What makes this resume great
This resume is a great example for a Secretary because it demonstrates a clear career progression in administrative roles, showing increasing responsibility and expertise. The candidate lists relevant, in-demand skills such as calendar management, document preparation, and confidentiality. The education section is directly related to the field, and the work experience spans reputable organizations. The resume is well-organized, making it easy for employers to quickly assess qualifications. The inclusion of a professional website and LinkedIn profile adds credibility and accessibility.
Resume summary examples for Secretary
Example #1
Strong Summary
Detail-oriented and highly organized Secretary with over 10 years of experience supporting executives and teams in fast-paced environments. Proven track record in calendar management, meeting coordination, and confidential document handling. Adept at streamlining office operations and providing exceptional customer service.
Weak Summary
I have worked as a secretary for a long time and can do office tasks. I am good at helping people and organizing things.
Example #2
Strong Summary
Experienced Executive Secretary skilled in managing complex schedules, preparing documents, and coordinating travel for senior leadership. Recognized for strong written communication and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Weak Summary
I have experience working with executives and can handle their schedules. I am good at keeping things private.
Example #3
Strong Summary
Proactive and reliable Secretary with expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, data entry, and time management. Committed to supporting organizational goals through efficient administrative support.
Weak Summary
I know how to use Microsoft Office and can do data entry. I am good at managing my time.
Resume achievement examples for Secretary
Example #1
Strong Achievement
Managed scheduling and logistics for 5 senior executives, reducing meeting conflicts by 30% and improving overall office efficiency.
Weak Achievement
Helped schedule meetings for executives and made the office run smoothly.
Example #2
Strong Achievement
Coordinated travel arrangements for over 20 business trips annually, ensuring cost savings of 15% through vendor negotiations.
Weak Achievement
Arranged travel for staff and tried to save money when possible.
Example #3
Strong Achievement
Prepared and proofread over 100 confidential documents monthly with a 99% accuracy rate, supporting legal and healthcare teams.
Weak Achievement
Prepared documents and made sure they were correct.
Essential skills for a Secretary
- Calendar Management
- Meeting Coordination
- Travel Arrangements
- Document Preparation
- Data Entry
- Customer Service
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Time Management
- Confidentiality
- Written Communication
Resume best practices
Tailor Your Resume for a Secretary
Customize your resume for the specific position you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description and highlight the most relevant experience.
Keep It Concise and Focused
Ideally, your resume should be one page (two if you have extensive experience). Focus on achievements and essential information and avoid fluff.
Use a Clean, Professional Format
Stick to a simple layout with consistent font, spacing, and section headings. Use bullet points for readability. Avoid overly decorative fonts or colors.
Start with a Strong Summary
Write a compelling summary or objective at the top that briefly outlines your background, key skills, and what you bring to being a Secretary.
Emphasize Achievements Over Duties
Use bullet points to describe what you accomplished as a Secretary, not just what you were responsible for. Include measurable results when possible (e.g., "Increased sales by 25% in six months").
Use Action Verbs
Start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," "Improved," "Streamlined," to convey impact and ownership.
Highlight Skills and Tools
Create a dedicated skills section that includes technical tools, software, or soft skills relevant to being a Secretary (e.g., Excel, Python, CRM systems, leadership, communication).
Include Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any relevant certifications or ongoing courses. Mention GPA if it’s strong (generally above 3.5) and you're early in your career.
Proofread Carefully
Avoid spelling or grammatical errors since they can be deal-breakers. Ask someone else to review your resume or use tools like Grammarly.