Warehouse Clerk Jobs Overview
Everything you own—your clothes, your furniture, your electronics—comes from a warehouse. A core part of a global supply chain, warehouses store and safeguard products cycling their way through the economy. With the meteoric rise of online retailers like Amazon, warehouses are bigger and more numerous than they have ever been before, which means they are in dire need of workers.
Knowing how to keep track of multiple things at once is a key when it comes to warehouse clerk jobs. You not only have to make sure that every object gets moved in and out of the facility as quickly as possible, but you also have to document where everything goes to and comes from. Given that your average warehouse stores tens of thousands of materials, that's quite the responsibility.
Of course, that amount of responsibility is also what makes warehouse clerk jobs so rewarding. As a clerk, you get to be in charge of your own world, making sure that everything traveling through it arrives at its destination on time and in one piece. That's not to say that maintaining a warehouse is a one-man job. On the contrary, you can expect to build strong bonds with your teammates.
Interested in this line of work but unsure whether warehouse clerk jobs are right for you? Not a problem, here's an overview of administrative jobs with similar responsibilities set in a slightly different work environment, including:
Warehouse Clerk Training and Skills
Fortunately, warehouse clerk jobs require little to no training to get started. Since the position involves a lot of administration, employers look for clerks that able to fluently read and write in English. A familiarity with Microsoft Office applications—specifically Excel and Word—is a plus. These applications are used to keep track of your colossal inventory. On the job, you'll learn to use them like a pro.
Similarly, clerk jobs don't need a ton of formal education either. While some recruiters ask for high school diplomas, most look for relevant experience. Previous gigs in manufacturing or distribution operations will give you an edge over other candidates. Depending on the size of the warehouse, experience operating a forklift may also be required. Last but not least, be ready to haul up to 55 pounds on a regular basis.
Other than that, successful clerks are naturally orderly and attentive to detail. If you're the type of person who displays their books by alphabetical order, or organizes their clothes based on color, you'll probably do well in this line of work. After all, warehouse clerks know their inventory like the back of their hand and regularly check materials for damage or other discrepancies.
Update Your Warehouse Clerk Resume
Putting a good resume together is one of the hardest parts of job hunting. If you need inspiration, check out Monster'swarehouse associate resume sample. Because clerk jobs come with so many different responsibilities, it is not a bad idea to include a cover letter explaining why you of all people are best suited to face these challenges. Luckily, Monster has plenty of tips for writing an effective cover letter.
How Much Do Warehouse Clerk Jobs Pay?
Whether you are looking for jobs during a recession or an economic boom, it's always good to know how much money you are worth. To make a better judgement on job offers, familiarize yourself with industry standards. For instance the median salary for warehouse workers in the United States is $14.36 an hour. Check out Monster's helpful Salary Tools to find out more.
Want to Learn More About a Company You're Interested In?
Aside from salary, company culture often plays an important role in the decision-making process of employees. Finding a company whose mission you identify with will not only increase your productivity but also make you feel more comfortable on the job. Rather than aimlessly searching the internet for answers, check out Monster's company profiles to determine whether an employer is a good fit for you.
Time to Start Hunting for Warehouse Clerk Jobs? Monster Can Help
At Monster, we have a vast selection of warehouse jobs lined up for you right here to help you start a new and exciting chapter of your employment history. While you're at it, create a profile so we can provide you with customized job alerts and connect you with prospective employers.