Listing hard skills on your file clerk resume
Hard skills are specific skills related to the job you're applying for. They include particular abilities, technical skills and industry knowledge that relate directly to jobs as a file clerk. Furthermore, your hard skills list helps to show employers how competent and experienced you are at key file clerk duties and responsibilities. Add up to five key hard skills that show you're an ideal candidate for the role. It can also be beneficial to add context to each skill, showing how you've used it to positive effect in your career to date.
You'll make more impact with your resume hard skills list if you focus on technical skills that reflect your unique expertise and specialism, and that match the key requirements in the job description. See the graphic below for some tips on hard skills for a file clerk resume.
- Data entry proficiency
- Document management systems
- MS Office suite
Listing soft skills on your file clerk resume
In your soft skills list, include any personal characteristics that make you a good fit for a file clerk job. Soft skills tend to be more universal than hard skills, but they're no less important. Indeed, without soft skills, you may struggle to adapt to file clerk roles or meet the standards expected of you. So make sure you include several key soft skills on your resume. Think of your best soft skills and add up to five that match the requirements of the job description.
An effective file clerk resume soft skills section should be targeted to include skills that reflect your personality and unique characteristics, while also matching the job description. The graphic below includes some examples of good resume soft skills.
- Attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Effective communication skills
Education and Qualifications
Your resume's education section provides space for you to list your highest and most relevant qualifications for file clerk roles.
You don't tend to need a degree for file clerk roles, but you'll still need to list any relevant qualifications, or your relevant educational achievements. If you have Microsoft Office Specialist, add this here, along with any other education that shows your records filing techniques or database management skills.
For each entry in this section, add the name and level of your qualification, the institution you studied at, its location and your dates of study. Include bullet points to show any specialist modules you studied, awards or exceptional grades and achievements that can set you apart from other candidates. These will all contribute to creating a positive impression on employers.
Additionally, mentioning any leadership roles or any societies and clubs you participated in while studying shows proactivity and initiative.
Associate of Arts in Office Administration, 2017 - 2020
University of Idaho, Moscow
Certifications
Under certifications and licenses, add any further qualifications that show you're a good fit for the job. You could list accreditations for certain professional roles or licenses for certain activities that help to make you a strong candidate. Therefore, list any official licenses and certifications, along with their dates, so employers can assess whether you've got the necessary qualifications to work as a file clerk.
Review the list below for some suitable certifications for a file clerk resume:
- Microsoft Office Specialist, 2022
- Certified Records Manager, 2022
- Data Entry Certification, 2022
Employment History
Next, list your relevant employment history and any key achievements that show you're suitable for a file clerk position. Include any relevant jobs you've held in reverse-chronological order. Start with your current or most recent roles and work back through previous roles. For each job, list your title, the name of the company, its location and the dates you worked there.
Add some bullet points under each job entry, explaining your achievements in the role, so the reader can see how you contributed towards success for the company. Provide evidence of your impact and make sure each point addresses a requirement listed in the job description.
A good resume work experience section includes your most relevant previous jobs and highlights your key achievements in each role. To make the best possible impression on hiring managers, make sure each entry in your work experience section references skills and experience listed in the job description, and shows how you added value to each role with quantifiable evidence and outcomes. See below for some good examples of what to include in your resume work experience section.
Good example:
Document Management Specialist, January 2022 - Present
Brightline Records Management, Buffalo
- Implemented an automated document management system, reducing retrieval time by 50% and cutting storage costs by 30%
- Led a team to digitize 100,000+ paper records, enhancing data accessibility and compliance with regulatory standards
- Developed and enforced document control procedures, improving document accuracy and security, resulting in a 95% reduction in errors
Bad example:
Document Management Specialist, January 2022 - Present
Brightline Records Management, Buffalo
- Managed document processes to enhance efficiency and organization
- Coordinated team efforts to improve record-keeping practices
- Improved document handling procedures for better accuracy and security
See above for some of the pitfalls to avoid with your resume work experience section. Poor examples of resume work experience sections tend to be vague and fail to quantify your achievements and the impact you've made in your career to date. They may also focus on responsibilities above relevant skills and how you've used them.
