Looking to advance your career in admin? Your next step could be as a Secretary. This path can help you develop your administrative skills and gain a better understanding of businesses and their day-to-day activities by performing various clerical and organisational tasks.
What is a Secretary?
A Secretary is an administrative professional responsible for supporting the operation of an office or department to make sure that all the business and client needs are met. This role is sometimes considered to be the backbone of a business's day-to-day activities, as a Secretary provides vital support to management, staff, or teams by handling various tasks.
Part of a Secretary’s duties is to schedule appointments, take care of calendars, answer calls, take meeting minutes, and complete other clerical and organisational tasks that are required of them. In some organisations, a Secretary may also assist with travel arrangements, create reports, and support bookkeeping or basic financial tasks, so it is important to have a variety of skills to support the needs of the role. This will include organisational skills, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, all of which are essential for a Secretary.
Becoming a Secretary can also lead to other administrative or human resources roles that have overlapping skills. A Secretary role may also offer both part-time and full-time hours, and though these are usually standard business hours, some businesses may require weekend or evening shifts, which could work with your availability.
What to Put on a Secretary CV
When writing your Secretary CV, you’ll want to mention any relevant qualifications you have, though not strictly necessary, it can be beneficial to have certification in business administration or something similar. You should also mention any previous experience in administration, and which skills you’ve gained that will help you as a Secretary.
Similar Jobs to Secretary
A Secretary might branch into a more specialised secretarial role to continue their duties in a specific industry. This might mean becoming a Legal Secretary, Medical Secretary or School Secretary, which will require specific knowledge and understanding of the industry.
Other Jobs in Admin
Developing your skills in communication, organisation, time management, and technical skills will help to advance into other admin roles such as Data Entry Clerk, Personal Assistant, Clerical Assistant, Records Clerk, Office Administrator, Office Manager, or roles in HR. These will have overlapping skills, which you can further develop in another role within admin. The admin sector also offers good opportunities for potential growth and career progression, with many businesses needing administrative staff to deal with the day-to-day needs of the business.
Apply for Secretary Jobs Near You
Many industries are in need of Secretaries, as they are considered the backbone of a business when it comes to taking care of the day-to-day needs of an office and its workers. Some of these roles can also be hybrid or remote, which makes them more accessible to applicants who need a more flexible work environment.
Secretary Job Description FAQ
Is a Secretary a Good Career Choice?
Yes, a Secretary can be a good career choice for those looking for a chance to develop valuable admin skills. This role also offers stability and the opportunity for growth within the industry.
What Skills Does a Secretary Need?
A Secretary needs a combination of technical and personal skills, such as proficiency in Microsoft Suite, discretion and confidentiality, excellent customer service, and strong communication and organisational skills.
What Are the Biggest Challenges of Being a Secretary?
A Secretary can become overwhelmed with tasks and heavy workloads if they do not manage their time correctly or prioritise tasks. It’s also important to manage stress and maintain a work-life balance.
What Personal Qualities Make a Great Secretary?
If you want to become a Secretary, you will need personal skills including good time management, being an active listener, emotional intelligence, and proactivity.
