A clerical assistant performs a variety of administrative tasks for an office. In this career, your job duties can vary significantly based on the industry. However, typical responsibilities include answering telephone calls from potential customers, handling all aspects of the office mail, and entering data into the company’s computer systems. The qualifications needed for a career as a clerical assistant include a high school diploma or GED certificate. You also need strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills. This is often an entry-level position, but administrative experience is beneficial.