Office Careers

What Kind of Jobs are in Office Careers?

There are many Office Careers available to you, you just have to match your interests and capabilities to a suitable job. Office Jobs are often the kind that requires clerical and administrative duties.

Expect to fulfill duties like answering telephones, filing important documents, and arranging meetings or transport. If this excites you, you may want to apply for a receptionist, office admin, office assistant, or other roles.

Don’t have experience? The best way to get your foot in the door to secure an office job would be to apply for an entry-level position. You may also enrol for a course or two to help you build your skills. Here are some of the office careers you can explore:

• Office Administrator
• Secretary
• Assistant

The Benefits of Working in an Office

Working in an office can help you develop your character and teach you many valuable life skills. It will change the way you behave around people and will encourage you to always act professionally. Working in an office will push you to always perform your best, and motivate those around you. 

Improves Your Social Skills

If your communication and social skills are lacking, working in an office could make you more confident in your abilities. You will participate in group projects, meet with clients, and communicate with senior staff. This will allow you to get enough practice and improve your communication skills. 

Increases Your Creativity 

Working in an office environment will constantly challenge you to come up with creative ways to solve problems. You will also be exposed to creative individuals who will inspire you to push beyond your best. Use the opportunity to learn from one another and share your ideas. 

Earn a Handsome Salary

A chance to earn a respectable income – who would say no to that? Working in an office  environment is often associated with high salaries. Of course, salaries will differ depending on your experience and daily duties. According to Indeed, the average salary of an Office Administrator is R 9 800 per month. Legal Secretaries earn an average of R10 800 per month. While the average Receptionist earns R 8 100.

How can I get an Office Job With No Experience?

Looking to make a career change, but don’t have the experience? Yes, it is possible to get out of your situation if you take the needed steps to land your first office job. Here’s how you can improve your chances.

Get the Training/ Education

The best way to make up for being inexperienced is to demonstrate that you have the skills needed to do the job. If you’re lacking skills and experience, it’s time to invest in yourself and take up a course. 

A course will teach you all there is to know about performing your daily tasks. Distance learning students will have an advantage over others, because they will gain time management skills by balancing work and their studies.

Embrace Technology 

Chances are your Office Career will depend on your ability to work on a computer and other office equipment. The majority of your tasks will be performed on a laptop or computer and supporting equipment. Therefore, it’s best if you learn how they work. With enough practice and maybe a computer course or two, you will be able to embrace technology easily.

Build Your Network

Try to make networking part of your daily routine. This could help you to get your foot in the door or even help you climb the corporate ladder. Networking is a great opportunity to learn about job openings. You may also use networking to learn more what recruiters are looking for in terms of skills, experience and education. You can network with teachers, lecturers, classmates, friends, former or current colleagues, acquaintances, and more. 

Improve Your CV

Look at the requirements needed for the job and see if you meet them. It’s not ethical to lie on your CV, rather focus on the skills and experiences you currently have. Look at the administrative duties you had in previous roles and highlight them in your CV or job application. Remember, skills are easily taught. Work on ways to constantly improve your skill set and CV. 

Skills Needed for Office Careers

Don’t meet the requirements for the job? Do not worry. You can always improve yourself to make sure you are what recruiters are looking for and more. The best way to improve your skill set is by enrolling in a course. Here are some of the technical and soft skills most recruiters are looking for. 

Soft Skills

Soft skills refer to the personal attributes a person has. These skills determine how well you will work within a team or perform in a work environment.  Make sure you have or work on getting the following soft skills:

• Communication
• Critical thinking
• Decision-making 
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Strong work ethic

Technical Skills

Technical skills refers to the knowledge, skills and experience you have to perform your daily duties. Recruiters hire people who will be able to get the job done. Make sure you’re the person they’re looking for. These skills can be taught and mastered with enough practice. Make sure you can do the following when applying for your dream:

• Answering telephones.
• Sending and accessing email.
• Bookkeeping, filing and maintaining office records.
• Accessing and working on Microsoft products.