How to Make a Clerk CV: Best practises and examples
Behind every well-run organisation is an effective clerk. They are skilled in organisation, accuracy, and communication, making them indispensable across various sectors, including customer service, finance, education, healthcare, and technology.
As you’ll be responsible for organising records and providing administrative support, you’ll also need a clear, well-structured clerk CV to showcase your strengths to employers.
Before you start, review our guide on writing a modern CV and making sure your CV is optimised for Application Tracking Systems (ATS) to reach recruiters successfully.
In this article, we’ll guide you through:
Which skills and achievements employers value the most
How to write your experience and education sections
Example CV content to help you tailor your application.
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Clerk CV Example
Download this clerk CV example in PDF.
Polly Oakley is a detail-orientated clerk with over four years of experience in administration, records management, and finance support. Her CV highlights key clerical and communication skills with measurable results. The Wisconsin CV template presents her experience clearly and professionally for UK clerk roles.
What to include in a clerk CV?
To secure an administrative or office clerk role, your CV should be clear and concise. Here’s what to include:
Contact details: full name, email address, phone number, and location
Personal profile: a summary that highlights your career goals, key skills, and professional values
Work experience: list your previous roles in reverse chronological order, describing key duties and measurable achievements using bullet points
Education: include your GCSEs, A levels, or degree, plus any relevant administrative or software training
Skills section: showcase both hard and soft skills, such as document management, records management, and attention to detail
Certifications and courses: include additional qualifications such as GDPR training, minute-taking, or data management certifications.
Enhance your application by creating a master CV - a comprehensive career document that you can tailor for each job.
Must-have CV sections
Personal profile
Skills section
Work experience
Education
Learn more about how to write a good CV.
Keywords to include in a clerk CV
To improve visibility with recruiters and applicant tracking systems (ATS), integrate relevant keywords naturally throughout your CV. These words reflect the most sought-after qualities for office staff, including virtual assistants, data entry specialists, receptionists and secretarial professionals.
Essential Clerk CV keywords
Pro tip
Tailor your CV to match the job description. If the advert highlights “records management” or “invoice reconciliation,” mirror these phrases in your work experience or skills section to demonstrate relevance
How to highlight clerk skills in a CV?
Your CV skills section should show hiring managers that you can handle administrative responsibilities efficiently and accurately. Focus on abilities that demonstrate how you manage documentation, coordinate office tasks, and maintain smooth communication across departments. Include a balance of technical skills such as database management, AI skills, or Microsoft Office proficiency and soft skills like organisation and teamwork.
5 essential skills for a clerk CV
Record management: maintaining accurate, up-to-date files and data systems in line with company procedures.
Attention to detail: precision in documentation, scheduling, and reporting.
Administrative support: coordinating office tasks, handling correspondence, and assisting teams with day-to-day operations.
Time management: prioritising tasks effectively and meeting strict deadlines.
Customer service: communicating clearly and professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
Use your personal profile to showcase soft skills in action
“Organised and reliable clerk with a talent for managing high workloads and maintaining accuracy across multiple administrative systems.”
For more ways to present interpersonal skills, refer to our guide.
| Hard skills | Soft skills |
|---|---|
| Document management systems (SharePoint, OneDrive) | Multitasking |
| Data entry and records management | Communication |
| Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) | Time management |
| Financial record-keeping / Accounts support | Adaptability |
| Diary and calendar coordination | Problem-solving |
| Purchase order and invoice processing | Reliability and discretion |
| GDPR compliance and data security | Initiative and self-motivation |
When describing your work experience, naturally integrate hard skills to demonstrate their practical application.
“Maintained and updated a centralised filing system using SharePoint, reducing document retrieval time by 25%.”
For more ideas on showcasing your abilities, discover the top skills employers are looking for.
How to write a personal profile for a clerk CV
Your personal profile introduces you to the hiring manager and should summarise experience, core skills, and career goals. Keep your personal profile under 70 words, mention your strengths, and tailor your content to the job description. Focus on qualities like accuracy, organisation, and communication, which are vital across diverse clerical and administrative positions.
