Respond to enquiries

Respond to enquiries and requests for information from other organisations and members of the public.

reply to questions
responding to enquiries
answer enquiries
respond to an enquiry

skill/competence

cross-sector

Respond to enquiries is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Court clerk: Court clerks provide assistance to judges in a court institution. They handle enquiries on court proceedings, and assist judges in various tasks such as performing legal research in preparation of cases or writing opinion pieces. They also contact parties involved in cases and brief judges and other court officials.
Sport administrator: Sport administrators act in a middle management role within sport organisations at all levels, in any sport or country in Europe (e.g. sport clubs, federations, and local authorities). They carry out organisational tasks across a wide range of functions in accordance with the strategy and policies set by management, boards of directors and committees. They play a crucial role in the overall delivery of sport and their work in sport organisations directly impact the unlocking of the potential of the sector in Europe towards health, social inclusion and economy.
Marketeer: Marketing consultants advise companies in the development of marketing strategies for specific purposes. They can advise and develop strategies for the entry of a brand in the market, for the re-launch of a product, for the introduction of a new product, or for the positioning of a commercial image. They perform previous studies of the position of the company and perception of customers in order to define the marketing approach.
Tax compliance officer: Tax compliance officers collect fees, debt, and taxes on behalf of government institutions in cities, municipalities and other jurisdictions. They perform administrative duties and communicate with other officials and institutions to ensure operations are correct and compliant with policies.
Street warden: Street wardens patrol designated areas to ensure a sense of security with the public, and provide general support. They monitor suspicious behaviour and cooperate with the police and other local institutions to maintain the community’s safety and well-being, and enforce law and issue penalties when necessary.
Social security officer: Social security officers advise clients on social security benefits and ensure they claim the benefits they are eligible for, as well as providing advice on promotions and other available support services such as employment benefits. They aid clients in applications for benefits such as sickness, maternity, pensions, invalidity, unemployment and family benefits. They investigate the client’s right to benefits by reviewing their case and researching legislation and the claim, and suggest an appropriate course of action. Social security advisers also determine the aspects of a specific benefit.
Verger: Vergers perform administrative duties for churches and parishes, ensure equipment maintenance and support the parish priest or other superiors. They also perform assisting duties before and after church service such as tidying, readying the equipment and supporting the priest.
Immigration officer: Immigration officers monitor the eligibility of people, food, electronic devices and merchandise entering a country via an entry point. They use surveillance methods and check identification and documents to ensure entry criteria and custom laws are complied with. They can also conduct interviews with prospective immigrants to verify eligibility and inspect cargo to identify and detect violations.
Pastoral worker: Pastoral workers support religious communities. They provide spiritual education and guidance and implement programmes such as charity works and religious rites. Pastoral workers also assist ministers and help participants in the religious community with social, cultural or emotional problems.
Ombudsman: Ombudsmen resolve disputes between two parties where there is a power imbalance, as an impartial mediator. They interview the parties involved and investigate the case in order to come to a resolution beneficial to both parties. They advise on conflict resolution and offer support to clients. The claims are mostly against public institutions and authorities.
Market research interviewer:
Market research interviewers strive to collect information on the perceptions, opinions, and preferences of customers in relation to commercial products or services. They use interview techniques to draw as much information as possible by contacting people via telephone calls, by approaching them face-to-face or by by virtual means. They pass this information to experts for drawing analysis.
Nature conservation officer: Nature conservation officers manage and improve the local environment within all the sectors of a local community. They promote awareness of and understanding about the natural environment. This work can be very varied and involve projects related to species, habitats and communities. They educate people and raise overall awareness of environmental issues.
Equality and inclusion manager: Equality and inclusion managers develop policies to improve affirmative action, diversity and equality matters. They inform staff in corporations on the importance of the policies, and implementation and advise senior staff on corporate climate. They also perform guidance and support duties for employees.
Lawyer: Lawyers provide legal advice to clients and act on their behalf in legal proceedings and in compliance with the law. They research for, interpret and study cases to represent their clients in a variety of settings such as courts and administrative boards. They create arguments on behalf of their clients for lawsuits in different contexts with the aim of finding a legal remedy.
Survey enumerator: Survey enumerators perform interviews and fill in forms in order to collect the data provided by interviewees. They can collect information by phone, mail, personal visits or on the street. They conduct and help the interviewees administer the information that the interviewer is interested in having, usually related to demographic information for governmental statistical purposes.
Embassy counsellor: Embassy counsellors supervise specific sections in an embassy, such as economics, defence or political affairs. They perform advisory functions for the ambassador, and perform diplomatic functions in their section or specialty. They develop policies and implementation methods and supervise the embassy section’s staff.
Chaplain: Chaplains perform religious activities in secular institutions. They perform counselling services and provide spiritual and emotional support to the people in the institution, as well as cooperate with priests or other religious officials to support religious activities in the community.
Court administrative officer: Court administrative officers perform administrative and assisting duties for the court and judges. They are designated to accept or reject applications for informal probate and informal appointment of a personal representative. They manage case accounts and handle official documents. Court administrative officers perform assisting duties during a court trial, such as calling out the cases and identification of parties, keeping notes, and recording orders from the judge..
Airport security officer: Airport security officers interact with passengers to ensure smooth transition between areas of the airport, compliant with safety regulations. They perform searches of passengers, their ID and baggage in order to ensure safety and to prevent illegal activity.
Consumer rights advisor: Consumer rights advisors aid consumers with complaints and provide advice and information on rights as a consumer after purchase of products or services. They monitor organisations to ensure compliance to consumer rights standards, and aid consumers in handling disputes.
Immigration adviser: Immigration advisers aid people seeking to move from one nation to another by advising them on immigration legislation, and assisting them in obtaining the necessary documentation to ensure the immigration process occurs in accordance with immigration laws.
Conservation scientist: Conservation scientists manage the quality of specific forests, parks and other natural resources. They protect the wildlife habitat, biodiversity, scenic value, and other unique attributes of preserves and conservation lands. Conservation scientists perform field work.
Minister of religion: Ministers of religion lead religious organisations or communities, perform spiritual and religious ceremonies and provide spiritual guidance to members of a particular religious group. They may undertake missionary work, pastoral or preaching work, or work within a religious order or community, such as a monastery or convent. Ministers of religion perform duties such as leading worship services, giving religious education, officiating at funerals and marriages, counselling congregation members and offer a range of other community services, both in conjunction with the organisation they work for, and through their own personal day to day activities.
Corporate lawyer: Corporate lawyers provide legal consulting services and representation to corporations and organisations. They give advice on matters relating to taxes, legal rights and patents, international trade, trademarks, and legal financial issues arising from operating a business.
Civil service administrative officer: Civil service administrative officers perform administrative duties in civil service organisations and government departments. They ensure record maintenance, handle enquiries and provide information to the public, either in person, through emails or phone calls. They support senior staff, and ensure a fluent internal flow of information.

