Name: Nompumelelo Thokozile Jele
Occupation: Secretary/Receptionist
Typical job description for this position.
Handling incoming and outgoing correspondence, reception of clients, screening of telephone and personal calls, control appointments, arrange bookings for business trips, manage office administration, well organised, good interpersonal skills, trusted with confidential information, well-groomed personal appearance.
Describe a typical workday?
This job is extremely interesting and dynamic! I find that my job is varied in the sense that on any given day, I do not just perform one duty. Although my main duties involve frontline skills and interacting with people on the phone, I co-ordinate all company functions including travel arrangements and accounts payable. I have recently been assigned to take on some of the HR duties for the Company i.e. leave schedules, medical aid and the provident fund. I will shortly be taking on the role of support desk administrator. This clearly shows how far this field of work can take you – the skies the limit!
Is there a dress code where you work?
No specific dress code but one has to use your own discretion – semi-formal or smart casual.
Describe your workplace Very relaxed, happy frontline environment.
Who do you report to? At the moment I report to the financial manager.
What do you like most about your job?
I thoroughly enjoy interacting with people. Being able to use my initiative and “think” about what needs to be done ensures that I’m never bored!
What do you like least about your job?
Answering the phone!
What do you have to study to qualify to do what you do?
I have studied a number of courses through Damelin in Durban, namely the Diploma in Advanced Secretarial and Computer skills, the Diploma in Personal Computing for Windows and the Higher Certificate in Personnel and Training Management.
What personal skills are most important to do your job well?
Good interpersonal skills are the most important.
What is the average starting salary in your job?
R3 500 to R4 000
What advice would you give someone wanting to go into this job?
My advice would be to obtain a Damelin Diploma in Advanced Secretarial and Computer Skills.
Damelin offer a number of secretarial courses, including a higher certificate in office administration
– The Teacher/M&G Media, Johannesburg, July 2001.