Secretary Job Description and Australian Pay Guide

Thinking about a career as a secretary? You are in good company. Secretaries keep workplaces running, and the role offers plenty of variety. Here is what the job involves, the skills employers look for, what you can expect to earn, and how to find your next role.

What does a secretary do?

A secretary handles administrative duties, routine tasks, appointments and correspondence. The work keeps the office moving day to day. Secretarial roles can be full time or part time, so you can shape the job around your life.

Typical duties include:

• Answering and directing phone calls
• Responding to and directing emails
• Arranging meetings
• Managing a manager's diary or calendar
• Making travel arrangements
• Maintaining a filing system
• Assisting with report preparation
• Keeping records of employees, customers and suppliers

Skills employers look for

Technical know-how matters, but people skills often make the difference. Employers want secretaries who can communicate clearly and stay calm under pressure. Strong secretaries are organised, proactive and discreet.

Key skills include:

• Great communication
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility and time management
• Teamwork and the ability to support others
• Diplomacy, discretion and tact
• Assertiveness when you need to negotiate
• Computer and software skills

Typing speed and shorthand

Most employers expect a typing speed of at least 30 words per minute. Around 60 words per minute is considered highly desirable. Some roles also ask for shorthand, particularly in legal or executive settings.

The secretary's role in meetings

In meetings, the secretary usually takes notes and supports participants. You record the discussion, outcomes and decisions made. Accurate minutes help the whole team stay on the same page.

Secretary vs administrative assistant

The two roles overlap, but the level of responsibility differs. An administrative assistant often holds a more senior position. They may organise schedules, create meeting agendas and think independently about what the business will need next.

Administrative assistants may also handle bookkeeping, including budgets and accounts payable or receivable. A secretary often supports them with data entry and tasks that management requires.

Assistant secretary and personal assistant roles

An assistant secretary supports a more senior secretary or team. The skills are very similar to a secretary role, but the position is more junior. A personal assistant is a separate role focused on supporting one person directly.

Secretary vs receptionist

Receptionists and secretaries share some duties, and a secretary may cover reception when needed. The key difference is customer or patient contact. Receptionists greet visitors at the front desk every day. Secretaries usually work with fewer face-to-face interactions.

What can you earn as a secretary?

Pay depends on experience, age and the award that applies to your role. Here is a general guide:

• Average pay: around $25 per hour
• Typical range: between $19 and $32 per hour
• Average weekly pay: around $1,500

Check the relevant award wage for the exact minimum rates before you negotiate.

Qualifications and study options

You can study secretarial skills online or at a tertiary institution. Common qualifications include:

• Certificate III or IV
• Diploma or Advanced Diploma
• Post Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate
• Bachelor degree
• Year 12 completion

Preparing for a secretary interview

Employers often ask about your motivation, experience and strengths. Prepare clear examples that show you can do the job. Use real situations from past roles and link them to what the employer needs.

Common questions include why you want the job, what your last role involved, your professional strengths and why the employer should hire you. A strong resume and a short, focused cover letter will also help you stand out.

Find your next secretary role

Connectzapp matches you with relevant jobs based on your profile. When you and an employer each express interest, a connection is made. There is no endless scrolling through listings that do not fit. You can also use the Connectzapp App to manage your matches on the go.

Here is the practical takeaway. Build a clear profile that shows your typing speed, software skills and past admin experience. Then let the right employers come to you.

Visit Connectzapp to create your profile and start matching with secretary roles today.

https://www.connectzapp.com

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