Clerical work mainly entails doing a variety of administrative support and office duties.
This includes duties such as answering phone calls, organizing and filing documents, data entry, operating office machines, arranging appointment and delivering messages, among many others.
Every firm in Kenya requires a clerical officer, making this one of the most available positions to get.
To qualify to be a clerk, you only need to hold a high school diploma.
The role responsibilities vary, depending on what an organization or firm specializes in.
These range from business, financial sector, government offices, to healthcare industry and law firms.
Types of Clerical Jobs Available For Form Four Leavers
- Data entry clerk
- Medical receptionist
- Office receptionist
- Hotel receptionist
- Accounting clerk/book keeper
- General office clerk
- Personal assistant
- Secretary
- Help desk clerk
- Shipping clerk
Requirements
Given the nature of work clerical responsibilities entail, the general requirements in this field are more than those of other jobs.
So even though a form four certificate is enough, you will require other skill sets to be able to secure a job. This is because a clerical role comes with a variety of responsibilities.
Here, I am going to list the most basic requirements crucial to working as a clerk.
- KCSE certificate
- Attention to details
- Record/book keeping skills
- Organizational skills
- Active listening skills
- Good observation skills
- Typing skills
- Problem solving skills
- Time management skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Customer service skills
- Team player
- Computer proficiency
- Ability to multitask
- Data entry skills
To be able to work as a personal assistant, you are required to have a clean record. In most cases, your employer will request to run a background check, and insist on you presenting a certificate of good conduct.
How Much Do Clerical Jobs For Form Leavers Pay?
The table below shows an estimate of how much each clerical job pays form four leavers.
These figures may vary with the job description and depending on the firm size.
Remember that these are for an entry level employee. The salary might be more for someone with experience.
| Position | Salary range |
| Data entry clerk | Ksh 30,000 – 32,000 |
| Medical receptionist | Ksh 20,000 – 30,000 |
| Office receptionist | Ksh 24,000 – 29,000 |
| Hotel receptionist | Ksh 20,000 – 25,000 |
| Book keeper | Ksh 23,000 – 28,000 |
| Office clerk | Ksh 18,000 – 25,000 |
| Personal assistant | Ksh 25,000 – 35,000 |
| Secretary | Ksh 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Help desk clerk | Ksh 20,000 – 25,000 |
| Shipping clerk | Ksh 15,000 – 20,000 |
Where Find Clerical Jobs for Form Four Leavers
Websites that you are likely to find clerical job openings in Kenya include but not limited to:
- BrighterMonday
- CareerPoint Kenya
- Fuzu
- MyJobMag
- JobWeb kenya
- KenyaMOJA
- The Star Classifieds
- CareerJet
Alongside the job description, these sites detail what your responsibilities will entail, and in some cases include how much salary to expect.
You can also check specific company websites. In fact, some employers give first priority to those who apply through their website.
To make sure you do not miss out on any opportunities, subscribe to new job listings notifications on the above listed websites.
These subscriptions are free, and will help you be among the first to apply for new positions posted.
How to Increase Your Chances of Being Hired
As you wait for an opening, what can you do to increase your chances of being hired?
Well, here is how:
- Acquire some computer skills: If you haven’t received any training at a computer college, it’s probably best to do so before applying.
- Improve your oral and written communication skills: This can be achieved by using concise language, so study your body language. You can also practice speech in front of a mirror. Learn to speak with confidence as it will play a huge part in getting you through the interview.
- Boost your English proficiency: You can do this by reading books and novels. Also try to hold complete conversations in English.
- Prepare a professional CV: Include all of the skills you have acquired along the way.
When called for an interview, review common interview questions in Kenya and practice answers ahead of time. Ensure that you understand how to highlight relevant skills, qualities, and experience that can make you stand out from the crowd.
It is also critical to research about the company values and culture as well as the most important skills that are critical for the clerical job in question.
During the interview, ensure that you are confident, positive, and passionate about the position. Strive to answer every question honestly and clearly.
If asked something you don’t have an answer to, do not hesitate to say you do not know, and add that you are willing to learn.
I hope this article helps you land your next job.
We also have several posts about other jobs you can get with a form four certificate. Feel free to check them out below:
