secretary

As a secretary, you handle data entry tasks like filling information into computer databases and systems. You also ensure the company's documents and files are up to date. Other duties include writing letters, creating reports and organising paperwork.

Your job is to update patient databases with the relevant information. You ensure the hospital has the patient's correct personal information and medical records. In a private clinic, you manage patient appointments and answer phone calls.

Your job is to run and manage lawyers' offices. You file documents, handle correspondence and write emails to clients. You perform all the data entry duties involved in a legal setting.

Some of the typical duties of a secretary include:

• Filing reports and documents: your primary role is to keep the office organised. That means you file documents properly for easy retrieval. When a co-worker requests a document, you help them find it.
• Performing basic bookkeeping duties: as a secretary, you keep track of the petty cash and perform basic bookkeeping records. For instance, you compile financial records, collect receipts or invoices, and pass them to the accounts department.
• Answering inquiries: your job involves answering phone calls made to the company. You respond to queries professionally and provide good customer service to clients. You also redirect calls to the appropriate department for further assistance. Sometimes, you answer inquiries made through company emails and social media.
• Operating machines and office equipment: as a secretary, you do most of the printing work in the office. That means you use a variety of office equipment, including photocopiers, voicemail systems and scanners. You also perform regular maintenance and ensure the office has enough stationery.
• Handling correspondence: in some offices, secretaries receive mail and packages sent to the company. You sort the packages and pass them along to the relevant departments.

Secretaries typically work in office settings in public and private sectors. In some companies, you perform a receptionist role, welcoming visitors and organising their appointments. You need good phone etiquette since you talk to clients on the phone.

You may travel for conferences or events that the organisation hosts in other locations throughout the year. However, you spend more time in one place to ensure the office runs smoothly.

Depending on the industry you work in, you are likely to work with administrative assistants, office administrators and data entry clerks. You also collaborate with receptionists, couriers and coordinators.

Most office secretaries work 40 hours weekly in full-time positions. Some legal secretaries work more than 40 hours a week, but they do not exceed the 48 hours a week stipulated by the labour laws. You can also finish your tasks from home. Work from home and other remote secretary opportunities are available in many companies.

Working as a secretary is an entry-level position with a clear career progression path. You can develop your career by becoming an admin assistant or office manager. Specialisation options are also available. For instance, some secretaries become bookkeepers and improve their qualifications to join accounting roles. Hospital records secretaries can specialise in hospital administration and become care home managers or administrators.

Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.

• always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help
• a range of jobs in your area

As a secretary, you perform various office tasks. Your duties are mainly clerical and communication-based. You answer phone calls, schedule meetings, and interact with visitors. Aside from communication tasks, you perform a range of clerical duties, like writing minutes for meetings, taking dictations, and fulfilling data entry duties to help run the office efficiently.

Working as a secretary is a good career with promising pay. The average salary of a secretary in Greece is €23,000 per year, equalling an hourly rate of approximately €11. In an entry-level position, you start with a lower salary of approximately €17,000 per year. With experience and additional qualifications, your earnings can increase gradually to over €27,000 annually. Working for a large organisation also attracts a higher salary due to the extensive duties associated with the role.

To become a good secretary, you need multitasking and organisational skills. You will be on top of your game if you can complete your tasks on time and keep the office organised. In companies where you are the first contact person for visitors, it is important to have good communication skills. In some specialisations like legal or medical secretary, you handle confidential information, and you should be discrete and respect confidentiality.

You can become a secretary after upper secondary education without tertiary training and learn on the job. However, having basic educational qualifications or vocational training improves your job prospects and increases your salary potential. In complex specialisations, secretaries need a bachelor’s degree to excel in the role.

Working as a secretary is a great entry-level administration position with a promising salary and good job prospects. You build useful skills relevant to administration careers, like time management and organisational skills. Hence, you will have multiple opportunities for career growth.

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