Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive

• Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.
• Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
• Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.
• Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.
• Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.
• Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
• Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.
• Maintain scheduling and event calendars.
• Make copies of correspondence or other printed material.
• Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.
• Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.
• Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.
• Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.
• Provide services to customers, such as order placement or account information.
• Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.
• Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.
• Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.
• Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work.
• Order and dispense supplies.
• Mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information.
• Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive.

• Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive.