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 in 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 l 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.
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.
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.