Secretaries—not to be confused with receptionists—sometimes get a bad rap as someone who just answers phones and chats with customers, but that perception is far from the reality of your role.
As a secretary, you’re responsible for supporting your department in every aspect of their work. You are the person that keeps the rest of the cogs turning and sets the tone for the workplace.
But how do you communicate that on a single page? It’s a question that many people looking for a secretarial position ponder as they stare at a blank Word document. Luckily, we have the answer.
We’ll show you how with five resume examples that cover entry-level, experienced, and specialized secretarial positions.
How to Write Secretary Resume Objectives
There are many approaches taken up by the applicants while writing the secretary resume objective.
But no matter what you write, it should match with the position you would like to apply for.
When there is a secretary job opening the managers gets hundreds of applications, they do not have enough time to read through all the resumes in details.
The objective statement tells the recruiters about what you can do for the organization.
Often it is a well written objective section that earns the candidates interview calls.
The objective section does the key role of convincing the recruiters that you should be given a chance to the next level.
This section should be kept flexible.
It should be changed as and when need arises.
The job descriptions and titles for a secretary will change from one business to the other; you should change the objective likewise.
Some Sample Secretary Resume Objectives
- Looking for the position of Secretary where my computer skills, organizational abilities and communication skills will help the organization prosper.
- Efficient and dedicated Secretary having six years of experience in manufacturing and IT related industry.
- High levels of multitasking capabilities and experience in handling various software applications aids in office related management tasks.
- Efficient at multitasking and ability to work under extreme pressures in a leading organization will help the organization have a smooth workflow.
How to Write Secretary Resume Skills
Secretary performs a multitude of secretarial as well as clerical duties within a department.
As a secretary you might have to work with one person or the entire working staff.
Apart from scheduling you might have to open the mails, word processing, typing and taking notes, maintaining files, accumulating all records and even answering the phone.
Secretaries work under direct supervision, for unfamiliar tasks you would receive training.
As a secretary you will have to deal with lots of confidential information.
Skills of a secretary may vary drastically. But some of the skills that can be furnished are mentioned below:
- Receiving and routing the phone to correct people.
- Answering queries of the callers about general information related to the organization.
- Sorting mails and sending them to appropriate departments.
- Note down the minutes and later types them down as digital document.
- Maintaining materials such as forms, vouchers, manuscripts, reports, correspondence in proper formats with accuracy.
- Understanding of the office procedures and practices.
- Skilled in preparing reports and letters for correspondence.
- Adept at operating various office machines such as Xerox and Copiers.
- Type speed of 55 WPM.
Secretary Resume Samples
Employers looking at secretary resumes are searching for the right person to handle tasks supporting and empowering all other departments to complete their tasks successfully.
As such, you must demonstrate unprecedented professionalism and a heart for helping others.
Entry-Level Secretary Resume Example
As someone looking for their first foray into an administrative role, you have limited experience as a secretary. However, you can highlight any relevant skills you’ve gained in other customer service jobs and clarify that you are willing to learn how to meet your employer’s needs.
Why We Suggest This Resume
This resume works because it demonstrates that, despite the candidate’s lack of experience in an office-level secretarial role, they have sought out opportunities to do administrative tasks during their time at university.
- Type of Resume: Entry-Level Secretary Resume Example
- Best For: Secretaries applying for entry-level jobs
Objective
Highly organized and motivated recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Seeking an entry-level secretary position to fully utilize strong administrative skills, excellent communication abilities, and attention to detail to support office operations.
Work Experience
Administrative Intern
Highlands Shared Offices, Houston, TX
Summer 2023
- Assisted with daily administrative tasks, including scheduling, filing, and correspondence.
- Managed the front desk, greeting visitors and answering incoming calls.
- Assisted in planning and executing company events.
- Prepared and edited documents and presentations.
- Collaborated with the administrative team on special projects.
Student Assistant
University of Texas, Austin, TX
2021-2023
- Supported administrative staff in managing office tasks.