Personal profile on a CV
Whether you are a student, a graduate, or a seasoned professional, a personal profile is essential for your CV when targeting the UK job market. This statement should grab the attention of employers and set you apart from other applicants.
Learn more about how to successfully pitch yourself in a personal profile.
Accounts Clerk CV personal profile example
Results-driven Accounts Clerk with over 5 years of experience in accounts payable and receivable within the finance sector. Skilled in invoice reconciliation, data accuracy, and maintaining financial records. Known for improving accounting efficiency and supporting month-end reporting. Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all financial documentation.
Purchase Ledger Clerk CV personal profile example
Organised Purchase Ledger Clerk with 4 years of experience managing supplier accounts, reconciling statements, and processing high-volume invoices. Adept at ensuring compliance with internal controls, managing deadlines, and supporting broader finance operations. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a reputation for precision and reliability.
Data Entry Clerk CV personal profile example
Methodical Data Entry Clerk with 3 years of experience in administrative support and document management. Proficient in Microsoft Office and database software, entering and verifying large data sets under tight deadlines. Recognised for exceptional accuracy, intense concentration, and problem-solving skills.
Inventory Clerk CV personal profile example
Efficient Inventory Clerk with 6 years of experience overseeing stock control and supporting supply chain operations. Skilled in maintaining database accuracy, preparing reports, and coordinating with logistics teams. Brings excellent time management, analytical ability, and attention to detail to ensure seamless inventory tracking and order fulfilment.
Post Office Clerk CV personal profile example
Customer-focused Post Office Clerk with over 7 years of experience handling financial transactions, customer enquiries, and daily postal operations. Skilled in cash handling, queue management, and ensuring compliance with postal and financial regulations. Recognised for providing friendly, efficient customer service and maintaining confidentiality in all dealings.
For more inspiration, review other relevant CVs such as those of a bookkeeper, receptionist, and librarian.
Work experience to include on a clerk CV
When listing your work experience, use reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Each entry should include your job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Write a short paragraph summarising your responsibilities,
What should each work experience entry include?
Job title of current or previous role
Organisation name and location
Dates of employment (month/year)
A concise paragraph detailing your duties
Followed by 2–3 bullet points that highlight your key achievements or measurable impact.
Learn more about the work experience section in a CV.
Good versus bad achievement examples for work history
Good
“Reorganised 300+ client records into a new digital system, cutting retrieval times by 50%.”
Bad
“Helped organise files.”
Good
Managed 100+ daily customer enquiries, achieving a 95% satisfaction score”
Bad
“Answered emails and phone calls.
Good
“Processed 200+ invoices monthly with 99% accuracy”.
Bad
“Worked on invoices and spreadsheets.”
Clerk CV work experience examples
Finance Clerk, Barclay & Whitmore Accountancy, Birmingham, 2020–present
Provide administrative and finance support across payroll, invoicing, and reconciliation functions. Maintain accurate financial records, process purchase orders, and liaise with clients to resolve billing queries. Ensure compliance with internal controls and assist senior accountants in preparing monthly reports.
Streamlined invoice tracking by implementing Excel automation, reducing payment errors by 25%
Supported the finance team during audits, contributing to a 100% accuracy rate in all compliance checks.
Legal Clerk, Hartley & Associates Solicitors, Reading, 2018–2023
Delivered comprehensive administrative support within a fast-paced legal environment. Prepared client documentation, managed case files, and ensured data confidentiality in line with GDPR. Coordinated correspondence between solicitors, courts, and clients, maintaining professionalism and efficiency at all times.
Organised 500+ legal files digitally, reducing document retrieval times by 45%
Drafted and proofread legal correspondence with 98% accuracy, praised by senior partners for attention to detail.
Education Clerk, St. Anne’s College, Leeds, 2019–2024
Supported the academic administration team by maintaining student records, tracking attendance, and managing exam documentation. Assisted with scheduling parent meetings, staff rotas, and internal communications between departments.
Improved data accuracy by 30% after introducing a new digital filing and student tracking process
Recognised by senior leadership for supporting Ofsted readiness through precise record management.