Respond to enquiries is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Judge: Judges preside over, review and handle court cases, hearings, appeals and trials. They ensure that court procedures conform to conventional legal processes and review evidence and juries. Judges preside over cases involving such areas as crime, family issues, civil law, small claims and juvenile offenses.
Diplomat: Diplomats represent their home nation and government in international organisations. They negotiate with the organisation’s officials to ensure the home nation’s interests are protected, as well as facilitate productive and friendly communication between the home nation and the international organisation.
Labour relations officer: Labour relations officers implement labour policy in an organisation, and advise trade unions on policies and negotiation. They handle disputes, and advise management on personnel policy as well as facilitate communication between trade unions and managerial staff.
Cadastral technician: Cadastral technicians design and create maps and blue-prints, converting new measurement results into the real estate cadastre of a community. They define and indicate the property boundaries and ownerships, land use, and create city and district maps using measurement equipment and specialised software.
Health and safety inspector: Health and safety inspectors investigate the implementation and application of labour standards and policies in a workplace. They advise employers as well as employees on the improvement of policy and legislation implementation, ensure that the law is adhered to, and that matters of equality and labour rights are respected. They write reports and communicate with authorities.
Meter reader: Meter readers visit residential and business or industrial buildings and facilities in order to note down the readings of the meters which measure gas, water, electricity and other utility uses. They forward the results to the client and to the supplier.
Legal consultant: Legal consultants advise a varied array of clients ranging from business, individuals, up to legal firms. They provide legal advisory outside courtrooms in relation to legal affairs which depend on the nature of the client. They advise in matters such as merging of multinationals, housing purchase, modification of contracts and its implications. They help clients in general to abide by the regulations and avoid committing illegal acts.
Utilities inspector: Utilities inspectors examine products, systems and machiney such as sewer, water, gas or electric turbines ensuring they are built and functioning according to regulations. They write inspection reports and provide recommendations to improve the systems and repair the broken components.