- Organized and maintained student records.
- Assisted with scheduling and planning university events.
- Managed incoming correspondence, providing information and assistance with questions.
- Contributed to the creation of informational materials for students.
Project Experience
Internship Project, Highlands Shared Offices, 2023
- Assisted with a department-wide initiative to improve client account organization and document management, increasing efficiency and ease of access.
- Collaborated with the administrative team to implement the new system and train staff on its use.
- Maintained the confidentiality and security of sensitive client documents throughout the project.
Campus Event Coordination, University of Texas at Austin, 2022
- Coordinated with other administrative staff to successfully plan and execute a major campus event involving more than 500 attendees, handling registration and logistics.
- Collaborated with other university departments and student organizations to promote the event and disseminate information.
- Managed post-event feedback collection and analysis to inform future event planning.
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organization and time-management abilities
- Detail-oriented
- Exceptional customer service
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration: University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 2019-2023
Licenses & Accreditations
- Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP)
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Office 2019, Microsoft Learn
- Notary Public Certification (NPC), National Notary Association (NNA)
Why This Resume Works
This resume works because it demonstrates that, despite the candidate’s lack of experience in an office-level secretarial role, they have sought out opportunities to do administrative tasks during their time at university.
The employer would be impressed by their participation in organizing large events, including a campus event with 500 attendees, and the fact that they sought feedback afterward to make data-informed decisions about future events.
The candidate also demonstrates a strong willingness to go above and beyond in terms of licenses, as they pursued several accreditations during their time at school, some of which required paying to take an exam.
Experienced Secretary Resume Example
Once you’ve had several years of experience in the field, your secretary’s resume should reflect that accordingly. Highlight your strong administrative skills and track record of successfully supporting C-suite professionals.
Why We Suggest This Resume
This resume is great because it starts with a strong objective. It also shows that the candidate has experience with several platforms necessary for the job, including Microsoft Office, Asana, and Basecamp.
- Type of Resume: Experienced Secretary Resume Example
- Best For: Experienced secretaries applying for jobs
Objective
Experienced secretary with over ten years of experience in corporate-level administrative roles, known for exceptional organizational skills. Seeking to leverage my extensive experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of advanced administrative tools in a challenging, fast-paced corporate environment.
Work Experience
Executive Assistant
Riverfront Financial Trusts & Loans, Dayton, OH
2015-2023
- Managed executive schedules, coordinating meetings and travel arrangements.
- Prepared reports, presentations, and incoming/outgoing correspondence.
- Organized and maintained sensitive client records while ensuring confidentiality.
- Acted as liaison between executives, employees, and clients.
- Assisted in budget management and expense reporting.
Secretary
Riverfront Financial Trusts & Loans, Dayton, OH
2008-2015
- Handled incoming calls, emails, and mail, promptly addressing all inquiries.
- Managed schedules, coordinated meetings, and organized calendars.
- Prepared and edited documents, reports, and presentations.
- Assisted with the organization and execution of company events, including vendor communication.
- Maintained the filing system for easy information retrieval.
Project Experience
Office Relocation, Riverfront Financial Trusts & Loans, 2020
- Coordinated logistics during a significant office relocation to ensure minimal disruption to operations.
- Assisted in space planning and setup of the new office to maximize efficiency.
- Managed communication among staff during the transition to minimize confusion and maintain productivity.
Annual Company Picnic, Riverfront Financial Trusts & Loans, 2012-2023
- Spearheaded the successful organization of an annual company picnic with more than 1,000 attendees by renting venue space, sending invitations, and organizing the calendar of events.
- Collaborated with all departments to ensure the successful organization of event teams and leadership roles.
- Managed post-event follow-up, including awards and feedback.
Skills
- Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and project management software, including Asana and Basecamp
- Excellent verbal and communication
- Extensive experience with organization and time management
- Detail-oriented with high standards for deadlines and accuracy.
