PA careers
More personal assistant jobs are advertised from big companies than smaller ones. Small businesses typically outsource these jobs. Your job may have slight differences to the average, requiring some more specialist skills and attributes. This brief article will point out some of the areas you should work on if you want to be a good personal assistant.
People working as personal assistants must be highly organised, or they will be rubbish at their jobs. Your work needs to be orderly, so you know when what is happening and if you can fit in new tasks that pop up from time to time. If you can use new technology like the iPad, then that will help you too, but you need to know how to use the apps properly to get the best from it.
Knowledge of using spreadsheets and word processors is essential to you being able to do the job. This way you will be better organised. By helping your boss effectively you will then be helping him to do a better job in his role.
Career as a secretary
It is expected of a secretary to have decent computer skills and to be able to be well organised. Communication skills are a must as you need to talk to people on the telephone.
The computer skills you will need include typing, working in spreadsheets and using an email system. You must be able to use technology to make you more efficient. Typing, phoning, talking messages and other tasks will all be thrown your way. You will fit into the role a bit better if you dress like a professional and have excellent telephone etiquette. You will usually need some experience in a similar role to get the job.
A variation of the secretary role is that of the receptionist, who works at the front desk. The receptionist acts as a secretary for the company, one could say.