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Who Should Take This PA and Secretarial Skills Course?

This course is suitable for assistants and secretaries of all levels who wish to gain a more thorough understanding of the skills needed to be able to perform their role efficiently and with confidence. The course is designed as an introductory level and so no prerequisite training is needed.

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Certification

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Screenshots (click to view)

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Content

The course is divided into seven accessible, interactive modules and includes an assessment at the end:

• Introduction – your role as PA, secretary or assistant, maintaining a professional image, self-confidence, handshakes and being proactive.
• Managing Relationships – managing your manager, working styles, expectations, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, learning on the job, feedback and appraisals, trust and honesty and conflict management.
• Communication Skills – body language, assertiveness, telephone conversations, screening calls, taking messages, making outbound calls, e-mails and listening skills.
• Writing Skills - basic grammar and punctuation skills, writing letters, addressing envelopes, writing an e-mail, reports and social media.
• Meetings and Minutes - preparing for a meeting, finding a time in everyone’s calendar, writing an agenda, during the meeting, how to take minutes, shorthand and writing up minutes.
• Time Management - diary management, scheduling, prioritising, SMART goals, using a to-do list, multitasking, deadlines, organisation and overcoming procrastination.
• Ergonomics - potential injuries, display screen equipment, workstation set-up, reducing the risks, posture, working hours, office health and safety and stress management.

Download Course Overview (PDF) »

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Aims of the Course

By the end of this course, learners will:

• Understand the role of a PA, secretary or assistant and the skills needed to fulfil the role.
• Have knowledge of good communication skills, including how to be assertive and listen well.
• Learn more about business writing skills.
• Recognise the different working and management styles to enable you to work better with your boss.
• Understand how to better your diary management, scheduling and time management skills.
• Have knowledge of how to organise a successful meeting.
• Learn how to write and layout minutes and a meeting agenda.
• Understand the importance of office ergonomics.

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Assessment

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 20 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 80%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.