- Professionalism
Education
- Associate’s Degree in Applied Business in Office Administration: Ohio Business College, Sheffield Village, OH, 2006-2008
Licenses & Accreditations
- Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert Office 2019, Microsoft Learn
- Notary Public Certification (NPC), National Notary Association (NNA)
Why This Resume Works
The first reason why this secretary’s resume works is because it starts with a strong objective. Employers would notice that the candidate is looking for a fast-paced, challenging environment, meaning they would find the difficult work fulfilling rather than overwhelming.
Secondly, the candidate has experience with several platforms necessary for the job, including Microsoft Office, Asana, and Basecamp.
With almost all modern project management and file management handled digitally, it’s vital that secretaries can navigate these administrative tools.
Finally, the resume notes that the applicant is also a notary public, removing one of the efficiency barriers. By having a notary on staff, the candidate can quickly validate documents without needing to schedule or pay a third party for the service.
Legal Secretary Resume Example
Why We Suggest This Resume
This resume works because it shows potential employers that the applicant understands the intricacies and responsibilities of serving in a legal secretarial position. It also shows that the candidate has a solid educational background for the role by seeking a specialized associate’s degree.
- Type of Resume: Legal Secretary Resume Example
- Best For: Secretaries specializing in the legal environment
If you’re pursuing a position as a legal secretary, you should demonstrate more specialized work experience that pertains directly to the legal field. You should also flex your industry-level vocabulary and tool expertise.
Objective
Detail-oriented legal professional with seven years of experience supporting attorneys in a high-traffic law firm. Seeking the opportunity to utilize my legal knowledge, administrative experience, and commitment to increasing efficiency in a legal secretary position.
Work Experience
Legal Assistant
Johnson, Jimmeyer, and Jinks, P.A., Fargo, ND
2017-2023
- Managed and organized legal documents and correspondence while maintaining confidentiality.
- Assisted in the preparation of legal briefs and contracts.
- Facilitated communication between attorneys and clients.
- Scheduled appointments, court dates, and consultations.
- Conducted legal research as directed by attorneys.
Administrative Assistant
Marco & Associates Law Firm, Fargo, ND
2015-2017
- Provided clerical and administrative support to a team of five attorneys.
- Handled all incoming calls and correspondence.
- Organized and maintained client files with high standards for efficiency and confidentiality.
- Assisted in billing procedures.
- Coordinated meetings within the attorneys’ calendars.
Project Experience
Case Management System Transition, Johnson, Jimmeyer, and Jinks, P.A., 2021
- Led the transition to a new case management system, migrating client data safely.
- Trained team members on using the new software to ensure continued productivity and reduce downtime.
- Contributed to a smoother, more organized work process by ensuring accurate document categorization and easy retrieval.
Legal Research Project, Johnson, Jimmeyer, and Jinks, P.A., 2018
- Researched a keystone case to gather information on precedents and successful legal arguments.
- Assisted in drafting legal briefs based on research findings, contributing to a compelling and successful case presentation in court.
- Efforts led to a verdict in the client’s favor.
Skills
- Proficient in legal software, including Clio and LexisNexis
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Strong multitasking abilities
- Familiarity with legal terminology
- Drafting legal documents, including subpoenas, torts, and contracts
Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services: Purdue University Global, West Lafayette, IN, 2014-2016
Licenses & Accreditations
- Legal Secretary Certification (LCS), Purdue Global Online Legal Secretary Program
- Notary Public Certification (NPC), National Notary Association (NNA)
Why This Resume Works
This resume works because it shows potential employers that the applicant understands the intricacies and responsibilities of serving in a legal secretarial position, including familiarity with legal research and document drafting.
The candidate also has a solid educational background for the role by seeking a specialized associate’s degree that sets the student up for a career in legal support.
This applicant has more extensive legal knowledge than another candidate with a business administration degree.
They are also more likely to make it through the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) filters due to thoughtfully including Legal Secretary and Notary Public certifications.
