What Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executives do:
- Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
- Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
- Make copies of correspondence or other printed material.
- Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
- Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.
- Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.
- Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
- Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
- Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
- Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.
- Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.
- Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.
- Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.
- Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
- Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.
- Order and dispense supplies.
- Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations.
- Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.
- Train and assist staff with computer usage.
- Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.
- Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events, such as luncheons or graduation ceremonies.
- Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work.
- Provide services to customers, such as order placement or account information.
- Establish work procedures or schedules and keep track of the daily work of clerical staff.
- Mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information.
- Collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced.
- Supervise other clerical staff and provide training and orientation to new staff.
- Arrange conference, meeting, or travel reservations for office personnel.
- Prepare and mail checks.
- Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll.
- Develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites.
- Take dictation in shorthand or by machine and transcribe information.
What work activities are most important?
| Importance | Activities |
|---|---|
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Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
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Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others. |
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Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
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Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
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Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others. |
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Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |