Your role as a secretary will vary based on the business you work for. Some secretaries are assigned to a specific duty such as answering and directing phone calls, while others have a much broader job description that could entail basic IT work, assisting with payroll, and maintaining large databases and filing systems.
Some of the common tasks you will perform as a secretary include:
Using software such as Microsoft Office to produce written communications within the company. You may also be required to use proprietary software to record transactions or modify the contents of a database.
Maintaining office equipment (such as replacing toner cartridges).
Creating and maintaining a schedule for use within the office. You could be tasked with monitoring the schedule of a specific professional or you may need to oversee the schedules of every other employee within the office environment.
Using content management systems (such as WordPress) to maintain internal and external websites. You may also use CMS software to work with databases within the company.
Booking conference rooms and facilities for staff meetings and presentations with clients.
Many secretaries are also responsible for assisting new employees successfully complete the hiring process. This might include training new employees on office systems and entering their information into company databases for payroll, health benefits, etc.
As a secretary, you are often tasked with working directly with clients. In many cases you are considered the face of the company as clients will speak with you before anyone else in the company. This means you should be prepared to communicate professionally and effectively with clients who call, email, or stop by the office.