If you enjoy wearing multiple hats and helping to ensure that a business runs smoothly, you may enjoy a career as a secretary.
While it might seem like the job requires a lot of experience, it’s actually a great choice for those looking to start a new career.
Here are some tips on how to become a secretary and the tools that can help you land your first job.
Requirements to be a Secretary
Secretary education requirements vary depending on the field you want to work in. For example, most general office positions require only a high school diploma.
However, there are other scenarios where a bachelor’s degree is recommended or required, such as working in legal or medical settings. Despite this, there are many secretary positions that are suitable for those with little to no experience.
There are several key skills you need to succeed in this type of position, including:
- Writing,
- Integrity,
- Organization,
- Communication, and
- Computer knowledge.
Just like education requirements, the primary skills secretaries use depend on the field in which they work. For customer-facing positions, secretaries need impeccable interpersonal skills.
In contrast, secretaries who work internally to help set up meetings and coordinate office events may require more organizational skills. It all depends on your preferred work environment and the duties that come with it.
Steps on How to Become a Secretary with No Experience
If you’re interested in how to become a secretary, thankfully there are a lot of options! This is especially true for those looking for a general office position rather than something specialized. Here are some steps you can take to help land your first secretarial position.
1. Work a Related Job or Take a Temporary Position
There are many office-based positions out there that are either temporary or require less experience. While these may seem undesirable, they may give you the experience you need to go after a secretary job.
For example, working as a front desk receptionist may give you insight into how to communicate with customers. If you’re looking to work in a more specialized industry, such as finance, securing a temp position at a bank might give you the edge you need in the interview.
2. Pursue an Industry Certification
Although certifications aren’t required to become a secretary, there are a few reasons why people pursue them.
First of all, they provide you with industry-specific knowledge that can make you a more marketable candidate. Second, they can increase the number of opportunities open to you.
In fact, some employers may consider a candidate with a specific certification over one with a degree. Ultimately, it depends on where you want to work and what the requirements are.
However, industry certifications shouldn’t be chosen just because of marketability. Choosing an industry you are passionate about can significantly impact your career satisfaction, growth opportunities, and overall success.
Additionally, when you are interested in your work, you are likely to stay motivated, engaged, and committed, which can lead to better performance and career advancement. So if you want to work as a secretary in a specific industry, make sure it’s one that you enjoy working in one way or another.
3. Take an Introductory Course Online
One of the cheapest and simplest ways to gain the knowledge you need on how to become a secretary is through introductory courses. Since online courses are widely available, it’s now possible to take courses on your own schedule and at your own pace.
Stratford Career Institute offers a comprehensive administrative assistant / secretary course that trains you for administrative duties. This includes handling official documents, scheduling meetings, arranging travel, managing payroll, understanding Microsoft Office, and more.
4. Research Job Expectations and Duties
Not all secretary positions are the same. Some are more customer facing, while others primarily deal with internal documents. For this reason, it’s best for you to research what the typical duties are for a secretary in your ideal job setting.
Some examples of responsibilities you may have in a secretary position include:
- Organizing internal meetings,
- Processing and filing documents,
- Answering or directing phone calls,
- Creating travel plans for executives,
- Coordinating with other businesses,
- Implementing work procedures, and
- Sending out operational messages.
According to Indeed, these are some of the most common duties listed in job descriptions. However, the best way to know for sure is to look at the description for your ideal role.
5. Network with Other Professionals
Networking is a crucial step in how to become a secretary without prior experience. Building a strong professional network can provide you with valuable insights, referrals, and job opportunities in the administrative field. There are lots of options for networking, including:
- Industry events. Participate in conferences, seminars, and workshops related to office administration. These events are great places to meet professionals in the field and learn about the latest trends and requirements.
- Social media groups. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals in administrative roles. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and share content related to secretarial work to establish your presence.
- Local meetups. Join local business chambers or networking groups. These groups often have members from various industries, including administration, who can provide valuable connections and advice.
According to statistics cited by Indeed, networking can help prospective candidates find higher quality job offers at a faster rate than the traditional application process. This might be why so many people recommend it!
6. Get Some Experience Volunteering as a Secretary
When figuring out how to become a secretary, people often overlook volunteer work. Volunteering is a practical and effective way to gain relevant experience and the skills needed for the job. It allows you to perform administrative tasks, build a resume, and make professional connections. Here’s how to get started:
- Identify opportunities. Look for volunteer positions at non-profits, community centers, schools, and other organizations that need administrative support. Websites like VolunteerMatch can help you find suitable opportunities.
- Reach out directly. Contact local charities, religious organizations, and community groups directly to inquire about volunteer needs. Explain your interest in gaining administrative experience.
- Offer your skills. When volunteering, offer to handle tasks such as filing, data entry, scheduling, answering phones, and organizing events. These tasks are fundamental to secretarial work and will give you hands-on experience.
- Document your experience. Keep a detailed record of the tasks you perform and the skills you develop while volunteering. This documentation can be used to bolster your resume and during job interviews.
- Seek feedback. Ask for feedback from supervisors and colleagues. Positive feedback and references from your volunteer work can strengthen your job applications and demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.
- Expand your roles. As you gain confidence and skills, ask for more complex responsibilities. This will show your willingness to learn and adapt, traits that are valuable in secretarial roles.
By focusing on networking and volunteering, you can effectively build the experience, skills, and connections needed for how to become a secretary, even if you’re starting with no prior experience.
Ready for a Secretary Career? Enroll in Stratford’s Course Today!
If being a secretary or administrative assistant sounds like the position for you, consider enrolling in our course. At Stratford Career Institute, we go over all the basics of working in an office setting. Contact us to learn more or enroll today!
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Stratford Career Institute offers a convenient and affordable online course to teach you the basics of working in an office setting.