Saturday work is required by some firms. In most cases, overtime is not frequent. Most employers provide health, dental and life insurance and paid holidays, sick leave, retirement and vacation benefits. Some firms may have stock purchase plans or offer cash bonuses each year. High school graduation is usually required, but business training or experience can sometimes be substituted.
Many employers require several years of experience.
Employers look for the ability to do accurate work, as well as for skill in using word processors, personal computers, typewriters, calculators, and copying machines. It is important that you become skilled in operating several different kinds of office equipment. In addition, employers want their workers to have completed basic classes in English, grammar, spelling, and business mathematics. Clerical jobs held while in school and during vacations provide good experience and often lead to full-time employment after graduation. Some employers and local high schools have work-study programs that give students a chance to earn a salary while learning their jobs.