What does an Executive Secretary do?
Secretaries perform general clerical tasks, generally on behalf of a leader in the organization. If you are highly motivated and organized then this might just be the job for you. Day-to-day life as a secretary includes coordinating various calendars, taking phone calls and messages, sending emails, prepping for large meetings and presentations, capturing notes in meetings, and many other related tasks.
Secretaries are typically outgoing and friendly people who work well with many leadership personality types. Strong secretaries excel at organization, management of multiple peoples' time and expectations, and have a self-starter attitude, getting things done before others recognize the need. People that are successful in this role will usually progress into assisting higher level leaders (sometimes becoming an Executive Assistant), managing other secretaries, or working as an office manager.
- Greet visitors and point them in the right direction, answer inquiries, and create a welcoming environment
- Organize and maintain files and databases in a confidential manner
- Manage communication including emails and phone calls
- Screen phone calls, redirect calls, and take messages
- Schedule appointments, meetings, and reservations as needed
- Receive deliveries; sort and distribute incoming mail
- Maintain and order office supplies
- Receive invoices and review for accuracy
- Coordinate staff travel arrangements including transportation and accommodations
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. associate's degree in Business Administration preferred.
- 2-3 years of clerical, secretarial, or office experience
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Comfortable with routinely shifting demands
- High degree of attention to detail
- Data entry experience
- Working knowledge of general office equipment
Executive Secretary Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Executive Secretary Career Path
Learn how to become an Executive Secretary, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Executive Secretary Insights
Food Lion“I really enjoy working at fola grace bag because my boss is the best.she is unbiased and intelligent.”
“I have learn a lot in this position i have amazing team to work with and a great boss”
BayCare Health System“This is an awesome place to work and to climb the ladder in the healthcare industry”
Royal Holloway University of London“My supervisor was amazing; she was kind and understanding and no one was pressured to take on shifts.”
Take Note“flat rate per actual hour) and I'm able to work part time as a student.”
Lee County School District“Working with amazing people and seeing the children grow is the best part of working at a school.”
ARcare (Arkansas)“There is not enough training in the beginning to prepare you for what you have to do.”
Fresenius Medical Care - North America“Clerical salary is within range for basic duties that other companies however you will go above and beyond in this position.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of secretaries
The typical day of a secretary involves performing administrative tasks, such as answering phone calls, handling email correspondence, maintaining files and documents, managing schedules, and assisting visitors in the office. Depending on the work environment, secretaries might also make appointments, prepare reports, or distribute information.
One advantage of the job is that it's relatively easy to become a secretary. It's an entry-level job that requires minimal education and many secretaries learn on the job. Employers are often willing to hire new secretaries and provide on-the-job training. Some individuals may work virtually, which provides optimal work-life balance.
The average salary for secretaries in Canada is $58,435 per year. Executive secretaries receive much higher earnings. Gaining experience or specialized certifications may increase employment opportunities. Legal secretaries also tend to earn an above-average salary for this occupation.
Working as a secretary involves handling many responsibilities at once, which requires a great deal of multitasking. This can create a potentially stressful environment. One difficult aspect of being a secretary is that you may be the first line of contact for disgruntled customers or clients.
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