Office staff are the people behind the scenes that keep the wheels of the business moving. Working in a busy office environment can be one of the most important roles in an organisation.
Who can I work for?
Dentists, doctors, schools, banks and councils. In fact, you can work for just about any organisation that has an administration function.
Where and when can I work?
A career as an office professional will allow you to work anywhere in the country from small offices in towns and villages to large multi-national firms in large cities. Working hours are typically 9am-5pm on weekdays.
What can I earn?
Salaries for office staff depends on the company and the area of the country that you are working in. Salaries can range from £13,000 to £25,000.
What are the benefits?
The working hours for office staff are very sociable, allowing you to maintain a strong life/work balance. Larger companies will often offer a pension scheme and other benefits related to the business sector.
Are there chances of promotion?
Managerial and supervisory roles are very common and are a natural progression for many office staff. Opportunities, however, are dependent on the size of the company you work for.
What will I be responsible for?
Office staff are responsible for operational running of an office. Their responsibilities include dealing with paperwork, answering the telephones and redirecting calls, filing and data input.
Do I need any experience?
Previous experience is not always required, as many employers will offer on-the-job training. A good academic background, including GCSEs, can help you get an interview. The rest is down to personality.
What attributes are needed?
You will need to be organised, professional, well presented and efficient. A good telephone manner and all round communication skills are also key attributes in this profession.