JOB REQUIREMENTS
If you are considering a career as a secretary (perhaps as a business or legal secretary or within another specialised industry) there are a few simple assets you should have that will make you more attractive to employers and will you’re your job easier in the long run. Although many secretarial positions are entry-level (meaning that they require little specialization and are in a lower income bracket to other administrative and office jobs), there is still the expectation that the candidate will have knowledge within particular areas of administration and customer service.Most secretarial jobs require basic computer skills and office management knowledge, but these are things that can be learned either on the job or by undertaking a short course at a technical or business college. Proficiency in programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook are often expected by employers, although there is generally some leniency for women re-entering a working environment after having children or for people who have (for social or educational reasons) not had the access to computer education previously. It is also an expectation that the candidate will feel comfortable conversing on the phone and across the counter with customers, clients and other employees, and that they will be able to handle situations involving deadlines or other high-stress instances.
More and more these days employers are looking at the GSCE’s and A-Levels achieved by candidates and the subjects that they excelled in while in school or at technical college. Many of the secretarial colleges also have the expectation that applicants to the courses will be at the very least post-GSCE level, although as many also conduct interviews prior to admission there is the opportunity to explain your personal circumstances and demonstrate proficiency in non-academically measured areas of office management.