How to Become a Purchasing Clerk

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Purchasing Clerk

What does a Purchasing Clerk do?

A Purchasing Clerk initiates, prepares, processes, and verifies purchase orders following established guidelines to purchase materials and goods by required delivery dates. Inputs transactions and administers a purchasing and contracts system or database. Being a Purchasing Clerk interacts with suppliers to obtain favorable pricing terms, product specifications, monitor availability, and optimize savings. Expedites delayed orders and resolves issues with changes, returns, replacements, and credit arrangements. Additionally, Purchasing Clerk coordinates with internal teams to ensure that procurement needs are met promptly and efficiently. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or team leader. The Purchasing Clerk works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Purchasing Clerk typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Purchasing Clerk responsibilities

A purchasing clerk often performs clerical work in the procurement department of an organization.

01/08/2020: Temple, TX

This individual typically works under the direct supervision of a purchasing agent.

12/06/2019: Charlotte, NC

A purchasing clerk may advise his boss as to which products need to be ordered.

02/18/2020: Little Rock, AR

While purchasing functions are often associated with buying supplies, the role of purchasing extends into profitability management.

12/30/2019: San Francisco, CA

Smart purchasing practices are essential to the bottom line, and purchasing clerks manage the flow of goods and supplies to ensure smooth and cost-efficient business operations.

12/23/2019: Greensboro, NC
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Purchasing Clerk

Best tips for those who want to become a Purchasing Clerk

Here are some tips to become a Purchasing Clerk.

People's Opinions on best tips

To communicate effectively, it is important to get to know your audience first.

12/08/2019: Shreveport, LA

Focus on earning respect instead of laughs.

01/13/2020: Schenectady, NY

Conduct research on the employer, hiring manager, and job opportunity.

02/08/2020: Tallahassee, FL
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Purchasing Clerk

Best colleges and universities for Purchasing Clerk

  • Butler University
  • Taylor University
  • California State University--Maritime Academy
  • William Jessup University
  • Fairfield University
  • United States Merchant Marine Academy

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Purchasing Clerk

Is being a Purchasing Clerk Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Purchasing & receiving of raw materials, packaging, deliveries, price increases, exp in building materials trade.

12/15/2019: Gainesville, FL

Job Title Purchasing Clerk Location Technica HQ - Dulles, VA US (Primary) Education High School Job Type Full-time Job Description.

02/27/2020: Bismarck, ND

As Purchasing Assistant, you will; Raise purchase orders using an MRP system Action requests to meet the Production Teams needs Check suppliers understanding to ensure accurate delivery Liaise with suppliers to purchase material Track and report on supplier performance Process material that must be returned Efficiently resolve queries relating to invoices To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone who has the motivation, ambition and drive to join the busy Procurement world.

01/13/2020: Charleston, SC

Purchasing specialist- Persian-speakingPurchasing specialist- Persian-speakingProvisions Trading International ABLuthagenManage risks related to quality, cost and delivery We are looking for a purchasing specialist for our team.

02/03/2020: Fayetteville, NC

Purchasing clerks are responsible for purchasing raw materials, products and supplies for an organization under the direct supervision of a purchasing manager or buyer.

01/23/2020: Beaumont, TX
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Purchasing Clerk

What skills do you need to be a Purchasing Clerk?

Supporting level roles often require a broad range of skills to ensure jobs can be executed accurately and efficiently.  Some of the more relevant day-to-day skills for this role include: Purchasing, Supplier Management.  In this role, you should command of the following: General Data Analysis Software.  Success in this function is highly dependant upon these skills, as well as others specific to each individual company.

People's Opinions on Purchasing Clerk skills

Purchasing clerks need a high level of attention to detail as well as the ability to monitor and maintain computerized records related to purchasing activities.

01/25/2020: Galveston, TX

While purchasing functions are often associated with buying supplies, the role of purchasing extends into profitability management.

12/20/2019: Duluth, MN

The purchasing clerk must be highly familiar with the software.

02/17/2020: New York, NY

A purchase clerk needs to have a good understanding of warehouse operations.

02/05/2020: Pensacola, FL

The purchasing clerk role involves daily interaction with suppliers and internal purchasing personnel, so good communication skills are a must.

01/18/2020: Rock Hill, SC
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Step 6: View average salary for Purchasing Clerk

How much does a Purchasing Clerk make?

The average salary range for a Purchasing Clerk is from $47,910 to $60,169. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Purchasing Clerk
$47,910 to $60,169

Step 7: Find relevant Purchasing Clerk jobs, and apply.

Looking for Purchasing Clerk jobs?

Here are some Purchasing Clerk jobs in the United States.

Search Purchasing Clerk Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Purchasing Clerk

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Purchasing Clerk? Purchasing Clerk II