Prison officer: Prison officers supervise inmates in a correctional facility and ensure the security and peace-keeping in the facility. They perform checks and searches to ensure compliance to regulations, monitor visitations and the activities of inmates as well as participate in programs of rehabilitation, and ensure records maintenance.
Monk/nun: Monks/nuns dedicate themselves to a monastic lifestyle. They vow to take part in sprititual works as part of their religious community. Monks/nuns take part in daily prayer and often live in self-sufficient monasteries or convents alongside other monks/nuns.
Licensing officer: Licensing officers process licence applications and provide advice on licensing legislation. They also perform investigative duties to ensure the applicant is eligible for the requested licence, ensure licence fees are paid in a timely manner, and ensure compliance with legislation.
Court administrator: Court administrators perform managerial tasks in a court institution, such as supervision of staff, administration, communicating with judges and reviewing procedures. They also manage the court’s finances, and oversee maintenance of the facility and equipment.
Mediator:
Mediators resolve disputes between two parties by examining the case, interviewing both parties, and advising on a solution which would be the most beneficial for them. They listen to both parties in order to facilitate communication and find a fair agreement and organise meetings. They aim at resolving disputes through dialogue and alternative solution without having to take the case to litigation and courts. Mediators ensure that the resolution is compliant with legal regulations and is also enforced.
Network marketer: Network marketers apply various marketing strategies, including ​network marketing strategies to sell products and convince new people to also join in and start selling these products. They use personal relations to attract customers and sell various types of products.
Public funding advisor: Public funding advisors advise individuals and businesses about funding opportunities given by the government. They analyse the needs of clients, consult them on funds, grants and subsidies that apply to them and help with the application process. Public funding advisors also set up public grant administration in organisations.
Police officer: Police officers use investigation methods to prevent crime, to pursue and apprehend criminals, and protect the public from violent and criminal activities. They perform surveillance and patrol activities to prevent crimes and apprehend offenders. They provide support to victimised parties and the public at large, and fulfil administrative duties.
Public housing manager: Public housing managers develop strategies for the improvement of housing policy in a community, as well as providing social housing to those in need. They identify housing needs and issues, and supervise resource allocation. They also communicate with organisations involved in building public housing facilities, and social service organisations.
Court bailiff: Court bailiffs maintain order and security in courtrooms. They transport offenders to and from the courtroom, ensure necessary supplies are present in the courtroom, and investigate the premises and examine individuals to ensure there are no threats. They also open and close court, and call witnesses.
Juvenile correctional officer: Juvenile correctional officers monitor and provide security to juvenile offenders. They ensure the safety of the facility compliant with rules and regulations, compile reports on the daily activities as well as in the case of incidents, and report unusual activity. They also supervise rehabilitation procedures of the offenders.
Court jury coordinator: Court jury coordinators aid lawyers in the preparation of the trial by researching jury members. They aid in the development of trial strategies, analyse the jury’s behaviour during a trial, and advise lawyers on proceedings. They also assist in preparing witnesses and constructing arguments.
Warfare specialist: Warfare specialists perform strategic duties, such as making tactical decisions, detecting and identifying potential threats, and locating targets and objectives. They communicate with the other teams to ensure the efficiency of the operation, and also oversee the safety of the team.

Grants management officer: Grants management officers work professionally in the administration and management of grant funds. They look at grant applications from individuals, charities, community groups or university research departments and decide whether to award funding given out by charitable trusts, government or public bodies or not. However, sometimes they may refer the grant application to a senior officer or committee.
 
