Stock clerk

A stock clerk may work in a warehouse, retail store, or grocery store, where he or she is responsible for receiving new merchandise and goods. A clerk may be required to sign for packages, assess the condition of the items received, and price the merchandise according to supervisors' requests. Clerks are frequently responsible for checking a store's inventory, retrieving items from stockrooms, and placing orders for new merchandise. In many warehouses, wholesale facilities, and large stockrooms, several clerks are staffed to inspect incoming orders and store them appropriately. A stock clerk in a modern warehouse might use a computerized scanner to keep track of inventory and expiration dates, though many clerks still keep paper records to stay updated on quantities. The duties of a warehouse stock clerk may include frequent heavy lifting and using a hand truck or cart to move large packages around. Some clerks operate forklifts to move goods that are stacked on pallets. Most grocery stores and retail companies have stock clerks on hand to monitor inventory and replenish store shelves. A clerk accepts and unloads orders from trucks, unpacks boxes to ensure that orders are correct, and prices or codes the goods. He or she often checks the inventory of a certain item on the store floor, and when quantities are low, retrieves more items from the stockroom to fill shelves. An experienced clerk may be placed in charge of ordering new products from wholesale distributors by phone or online. In a small store, a stock clerk may assume many other duties, such as cleaning the facility, setting up product displays, performing customer service, and cashiering. There are not typically extensive requirements to become a stock clerk. Stores frequently hire people with high school diplomas as well as students still attending high school. In stores where clerks perform cashiering and customer service duties, employees may be required to have some college experience in business management. Math skills and previous experience in retail or warehouse settings are desirable, so that companies do not have to spend a great deal of time and resources training new employees. Experienced clerks have significant room for advancement. Many people become supervisors or managers after demonstrating a high level of proficiency for the job and the ability to act as a leader. Stock clerks may choose transfer to other departments within a business, such as human resources. Additionally, many people work as clerks to learn about the workings of a store or warehouse, in hopes of one day opening their own businesses. Stock clerks receive, unpack, check, store, and track merchandise or materials. Stock clerks keep records of all items entering or leaving the stock room. They inspect goods to be sure they are not damaged or spoiled.

Quick Facts
Wages: Outlook: Education & Training:
Well below the statewide median $11.05 / hour Percent Growth -1.2% Shrinking Short-term on-the-job training (1 month or less) is common.

Work Activities

On the Job:

Keep records of items entering or leaving stock rooms. Inspect damaged or spoiled goods. Sort, organize, and mark items with identifying codes, such as prices or inventory control codes.

Job Title Examples:

Grocery Stock Clerk, Picker, Store Clerk

Wages & Outlook

Wages
Wages vary by area of the country and employer. The clerk's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Stock clerks who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:

Stock Clerks and Order Fillers

Employment
In Minnesota, about 34,895 stock clerks work in this very large occupation. Major employers:

Grocery stores Department stores Other general merchandise stores

Outlook
The growing use of computers for inventory control and new, automated equipment are expected to slow the demand for stock clerks. This is especially true in manufacturing and wholesale trade. Machines can stack and retrieve goods, so fewer stock clerks are needed. However, jobs in grocery, general merchandise, and department stores will be less affected. Much of the work at these sites is done by hand and is hard to automate. In addition, the increasing use of catalog, mail, telephone, and Internet shopping services should spur employment for stock clerks. Many job openings will occur each year as current workers transfer to other jobs or leave the labor force. Opportunities will be best for clerks with computer skills.

Employment Outlook for Stock Clerks and Order Fillers

Employment 2010 US Minnesota 1,787,400 36,453 2010 Central Minnesota Northeast Minnesota Northwest Minnesota Southeast Minnesota Southwest Minnesota Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN 4,001 1,811 3,102 2,828 2,096 22,952 2020 1,808,300 36,011 2020 4,143 1,798 3,188 2,923 2,101 22,202 Employment Change Number 20,900 -442 Number 142 -13 86 95 5 -750 Percent 1.2% -1.2% Percent 3.5% -0.7% 2.8% 3.4% 0.2% -3.3%

On the Job

Overview
Stock clerks receive, unpack, check, store, and track merchandise or materials. In the late 1990s, the talk show host Rosie O'Donnell showed her new favorite toy - the "Tickle Me Elmo." As a result, shoppers flocked to toy stores searching for the plush toy, who giggled when you "tickled" his belly. The shelves were soon emptied, creating an even bigger frenzy for the toy. The arms of stock clerks were no doubt sore from continually replacing the Elmo toys that vanished from the shelves as soon as they were put there. Stock clerks work for companies that sell merchandise or materials. They work in retail stores, warehouses, and factories. They keep track of items that will be sold. Stock clerks keep records of all items entering or leaving the stock room. They inspect goods to be sure they are not damaged or spoiled. They sort and organize products for sale, and mark them with prices or identifying codes. For example, clerks may mark items with stock or inventory control codes, so that items can be located quickly and easily. In large companies, stock clerks may be responsible for only one task. They are often called by the task they perform, such as inventory clerk. In smaller firms, stock clerks may also perform tasks usually done by shipping and receiving clerks. For example, they may pack and ship merchandise and prepare invoices. They may unpack and verify incoming merchandise against the original order. In many firms, stock clerks use hand-held scanners to keep inventories up to date. The scanners are connected to computers that track the inventory. In retail stores, stock clerks bring merchandise to the sales floor and stock shelves and racks. Some stock clerks help customers on the sales floor. They may find or cut materials, ring up sales, or answer questions. In stock rooms and warehouses, clerks store materials in bins, on floors, or on shelves. They may also be required to lift heavy cartons of various sizes.

Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

Keep records of items entering or leaving stock rooms. Inspect damaged or spoiled goods. Sort, organize, and mark items with identifying codes, such as prices or inventory control codes. May pack and ship outgoing merchandise, and unpack and verify incoming merchandise. Use hand-held scanners connected to computers to keep inventories up to date. Bring merchandise to the sales floor and stock shelves and racks. May interact with customers to find merchandise, ring up sales, or answer questions. Store materials in bins, on floors, or on shelves. Lift cartons of various sizes. Keep items organized.

Complete order receipts.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

Handle and move objects. Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates. Establish and maintain relationships. Perform activities that use the whole body. Get information needed to do the job. Identify objects, actions, and events. Work with the public. Process information. Assist others. Update and use job-related knowledge. Make decisions and solve problems.

Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
Interpersonal Relationships

Have a medium to high level of job-required social contact. They interact with coworkers, but also spend time working alone. Communicate on a daily basis by face-to-face discussions and over the telephone. Usually work as part of a team. Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of customers. They must stock things correctly so they don't fall. May on occasion be placed in conflict situations in which customers may be rude or angry when something isn't available. Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other stock clerks.
Physical Work Conditions

Usually work indoors, but may on occasion work outdoors. Are on occasion exposed to sounds and noise levels that are loud or distracting. May occasionally be exposed to contaminants. Often share work space with other clerks and customers.
Work Performance

Must be very exact in their work and be sure that all details are done. Errors could cost the company money. Repeat the same physical activities, especially when marking stock.

Sometimes make decisions that affect coworkers, customers, and their employer's reputation. Depending on the situation, they may make decisions independently. Set many of their daily tasks and goals without seeking input from a supervisor first. Must meet daily and weekly deadlines first.
Hours/Travel

Usually work a regular 40-hour week. May work evening and weekends, especially stock clerks who work in retail trade.

Physical Demands
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
People in this career frequently:

Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls. Stand for long periods of time. Repeat movements over and over. Walk or run on sales floors or in warehouses. Bend or twist their body.
It is important for people in this career to be able to:

Speak clearly so listeners can understand. See details of objects that are less than a few feet away. Understand the speech of another person.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects. Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired. Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out. Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm. Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place. Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath. Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving. See details of objects that are more than a few feet away. Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Education & Training

Preparation
To work as a stock clerk, you typically need to:

Complete short-term on-the-job training.

Education after high school No formal education is required for this occupation. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent. On-the-job training Stock clerks usually learn their skills on the job. You work with an experienced clerk and do routine tasks under close supervision. You learn to count and mark stock, keep records, and take inventory. Stock clerks whose only job is to bring merchandise to the sales floor and stock shelves and racks need little or no training. Training typically lasts up to one month. Military training Some branches of the military train people to be sales and stock specialists. Training lasts six to seven weeks. Additional training occurs on the job.

Related Programs (Current training programs available)

Retailing and Retail Operations

Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)

Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.

Retail Management

Helpful High School Courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

Computer Fundamentals

Office Procedures Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking. You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work. Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.

Skills
People in this career need to: Communicate

Listen to others, understand, and ask questions. Express ideas clearly when speaking. Read and understand work-related materials and other written information. Reason and Problem Solve

Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order. Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. Use reasoning to discover answers to problems. Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them. Use Math and Science

Use math skills to solve problems. Manage Oneself, People, Time and Things

Manage the time of self and others.

Work with People

Change behavior in relation to others' actions. Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:

Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs. English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language. Production and Processing: Knowledge of how products are made and supplied.

Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:

Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong. Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well. Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow. Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.

Licensing / Certification
Certification Details
Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession. There are 3 certifications related to this career.

Licensing Details
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career.

Jobs
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Hiring Practices
Some employers require that applicants have a high school diploma or GED. Many prefer to hire clerks who have computer experience and basic clerical skills, such as typing, filing, and recordkeeping. Previous business experience or job-related experience is also helpful. Employers prefer applicants who have good speaking and writing skills. Strength and good eyesight are also important. In addition, stock clerks need the ability to work at repetitive tasks, sometimes under pressure.

Advancement Opportunities
Advancement opportunities for stock clerks vary with the company they work for. Stock clerks may move into clerk jobs that pay higher wages, such as shipping and receiving clerk. With additional training, stock clerks may advance to jobs as warehouse manager or purchasing agent.

