Description

Administrative and executive assistants primarily use phones and computers in offices to communicate with the executives within and outside of their organizations. A bachelor's degree as well as proficiency in using computers, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access are typically required for this job. They also communicate with secretaries, customers and employees every day and therefore, the ability to communicate is essential to manage meetings and plan large-scale projects.

Secretaries should always keep an affable manner even during situations of stress, since an approachable and polite manner is crucial to impress clients. They should always be prepared to present executives and make a an excellent impression to their customers, and may be asked to handle more pressing issues. Executive/administrative assistants may also coordinate travel and accommodations for business activities, so time-management, and organizational/multitasking skills are highly beneficial for this position. Communication skills that are both written and verbal abilities are also essential.

Administrative assistants should maintain a calendar of appointments with multiple parties. They must always be ready to work within the constraints of time of the parties involved. Additionally, an extremely high level of discretion and trustworthiness is essential when handling sensitive and sensitive information. They also need to prepare and distribute memos, e-mails and other documents in the office between executives and employees, and being able to work well and in coordination with other office staff is an crucial aspect of their task.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an executive secretary or administrative assistant in the United Kingdom with 6-9 years of experience, your main responsibilities include:

  • Managing and organizing executive calendars, scheduling appointments, and coordinating meetings. Efficiently handle executive schedules, ensuring all appointments and meetings are properly managed and coordinated.
  • Handling correspondence and communication on behalf of executives, including drafting and proofreading emails, memos, and reports. Act as a proficient communicator, skillfully drafting, proofreading, and managing all written correspondence on behalf of executives.
  • Coordinating travel arrangements, including booking flights, accommodations, and transportation. Expertly organize all aspects of executive travel, from securing flights to arranging accommodations and transportation.
  • Maintaining records and filing systems, ensuring accurate documentation and easy retrieval of information.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • Strong organizational skills to handle multiple tasks, prioritize workloads, and meet tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives and clients.
  • Proficiency in office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, to create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with utmost discretion, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and integrity.

Essential Skills For Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant

1

Management Skills

2

Documentation

3

Document & Reporting Compliance

Skills That Affect Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Scheduling

13%

Career Prospects

The role of an Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant with 6-9 years of experience in the United Kingdom is vital for smooth operations. Professionals in this field have several alternative career options to consider. Here are following alternatives to explore:

  • Office Manager: A role that involves overseeing administrative operations, managing staff, and ensuring efficient office processes.
  • Human Resources Coordinator: A position focused on recruiting, onboarding, employee relations, and HR policy implementation.
  • Event Planner: A role that involves organizing and coordinating various events, including conferences, meetings, and corporate functions.
  • Project Coordinator: A position that entails managing and coordinating projects, ensuring deadlines are met, and facilitating communication between teams and stakeholders.

How to Learn

The role of Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant in the United Kingdom is projected to experience steady growth in the job market. Analysis over the past 10 years indicates a consistent demand for these positions. In the future, there are expected to be ample employment opportunities available for individuals in this field. Google's latest available data points support the positive outlook for this job role in terms of growth and employment prospects. Overall, the Executive Secretary or Administrative Assistant position is expected to thrive in the coming years, offering numerous job opportunities in the United Kingdom.