Expert Tip:
Optional Sections
As well as the main sections of a file clerk resume, optional sections can help you prove your credentials to employers. Pick from the optional sections below to help show the employer you have the skills and experience for the job.
Hobbies
Add any hobbies and interests that reinforce your credentials for the position. Consider listing hobbies and interests to help your resume stand out, or to provide the employer with some insight into your personality and wider interests. They're perfect for candidates who might lack genuine work experience as a file clerk. Only include hobbies and interests that showcase your personality and personal qualities, and add something different to your application.
Voluntary Work
If you're lacking relevant file clerk work experience, volunteer work can help to show you still have the relevant skills. List your volunteer job title, the organization you volunteered for, its location and the dates of your involvement, alongside a brief explanation of your responsibilities in the role.
References
It's relatively unusual to include references in a standard file clerk resume, but they are required occasionally. Check the job advert to see if you'll need to add references to your resume. Be sure to prepare your referees in advance, so they've agreed to provide a reference and are ready to be contacted.
References are available upon request.
Best words to use in a file clerk resume
Action words can help illustrate to the hiring manager the difference you made in each of your previous jobs. Choose from the list of words below to increase the impact of your work experience section.
- Organized
- Maintained
- Filed
- Retrieved
- Sorted
- Categorized
- Updated
- Scanned
- Archived
- Processed
Jobseeker's resume templates were created by careers experts to help you produce a professional resume in minutes. You can also find cover letter templates to complete an eye-catching job application that gets you noticed.
Sample resume for file clerk positions
Now we've covered the main sections to include in your file clerk resume, let's take a look at how it all comes together in the example below:
12 Grimmauld Place, Brooklyn, NY
•
jeremy.roberts@example.com
•
(111) 222 33 444 55
•
linkedin․com/in/jeremy–roberts123
Experienced Document Management Specialist with a strong background in file organization, retrieval, and archiving. Proficient in managing both physical and digital records, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with regulatory standards. Skilled in utilizing document management software and systems to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Adept at handling high volumes of documents and providing exceptional support to administrative and operational teams
Document Management Specialist
2020
-2022
DocuMaster Solutions (Lexington)
- Implemented a new document management system, reducing retrieval time by 50% and improving workflow efficiency
- Trained 200+ employees on document compliance, resulting in a 75% decrease in document-related errors
- Successfully digitized 10,000+ documents, creating a searchable database that improved accessibility and reduced physical storage needs by 80%
Bachelor of Business Administration
2017
-2020
Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN)
Data entry proficiency
Document management systems
MS Office suite
Attention to detail
Time management skills
Effective communication skills
Microsoft Office Specialist
Certified Records Manager
English - Fluent
Spanish - B2
Best practices for a file clerk resume
Tips for best resume practices
- Adapt your resume depending on the job you're applying for. Take a look at the job description and make sure you reference all the required key skills and experience.
- Reference your key qualifications and educational achievements, including grades if these help you stand out from other candidates.
- Use reverse-chronological order for your work and education, starting with your most recent employment and education.
- Use action verbs to showcase how you've put your file clerk skills to use in your career (e.g. 'organized', 'maintained', 'filed').
- List key skills throughout your resume that show you're a good fit for the role, and include a separate 'skills' section.
Pitfalls to avoid with your resume writing
- Don't list personal details such as your age, gender or a photo, unless these are necessary for the role. They can lead to hiring bias.
- Don't use passive language - change phrases like 'the project was delivered' to sentences using strong active verbs.
- Don't use out-of-date contact information. Always make sure your email address and phone number are correct before sending your resume.
- Don't include hobbies unless you're light on work experience and they help you prove a skill required for the job.