Job Title Examples

Grocery Stock Clerk, Picker, Store Clerk, Checker Stocker, Night Stocker, Stocker

Similar Careers
Below are careers similar to Stock Clerks you may be interested in reading about. If you are looking to broaden your job search, these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile. Cashiers Copy Machine Operators Counter Attendants Counter and Rental Clerks File Clerks

General Office Clerks Insurance Policy and Claims Clerks Library Assistants and Bookmobile Drivers Library Technical Assistants Mail Clerks Merchandise Displayers Parts Salespeople Postal Clerks Production and Planning Clerks Shipping and Receiving Clerks

Similar Military Careers

Below are similar military careers you may be interested in reading about. Click on the names to link to their career description.

Related Industries
Below are industries related to Stock Clerks you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire Stock Clerks. Click on the names to link to their industry profile. Apparel And Leather Products Building And Garden Supply Stores Business Management And Support Services Clothing Stores Computers And Electronic Products Department Stores And Other Retailers Electronics And Appliance Stores Food Products Food Stores Furniture And Furnishings Stores Gas Stations And Mini Marts Health And Personal Care Stores Hospitals Motion Pictures And Sound Recording Motor Vehicle And Parts Dealers Sports, Books, And Music Stores Textile Mill Products

Truck Transportation Wholesale Trade

Stock Clerk: Job Duties and Career Information for Becoming a Stock Clerk
Stock Clerks transfer inventory from storerooms to sales floors, replenishing merchandise when it sells. They receive and unpack inventory as it arrives, keep storerooms organized and may pack and ship merchandise as orders are filled. Stock Clerks may interact with customers, answering questions and locating merchandise. Most employers require Stock Clerks to have a high school diploma or equivalent. View 27 Popular Schools

Career Definition: Stock Clerk

Stock Clerks maintain the order of stock rooms by receiving, unpacking and inspecting merchandise as it arrives. They may tag items for inventory control and distribute merchandise to the proper location using a dolly or electric hand truck. In retail stores, Stock Clerks place new merchandise on sales floors, maintain its appearance and replace damaged or expired items when necessary. They may also keep track of inventory, both on and off the sales floor, using hand-held scanners and computers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the majority of Stock Clerks work in department stores, but many work in grocery stores, warehouses and factories throughout the United States (www.bls.gov). They often work nights, weekends and holidays.

How to Become a Stock Clerk

Required Education for a Stock Clerk Career

Many employers require applicants to be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally provide on-the-job training, but some require previous experience. Inventory control is a large part of a Stock Clerk's job, so basic bookkeeping, word processing and computer courses may give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Skills Required for a Career as a Stock Clerk

Stock Clerks need to be able to lift heavy objects, stoop and bend. They must be able to operate equipment, such as hand-held scanners and electric pallet trucks. Organization and basic office skills, including computer, data entry and word processing skills, are necessary for receiving, processing and tracking inventory. Stock Clerks must also have good customer service skills and be able to work effectively with co-workers. Some employers require a valid driver's license and clean driving record. Depending on the industry, Stock Clerks may need to be bonded.

Economic Outlook for Stock Clerk Careers

As inventory control becomes more automated, the BLS expects overall job growth for Stock Clerks to decline by eight percent for the period 2006 through 2016. However, Stock Clerks are often promoted to other warehouse and sales floor positions, so entrylevel jobs should continue to open up. Job-seekers with versatile skills, including computer proficiency, may find more opportunities for hiring and promotion.

Our recruitment process

All IFRC vacancies, for the secretariat in Geneva as well as field-based positions that are open to external applicants, are advertised publicly on our jobnet website. Please visit our Current Vacancies. All applications are handled online. Applications can only be made for the advertised vacancies. Communicating with us Any application you place for a specific vacancy will be acknowledged immediately by an automatic e-mail response. As the selection process unfolds, you will be able to monitor the status of the vacancy online. Providing your application meets the job criteria, it will be evaluated by Human Resources and discussed with the hiring manager. Once a shortlist is completed, the next phase of the selection process can start, usually between one to three weeks after the application deadline. Communication between the shortlisted candidates and Human Resources will be primarily by e-mail, although candidates invited for interview may also be contacted by telephone. How we select The selection process varies depending on the position you have applied for. It may include a combination of telephone and/or face-to-face Interviews, written exercises or assignments and presentations. Full details are provided to the candidates shortlisted for an initial Interview. You will receive feedback (positive or negative) on your application as soon as the selection committee makes its decision. Due to both the logistical constraints in carrying out worldwide recruitment and the standards we strive to maintain throughout the process, it may be several weeks before you hear back from us. Remuneration and benefits

As the guardian of public funds received on behalf of vulnerable people, the IFRC strives to maintain competitive and cost-effective remuneration systems that encourage and reward good performance and recognize staff contribution to its success, in line with the spirit of its principles and values. The IFRC aims to attract a qualified and diverse workforce and to achieve a performancedriven work culture through a remuneration and benefits package that is merit-based and non-discriminatory. We offer competitive benefits to staff and depending on whether they are locally hired or international delegates, the package might include:

tax-free salary pension scheme health insurance life insurance accident insurance loss of salary insurance relocation school fees child allowance