Secretary, (but not Legal, Medical, or Executive) Salary

A secretary (but not legal, medical, or executive) is the glue that holds office-type operations together. In this day and age, secretaries may have a variety of roles in assisting team or work-groups, but the main duty of the job is simply to facilitate operations for everyone else. This often includes performing scheduling work, filing work, typing and transcription, answering phones, and directing calls.

Most secretaries will need strong computer skills. While there are no strict educational requirements for the position, most employers will require applicants to have proficiency in Office suite software applications and the ability to type above 30-50 words per minute. Secretaries must also have excellent communication skills, as he/she will regularly handle incoming phone calls, be they outside calls or from other work groups within the company. Those in this position are also expected to screen and direct calls to the rest of their particular work-group based on company protocols.

Many organizations employ secretaries to assist in proper document-handling and filing, as well. Strong organizational skills are essential for arranging and scheduling meetings, traveling, and similar work. Secretaries must also be able to juggle multiple tasks at once and prioritize them to help the office achieve maximum efficiency.

Most secretaries should have at least a high school diploma, and many will seek vocational training and placement beyond high school. Because general secretaries do not need the additional training required for work in legal or medical fields, smaller companies may hire them as entry-level personnel. Larger employers typically prefer job candidates with prior experience in the field. Secretaries typically work in office environments during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. (Copyright 2017 PayScale.com)

Secretary, (but not Legal, Medical, or Executive) Tasks

• Schedule travel, appointments and meetings.
• Coordinate space and office organization; maintaining paper and electronic files.
• Greet visitors and callers, route and resolve information requests.
• Type correspondence, compile data for expense and statistical reports.