School Secretary Resume Example
Working as a school secretary can be a fun, fulfilling career choice if you have a soft spot for children and the patience to assist them and their families.
In addition to managing typical secretarial tasks, like scheduling meetings and screening correspondence, you’ll ensure incoming or transferring student records are in order.
Why We Suggest This Resume
This resume is great because it highlights that they have achieved CAP and MOS certifications by attending a local community college. A potential employer will also appreciate their experience as a receptionist and administrative assistant.
- Type of Resume: School Secretary Resume Example
- Best For: Secretaries looking for a job in schools
Objective
Experienced administrative professional with seven years of experience in an educational setting. Seeking a position as a school secretary to utilize my office management expertise and quick problem-solving.
Work Experience
Administrative Assistant
Lewis and Clark Middle School, Trenton, NJ
2015-2023
- Managed student records while maintaining confidentiality.
- Coordinated staff meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and school-wide events.
- Handled incoming calls and email correspondence.
- Assisted students and parents with inquiries and concerns.
- Monitored and ordered office supplies.
Receptionist
Sacajawea Elementary School, Trenton, NJ
2012-2015
- Assisted parents, students, and visitors at the front desk.
- Answered phone calls and emails, providing information and assistance as requested.
- Prepared daily announcements and attendance reminders.
- Coordinated with other schools to send and receive student records using scanners, fax machines, and copiers.
- Performed general clerical duties to support administration.
Project Experience
Implementation of Digital Student Record Systems, Lewis & Clark Middle School, 2016
- Facilitated the transition from paper to digital student records, ensuring data entry accuracy and appropriate categorization.
- Trained office staff on the new system.
- Assisted in developing appropriate security protocols for data security.
Back-to-School Night Coordination, Sacajawea Elementary School, 2014
- Coordinated a school-wide and community event involving more than 400 students, faculty, and parents by handling all logistics and information dissemination.
- Collaborated with faculty, parent, and community volunteers in planning and executing the event.
- Successfully mitigated unexpected issues with music playback during the event to ensure a positive experience for the attendees.
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, eSchool Attendance Systems, and digital file management
- Excellent interpersonal and professional communication
- Patient and empathetic
- Data entry
- Knowledge of enterprise-level office machinery
Education
- Raritan Valley Community College: Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) with Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert Program, Branchburg, NJ, 2011-2012
Licenses & Accreditations
- Certified Educational Office Employee (CEOE), National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP)
- Notary Public Certification (NPC), National Notary Association (NNA)
Why This Resume Works
This applicant proves you don’t have to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to be a successful school secretary.
Rather than taking the more traditional route of going to a post-secondary university or community college, they opted for a more practical approach by obtaining their CAP and MOS certifications through a local community college.
Their potential employer will also appreciate their experience as a receptionist and administrative assistant, particularly if the job is within a smaller school.
Often, administrative assistants will take on dual roles at the front desk and help as necessary with clerical tasks.
Medical Secretary Resume Example
Like legal secretary resumes, a medical secretary’s resume must be industry-specific, emphasizing patient scheduling and HIPAA compliance.
If you’re applying for a position in a medical office, remember to highlight any skills or proficiencies in confidentiality and interpersonal communication.
Why We Suggest This Resume
This resume does an excellent job of showcasing the applicant's skills they can bring to a medical office. It highlights that the candidate has experience as both a receptionist and an administrative assistant, including patient communication and HIPAA-compliant records management.
- Type of Resume: Medical Secretary Resume Example
- Best For: Secretaries that want to work in health centers
Objective
Patient-focused medical secretary with nine years of experience in healthcare settings. Aiming to use my strong administrative skills, understanding of medical procedures, and excellent interpersonal communication in a medical secretary role.
Work Experience
Medical Administrative Assistant
Lincoln Medical Center, Lincoln, NE
2016-2023
- Managed patient records to ensure accuracy and HIPAA compliance, including medical information, billing, coding, insurance, and diagnostic results.