Defence administration officer: Defence administration officers perform managerial duties and administrative tasks in defense institutions, such as maintenance of records, management of staff, and handling of accounts.
Legal assistant:
Legal assistants work closely together with lawyers and legal representatives in the research and preparation of cases brought to courts. They assist in the paper work of cases and management of the administrative side of court affairs.
Customs and excise officer: Customs and excise officers approve or deny the passage of goods through customs barriers for international business and ensure compliance with consignment legislation. They facilitate communication between import and export trading institutions and government officials, and are responsible for taxation calculation and ensuring payment.
Consul: Consuls represent governments in foreign institutions such as embassies in order to facilitate economic and political cooperation between the two nations. They protect the interests of their home nation and provide bureaucratic assistance to citizens living as expatriates or travelling in the host country.
Passport officer: Passport officers provide passports and other travel documents such as certificates of identity and refugee travel documents. They also keep record of all provided passports.
Prosecutor: Prosecutors represent governmental bodies and the general public in court cases against parties accused of illegal activity. They investigate the court cases by examining evidence, interviewing involved parties, and interpreting the law. They use the results of their investigation in order to present the case during court hearings, and to construct persuasive arguments in order to ensure the outcome is the most favourable for the parties they represent.
Court enforcement officer: Court enforcement officers enforce orders of court judgements such as managing the recovery of money owed, seizing of goods, and selling goods in public auctions to obtain the money owed. They also send summons and arrest warrants to ensure attendance in court or other judicial procedures.
Civil enforcement officer: Civil enforcement officers patrol the streets to enforce parking restrictions, ensure a free flow of traffic is maintained, ensure the safety of pedestrians, and ensure traffic and parking laws are complied with. They aid with the combating of crime and crime reduction by providing assistance during incidents and providing patrol services.
Case administrator: Case administrators supervise the progress of criminal and civil cases from the point of opening to closing. They review the case files and case progression to ensure proceedings occur compliant with legislation. They also ensure the proceedings occur in a timely manner and that everything has been concluded before closing cases.
Grants administrator: Grants administrators handle the pass-through track of grants, often given out by the government to the grant recipient. They prepare the paperwork such as the grant applications and give out the grants. They are also responsible to make sure that the grant recipient spends the money correctly according to the terms laid out.
Infantry soldier: Infantry soldiers fight in combat missions or provide aid in peacekeeping missions and other humanitarian services. They handle weapons and provide defence services where they are required, and attempt to complete missions while causing minimal harm.
Social services manager: Social services managers have the responsibility for strategic and operational leadership and management of staff teams and resources within and or across social services. They are responsible for the implementation of legislation and policies relating to, for example, decisions about vulnerable people. They promote social work and social care values and ethics, equality and diversity, and relevant codes guiding practice. They are responsible for liaising with other professionals in criminal justice, education and health. They can be responsible for contributing to local and national policy development.
Curator of horticulture: Curators of horticulture develop and maintain the botanical collections, exhibits and landscapes of a botanical garden.
Weights and measures inspector: Weights and measures inspectors ensure adherance to regulations and agreements pertaining to the weights and measures of packaged goods. They investigate and document compliance issues and violations to promote best practice. Weights and measures inspectors confirm that packaged goods are in accordance to agreements such as quantity, content and packaging.
Human resources manager: Human resources managers plan, design and implement processes related to the human capital of companies. They develop programs for recruiting, interviewing, and selecting employees based on a previous assessment of the profile and skills required in the company. Moreover, they manage compensation and development programs for the company’s employees comprising trainings, skill assessment and yearly evaluations, promotion, expat programs, and general assurance of the well-being of the employees in the workplace.
Justice of the peace: Justices of the peace deal with small claims and disputes, and minor offences. They ensure the keeping of the peace within their jurisdiction, and provide mediation between disputing parties.
Political party agent: Political party agents manage the administrative tasks of a political party, such as budget management, record keeping, writing of agendas, etc. They also ensure productive communication with governmental bodies, and with press and media.

References

1. Respond to enquiries – ESCO