Personal assistant Hours 30-40 per week Starting salary £18,000 + per year If you enjoy a varied day and want a responsible office role, this could be perfect for you. Personal assistants (PAs) usually work for one manager. They help them make best use of their time by providing secretarial support. They also deal with a range of administrative tasks. To work as a PA, you should have proven experience of administrative work. You should have good computer skills and be able to use a variety of office computer software packages. Having extra skills like shorthand or audio typing will be an advantage. To become a personal assistant, you will need to be well organised, and have a calm and professional manner. You will also need tact and discretion. A lot of the work will involve multi-tasking. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The work Your duties might include: •screening telephone calls and handling enquiries •organising your manager’s diary and making appointments •dealing with letters and emails •writing letters and producing reports and presentations •arranging meetings •organising and maintaining office systems •taking notes at meetings •making travel arrangements •looking after visitors. Many managers rely heavily on their PA and give them a high level of responsibility, so in some jobs you may have extra tasks such as: •standing in for the manager in their absence •acting as office manager and supervising other administrative staff •dealing with accounts and budgets •taking on project work, such as research or writing reports. You may also be known as an executive secretary or executive assistant. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hours You would usually work standard office hours Monday to Friday, possibly with extra hours to meet deadlines. Part-time work may be available. You would be based at an office, but you may sometimes travel to go to meetings and other events. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income Starting salaries are around £18,000 to £25,000 a year. Earnings in some large organisations can reach £30,000 to £40,000 a year. Figures are intended as a guideline only. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Entry requirements To work as a PA, you will need proven experience of administrative work. Personal qualities are often as important as qualifications. You should be well organised, be an excellent communicator and have good computer skills. Extra skills like shorthand or audio typing may be an advantage. Employers will also look for a good standard of general education, including GCSEs in English and maths. A recognised qualification in office skills could also help. Most further education colleges offer a range of full-time and part-time courses in administration and many private training providers offer short intensive courses. Please check with providers for exact details. Courses include: •Level 2 Award in Business and Administration •Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Business and Administration •Level 2 Diploma in Business Support •Level 2 Diploma in Administration (Business Professional). Foreign language qualifications can also be useful if you plan to work in an organisation that deals with overseas visitors and clients. Although not essential, having a business-related foundation degree, HND or degree could help you to find a job with a higher level of responsibility. Temporary work (temping) can be a good way of getting administration experience and can often lead to a permanent job. You may also be able to start working in administration through an Apprenticeship scheme before working your way up to a PA position. You will need to check which schemes are available in your area. For more information, visit the Apprenticeships website. •Apprenticeships -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Training and development During your induction, you will be trained on the job in your company’s procedures and systems. Your employer may also encourage you to work towards a qualification in business administration, such as: •Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Business and Administration •Level 3/4 (NVQ) Certificate/Diploma in Business and Administration •Level 4, 5 and 6 Certificate/Diploma in Business and Administrative Management. As your career progresses, you may find it useful to join a professional organisation, for example the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), which will give you access to further training, networking and professional development opportunities. See their website for more information. •Institute of Administrative Management -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Skills, interests and qualities To become a personal assistant, you will need to have: •excellent organisational skills •good written and spoken communication skills •accuracy and attention to detail •a calm and professional manner •an ability to carry out several tasks at the same time •excellent computer and administration skills •a flexible and adaptable approach to work •the ability to use your own initiative •tact and discretion, for dealing with confidential information.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 16:08:39 +0000
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