- Scheduled patient appointments, including sending out timely reminders and updates.
- Assisted with patient check-in and check-out procedures.
- Communicated with insurance companies to complete claims.
- Coordinated vendor orders and equipment repairs.
Receptionist
Family Care Medical Clinic, Lincoln, NE
2014-2015
- Greeted patients and handled incoming calls.
- Assisted with patient record management and appointment scheduling.
- Coordinated with the administrative assistant team to complete billing procedures and process insurance claims.
- Maintained a clean and organized clinic environment.
- Managed office supplies and inventory, including restocking.
Project Experience
Patient Appointment System Updates, Lincoln Medical Center, 2022
- Collaborated in developing and implementing a more robust patient appointment system to reduce patient wait times.
- Gathered and analyzed beta tester feedback to coordinate with IT to make improvements before the full launch.
- Increased patient satisfaction ratings by 30%.
Community Health Event, Family Care Medical Clinic, 2015
- Assisted in organizing a community health awareness event by managing registrations and communicating the necessary information.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to provide attendees with health education information and consultations.
- Created an ongoing newsletter for interested attendants, including populating the subscriber list, formatting the template, and sending it monthly.
Skills
- Expertise in medical software, including Epic Systems and Healow
- Familiarity with medical terminology and procedures
- Strong multitasking abilities
- Exceptional patient service
- Calendars and scheduling
Education
- Associate in Medical Office Administration: Herzing University Online, Milwaukee, WI, 2012-2014
Licenses & Accreditations
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), National Healthcare Association (NHA)
- Notary Public Certification (NPC), National Notary Association (NNA)
Why This Resume Works
In our final secretary resume example, the candidate does an excellent job of showcasing the skills they can bring to a medical office by discussing their experience as both a receptionist and an administrative assistant, including patient communication and HIPAA-compliant records management.
They also bring attention to their certification as a medical administrative assistant through the National Healthcare Association, an organization that any medical-industry employer would be familiar with.
The applicant also notes that they are familiar with insurance, medical, and billing procedures, which are crucial to success as a medical secretary.
Common Skills & Action Verbs to Include On a Secretary Resume
One of the most pressing concerns for modern job seekers is optimizing their resumes to make it through the ATS software systems most employers now have in place.
This keyword filtering platform sorts the “wheat from the chaff,” so to speak, automatically placing resumes that don’t have specific terms relevant to the role at a lower prioritization rank to make the hiring process more efficient.
When writing a secretary resume, you want to use skills, action verbs, and certifications that the recruiter or employer is most likely looking for.
Try using the job description to find keywords, then weave them throughout when applicable.
Common Skills for Secretary Resumes
Here are common skills for a secretary resume:
- Organization and planning
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Written/verbal communication
- Confidentiality
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite/ industry-specific platforms
- Records management
- Interpersonal skills
- Scheduling
- Event planning
- Document preparation
- Data entry
- Professional correspondence
- Adaptability
- Administrative procedures
- Knowledge of office equipment
- Filing systems
These skills are essential to fit the specific job requirements as they help the hiring manager understand the worth you would bring to the company.
Common Action Verbs for Secretary Resumes
Here are common action verbs for a secretary resume:
- Coordinated
- Managed
- Organized
- Assisted
- Scheduled
- Compiled
- Drafted
- Maintained
- Facilitated
- Communicated
- Prepared
- Organized
- Monitored
- Filed
- Answered
The action verbs are the primary magnifiers of your everyday roles as your handled your previous jobs.
Tips for Writing a Better Secretary Resume
If you want to catch the attention of potential employees, your secretary’s resume has to stand out from the competitors with a balance of excellent interpersonal skills and a solid administrative assistance background.
Each word should demonstrate why you are the candidate they’ve been searching for while nimbly avoiding overwhelming them with information. It’s not easy, but it’s the surest way to make it to the next phase of the hiring process.
To help you write an eye-catching and effective secretary resume, follow these three tips:
1. Let the Job Description Inform Your Resume Content
One of job seekers’ most common mistakes is using a one-size-fits-all resume without being mindful of the exact industry-level skills and certifications the employer might be looking for.
Rather than writing a single resume and sending it out with every job application, take the time to carefully and closely read the job description. Pull out the most relevant details and keywords, match them with your work experience, and highlight them in your resume.
Even if you don’t tick every box, you can use other relevant experience, such as that in a customer service role, to showcase why you are an ideal candidate willing to learn how to function in this new position.
For example, if the job description explicitly states that the candidate should have proficiency in a particular software system, like LexisNexis, remember to say that you have experience using the program.
If you don’t have experience with the program, note any similar platforms you’ve used and your computer competency so employers know you’re a fast learner.
2. Update Your Resume Regularly
Not only does regularly adding to your work experience and skills as you gain more experience ensure an updated resume at all times, but it’s also a significant time saver when you’re going through the tedious tasks of sending out job applications.
It’s also an excellent strategy for showing potential employers that you are continuously seeking opportunities to learn more and bolster your abilities along your career path, even after you’ve secured a job.
Finally, a regularly updated resume means that you’re always prepared for any unexpected but welcome job opportunities that might come your way.
It’s better to be amongst the first group of applicants than to risk flying under the radar once the hiring team has already sifted through countless other candidates.
3. Proofread Your Resume
Secretaries are often the first and last defense against typos and errors in workplace correspondence, whether an interoffice memo or a legal brief. As such, employers need to know you have strong English grammar skills and keen attention to detail.
The first opportunity to prove your ability in writing is in your resume. Do not underestimate the negative impact a spelling error or simple grammar mistake can have on your future employer’s impression of you or the positive effect of a thoroughly proofread and edited resume.
Not only does it convey your professionalism, but it also communicates that you care about the work you’re doing. You’re willing to check and double-check that you’ve said exactly what you mean in an organized, grammatically correct manner.
Having another person read over your resume once it’s written is often helpful. A fresh set of eyes can catch things that you might have missed.
You can also use digital services, like Grammarly and a word processor’s spell check tool, to detect the more obvious errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have lingering questions about creating your secretary resume? We cover two of the most frequently asked questions below.
What are the three qualities of a secretary?
Here are three qualities a secretary should have:
- Strong organizational skills for managing tasks and schedules.
- Excellent oral and written communication abilities in both interoffice and client-facing correspondence.
- Keen attention to detail, particularly in document preparation and event organization.
Regardless of industry or office setting, these skills will convince the hiring manager that you can handle the pressure or any daunting tasks their specific job has to offer.
What is a good example of a secretary’s resume objective?
A good example of a secretary’s resume objective is:
“Highly organized secretary with five years of experience in fast-paced office environments. Seeking a multifaceted secretarial position to use my exceptional administrative skills and expertise in digital and machine-based office technology.”
Similar Resume Types to Reference
If you would like additional support writing your secretary’s resume, these similar resume types feature similar skills and roles for you to reference.
- Administrative Assistant Resume: Secretarial and administrative assistant roles are often interchangeable, depending on the workplace culture.
- Medical Assistant Resume: Just as secretaries provide administrative assistance, medical assistants help others maintain job efficiency and productivity.
- Receptionist Resume: Secretaries and receptionists often overlap in job duties, particularly in smaller offices, clinics, and schools.
It is important to note the few differences in these resumes to understand how you can twist your resume to match the employer’s specific job requirements.
Wrapping Up
Secretaries are the heart of their office, ensuring that every system, file, and supply is well-managed and organized. As such, employers look for candidates with experience handling many tasks without missing a beat.
While that can be difficult to communicate in a single page, it’s not impossible, and we hope you found this article helpful in tackling the task of crafting an eye-catching secretary resume.
If you found this information helpful, please let us know in the comments and share it with others so they can feel more confident in their job search.