Secretaries are typically the backbone of any office functionality. Within secretarial jobs, there are many duties, including preparing documents, maintaining files, and scheduling appointments.
They make and answer direct calls and assist with staff meetings and other meetings with stakeholders. In some companies, a secretary must handle bookkeeping tasks, and some accept payment from different clients.
If these are tasks you think you can handle, let us delve deeper into the job description and find out how much you expect to be paid and how to apply for this job today.
Secretary’s Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Secretarial responsibilities vary depending on the nature of the job and office in which you work. Here are some of the typical duties.
- Compile slide presentations
- Generate documents
- Manage database
- Make and receive calls
- Act as an office manager – plan events such as awards dinners, schedule client meetings, set fundraising events
Secretary’s Expected Salary
Likewise, your salary will depend on the nature of your work and the scope of your duties. In 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the Secretary’s annual income should be about $38,880, which amounts to $18.69 per hour.
The top 10% of highest-paid secretaries usually earn about $64,230, which is $30.88 per hour. On the other hand, the 10% least paid secretaries receive less than $24,690, which is about $11.87 per hour.
Secretary Job Eligibility
It’s a relief to know that you don’t need any formal education to start working as a secretary, but having some education can be helpful. A high school diploma or its equivalent is required; you can get an edge by enrolling in any secretarial program after high school.
Most secretaries have a bachelor’s degree or certificates; for instance, the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant title or the Accredited Legal Secretary title will help you. If you aim to become an executive secretary, then you will need a bachelor’s degree.
You can begin with a temporary employment agency. These, in most cases, offer training to new employees. Otherwise, if you don’t have the necessary administrative or secretarial skills, on-job training will be provided as you learn your way around the specific fields.
Must-Have Skills of a Secretary
To succeed as a secretary, you will need several qualities and skills. It’s never too late if you don’t have them. There is a wealth of information available online that you could make use of.
Computer skills. You should be well versed in email and the Internet, Microsoft Office, and so on. If your employer is a small business, you might consider learning more about accounting and quick books.
Multitasking skills. You should be able to juggle between several demands at once, more so if you are doubling as a manager, as well.
Communication skills. You ought to possess a strong command of the English language with excellent proofreading skills.
Other must-have skills include excellent interpersonal skills, organizational skills, and outstanding decision-making skills.
How to Find Secretarial Jobs
Finding secretarial jobs is quite easy. First, begin within your circles. Ask your relatives and friends if they are aware of any secretarial job openings. If you want to work remotely (which is becoming more in demand) consider checking out sites such as Upwork, Craigslist, Glassdoor, and ProBlogger.
Do a Google search with keywords such as Secretary, Medical Secretary, Administrative Assistant, Editorial Assistant, Customer Service Representative, and Marketing Assistant to generate job listings. Also, remember to check out your local newspapers, as some companies might decide to advertise there.
Conclusion
You’ll hear from lots of folks who claim that starting a new career is challenging. However, with the proper motivation and know-how, you can ease into one of many secretarial jobs. This advice should help you with your job search. We wish you luck!
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