DayShift / Job descriptions / Secretary

Secretary job description: what you'll do and what to write on your resume

Applying for secretary at an office, school or clinic? Copy the duties below into your resume, then read what the interview asks.

Duties to write on your resume

Start each line with what you did. Keep the ones you've really done.

• Answered phone calls and emails, and passed messages to the right person
• Managed the boss's calendar and scheduled meetings, appointments and visitors
• Typed letters, memos and reports in Word, and proofread them before sending
• Filed and organized documents, both paper copies and computer folders
• Prepared meeting agendas and took minutes, then shared them with the team
• Arranged travel bookings, venues and supplies for meetings and events
• Tracked incoming and outgoing mail, deliveries and requests until they were done
• Kept records and simple spreadsheets in Excel up to date and accurate

No office job yet? Use the same lines for school org work, a family business or volunteer work, and say where.

A resume objective you can adapt

Fresh graduate looking for a secretary job, ready to keep schedules, files and messages in order and support a busy team with fast, careful work.

Skills employers ask for

• Typing fast and accurately
• Using Word, Excel and email
• Writing clearly in English and Filipino
• Keeping files and schedules organized
• Handling private information with care

What the interview asks

1. Why do you want to work as a secretary? Say you like keeping things organized and helping a team run smoothly.
2. How do you keep track of many tasks at once? Describe a real system, like a to-do list, a calendar or reminders.
3. What would you do if two bosses gave you urgent tasks at the same time? Say you would ask them which comes first and tell both of them.
4. How do you handle private or sensitive information? Say you keep it to yourself and only share it with people who need it.

The questions every interview asks, with sample answers

How to get hired

1. Most posts ask for at least a senior high school diploma, and many prefer college units or a degree.
2. Prepare a resume, a valid ID and your government numbers like SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and TIN.
3. Many employers also ask for an NBI clearance and a medical certificate before you start.
4. Apply online or send your resume to the office directly, and expect a short interview and sometimes a typing or computer test.

What the work is like

You mostly sit at a desk and work on a computer, with phone calls and visitors that interrupt your tasks. The hard part is juggling many small requests at once while staying calm and accurate.

Questions

Do I need experience to work as a secretary?

Not always. Many offices hire fresh graduates if you type well and know Word and Excel.

What should I study to become a secretary?

Office administration, business courses or secretarial studies help. A short computer course can also help.

Is secretary work part-time?

Most posts are full-time, but some small offices and clinics hire part-time help.

Similar jobs

• Administrative assistant
• Executive assistant
• Office clerk
• Receptionist
• Office staff

Want work from home in daylight hours?

DayShift lists remote jobs with Singapore and Asia clients, on the same clock as Manila. Applying is free, and we never ask you for money. See today's DayShift jobs