Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
On the Job
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants perform routine administrative tasks for organizations. They answer phone calls, draft letters and memos, schedule appointments, and maintain files.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Operate computers or computerized equipment.
- Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
- Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
- Execute sales or other financial transactions.
- Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees.
- Route mail to correct destinations.
- Send information, materials or documentation.
- Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
- Prepare informational or reference materials.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having telephone conversations.
- Working with a group or team.
- Sitting.
- Repeating the same physical or mental task without stopping for periods of time.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- Freedom to make decisions without supervision.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