- Don't use complex and elaborate formatting that can make your file clerk resume less readable and more difficult for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan.
How to make your resume ATS compliant
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is just one of the tools employers and recruiters can use to streamline their hiring practices. This typically includes screening candidates by scanning and ranking their resumes based on their likely suitability for any vacancy. When writing your file clerk resume, a few simple tips can help you pass the ATS stage with a higher-ranking resume, giving you a better chance of success with your applications.
Create an ATS-optimized resume by following these quick tips:
- Adopt a traditional structure for your resume, such as a reverse-chronological format or a functional format. These are likely to be the easiest layouts for ATS software to scan.
- Use keywords throughout your resume that reflect the job description, so ATS resume scanners can recognize a strong connection between your skills, and those in the job description.
- Add each section with clear headings that match the established resume conventions, so ATS software can easily identify each part of your resume.
- Use design elements that help make your resume more readable. These might include white space, clear, professional fonts and subtle color accents to help certain elements stand out.
- Adopt simple, professional language to keep your resume as concise as possible. This tends to make your document more readable, and easier for ATS software to scan.
For tips and ideas to help you draft a professional resume to get noticed by employers, read our expert career articles and check out our detailed resume examples.
A file clerk resume FAQs
Now that you know how to write a professional file clerk resume, you might also want to learn how to write an accompanying cover letter that makes a similar impact.
Before you write your cover letter, think about whether you need a formal, professional letter or if a brief, less formal email might be more suitable.
If you decide you want to write a traditional cover letter, follow the standard letter-writing conventions around layout and structure. In the main body of the letter, write an opening paragraph to introduce yourself and explain why you're applying for the file clerk role. Your second paragraph is typically where you highlight your key relevant skills and achievements. Finally, close by expressing your enthusiasm for the role and leave a call to action to encourage the hiring manager to make contact with you.
You can create a professional cover letter in just a few simple, easy-to-follow steps using Jobseeker's tried and tested cover letter templates.
As an experienced file clerk, you'll want your resume to showcase all of your relevant experience and achievements. As an experienced candidate, your file clerk resume might include a work experience section that goes back beyond the standard 10 to 15 years. This will give you the chance to highlight your extensive experience and achievements. Your file clerk resume could also include optional sections that demonstrate your experience levels and reputation in your industry. These could include, for example, awards, achievements and successful projects.
A strong resume headline can give the reader an immediate idea of your suitability for file clerk jobs. Resume headlines can also help you pass the ATS stage of the selection process, by highlighting the job title and one or two key details. Write a short, snappy heading for your resume including the job title and a reference to your experience, your track record or one or two of your key skills.
See an example resume headline below:
- Efficient Junior File Clerk Specialist
- Detail-Oriented File Clerk Specialist
- Experienced Senior File Clerk
The top resume format for your applications will vary according to a couple of factors. First, how much professional experience you have. Second, what type of job you're applying for and its seniority level. For applicants without much relevant work experience, a functional resume format tends to be best. This places the emphasis on your key skills and relevant qualifications. On the other hand, if you're experienced in your industry or applying for senior positions, a traditional, reverse chronological resume format is usually best. This places most emphasis on your work experience.
Key takeaways for your file clerk resume
The key to a strong resume is to showcase your relevant skills and achievements through your work experience and other activities. Choose a resume structure that makes the most of your relevant experience, whether through work or other activities, and be sure to tailor your resume to match the job description.
Use Jobseeker's resume templates, other tools and resources to create an application that impresses employers. Sign up today to access a wealth of valuable resume and cover letter resources. Whatever job you're applying for, a professional cover letter can make all the difference to your chances. Use Jobseeker's HR-approved tools and cover letter examples to inspire your applications.
Sources:
(1) Writing a Resume, California Department of Human Resources: https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/resume-tips.aspx
(2) Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Applications, New York State Department of Labor: https://dol.ny.gov/resumes-cover-letters-and-job-applications
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