General Administrative Clerk, Citywide Office Solutions, Perth, 2021-present
Perform a wide range of clerical and office support duties, including filing, data entry, and correspondence preparation. Assist HR with onboarding documentation, track office inventory, and maintain shared calendars for departmental coordination.
Implemented a digital filing structure that cut paper usage by 50% and enhanced accessibility
Increased response efficiency by 20% through improved email template management and workflow prioritisation.
Check out related CV examples for more guidance:
Clerk CV work experience example (little to no experience)
Administrative Intern, Northfield College | Sheffield | 2024-present
Provide administrative support to the college’s office team while completing a business administration qualification. Manage student enquiries, file records, and assist with event coordination. Maintain accuracy and confidentiality when handling student data and reports.
Created an Excel attendance tracker that reduced manual recording errors by 20%
Praised by supervisor for professionalism and attention to detail when updating confidential student files.
Refer to the school leaver or graduate CV examples for entry-level guidance.
How to list education on a clerk CV
Your CV education section shows you meet the entry requirements for business roles. Most employers expect GCSEs (or equivalent), particularly in Maths and English, as well as any relevant business or IT training.
List further qualifications, such as NVQs, Business Administration Diplomas, or AAT certificates, below your main education, noting "In Progress" if you are still studying. Include short courses (e.g., Microsoft Office, data entry) to demonstrate computer literacy and ongoing professional development. Even basic training in IT or record-keeping can strengthen your application in various sectors.
How to format educational qualifications
Degree
[Degree title], [Institution], [Location], [Year of graduation]
BA (Hons) Business Administration, University of Leicester, 2020–2023
A-Levels
[Qualification name], [Institution], [Location], [Years completed]
A Levels, Business Studies (B), English Language (B), IT (C), Bristol College, 2018–2020
Tips for graduates or entry-level clerk:
Focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, organisation and digital literacy.
Use a skills-based CV if you have little to no professional work experience.
Include any relevant experience from part-time jobs or studies.
Learn more about how to write a CV for your first job.
Essentials for a clerk CV
A well-written clerk CV should highlight organisation, accuracy, and administrative efficiency. Focus on measurable achievements, relevant office skills, and clear formatting. Demonstrate transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and document management. Use an ATS-friendly professional CV template and tailor each application to the job description. For the best impact in today’s competitive job market, read how to improve your CV in 10 easy steps.
Dos and don’ts for a clerk CV
Dos
Network online with industry professionals to find opportunities
Add references to boost credibility if you’re new to the workforce
Create a LinkedIn profile and add this to your CV
Don’ts
List irrelevant or outdated jobs
Use vague statements without using relevant examples
Use unclear fonts and colours that are hard to read.
Next steps?
Ready to apply for clerical or administrative roles? Pair your CV with a tailored cover letter and learn how to send your CV via email effectively. Use a job application tracker to stay organised and prepare to answer competency-based interview questions if you’re shortlisted. For more career insights, read about job-hopping trends and about the potential of AI influencing jobs.
FAQs
How long should a clerk CV be?
The ideal CV length for a clerk CV should be one page for entry-level roles or up to two pages for experienced candidates. Always keep your CV concise and well-structured so that information is easy for recruiters to scan.
What are specialist roles for a clerk?
Clerks can specialise across many fields, including finance, legal, education, healthcare, and logistics. Examples include accounts clerks, medical records clerks, and clerks in school administration. Each role requires strong organisational and data management skills, applied to the specific needs of its industry.
Are clerks in demand in the UK?
Clerks and administrative assistants are in-demand jobs across the UK, especially in public sector, legal, and finance departments. As digital and technological systems continue to grow, the demand for professionals skilled in records management, data accuracy, and administrative support remains high.
Do I need special qualifications to become a clerk?
Most clerk roles require GCSEs in English and Maths, but employers also value practical office experience and proficiency in software tools. Courses or apprenticeships in business administration, research assistance, data management, or customer service can improve your job prospects.
How much do clerks make in the UK?
The average salary for clerks in the UK ranges from £20,000 to £28,000 per year, depending on the industry, region, and level of responsibility. Learn more in our average salary guide.
