Ensure your CV format is structured to best highlight your unique experience and life situation.
Secretary CV Template (Text Format)
PERSONAL STATEMENT
Secretary with 5+ years of expertise in managing legal documents, coordinating schedules, and facilitating client communications. Experience in legal and property sectors, with a demonstrated ability to support teams in document preparation and research. Known for exceptional organisational skills, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Secretary
Pinsent Masons LLP, Belfast | Jan 20XX – Present
- Manage legal documentation including contracts and deeds, ensuring accurate filing and compliance with legal standards
- Coordinate schedules and meetings for legal teams and clients, effectively managing multiple diaries simultaneously
- Handle client communications, drafting correspondence related to commercial property transactions
- Assist with legal research and case preparation, focusing on property law and compliance
- Transcribe legal documents and audio recordings with a high level of accuracy and confidentiality
Legal Secretary
Tughans Solicitors, Belfast | Jul 20XX – Dec 20XX
- Prepared and reviewed contracts and lease agreements, ensuring all documentation adhered to legal requirements
- Managed the scheduling of client meetings and court dates, balancing the needs of multiple solicitors
- Provided transcription services, converting dictations into formal legal documents with precision
- Liaised with clients, legal teams, and property managers, ensuring clear and timely communication
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive legal information, particularly concerning ongoing property transactions
Administrative Assistant
Savills, Belfast | Jul 20XX – Jun 20XX
- Supported the commercial real estate team by managing CRM systems and client databases, enhancing relationship management
- Assisted in preparing reports, ensuring all data was accurate and up-to-date
- Organised physical and electronic filing systems, ensuring easy access to property documents and contracts
- Coordinated internal and client-facing meetings, managing schedules and logistics effectively
- Provided administrative support for contract preparation, including initial drafting and document revisions
EDUCATION
Higher Diploma in Legal Studies
Belfast Metropolitan College | Graduated: 20XX
Focused on property law, legal research, and contract management. Completed modules in Real Estate Law, Commercial Contracts, and Legal Ethics.
BA (Hons) French Studies
Queen’s University Belfast | Graduated: 20XX
A Levels
St. Dominic’s Grammar School, Belfast | Graduated: 20XX
French (A), English Literature (B), Business Studies (B)
KEY SKILLS
- Document management
- Diary and calendar management
- Audio typing and transcription
- Legal research
- Client correspondence
- Real estate CRM systems
- Discretion and confidentiality
How to write a secretary CV
Before you begin writing, make sure you know how to write a CV in a way that best emphasises your strengths.
A standout secretary CV should demonstrate both strong people skills and technical proficiency. Employers value candidates who can manage office tasks efficiently while remaining a professional and approachable.
This guide offers four tips to help you write a standout CV that highlights the skills that employers value most.
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1. Write a tailored secretarial personal statement
An effective personal statement should show the employer that you understand their specific needs. To do so, directly address skill requirements in the job description and highlight valuable secretary traits, such as organisational skills, experience with office management, and familiarity with relevant software.
Demonstrate your ability to support the smooth running of an office by highlighting how you adeptly manage calendars, organise meetings, and prepare documents.
Example secretary personal statement
Efficient and organised secretary with 5 years of experience in office administration and calendar management. Skilled in handling sensitive correspondence, coordinating meetings, and preparing reports with a high degree of accuracy. Proficient in MS Office and cloud-based tools, with a proven ability to improve office workflow and increase productivity. Looking to bring my expertise in administration and strong organisational skills to support the team at Nescot Enterprises.
2. Showcase the right secretarial skills
Your CV’s skills section should immediately communicate a balance of technical skills and interpersonal abilities. Focus on skills that demonstrate both efficiency and professionalism in supporting office functions.
Example of a secretary’s key skills:
Hard Skills:
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Calendar and email management (e.g., Outlook, Google Workspace)
- Meeting scheduling and minute-taking
- Document preparation and formatting
- Filing and document management (physical and digital)
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Zoho)
- 75 WPM
Soft skills:
- Communication (verbal and written)
- Time management
- Organisation and multitasking
- Attention to detail
- Discretion and confidentiality
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
Highlight your attention to detail by ensuring your CV is perfectly formatted and free of errors.
3. Outline your work experience
Use your work experience section to demonstrate your ability to handle key secretary tasks, like managing communications, supporting teams, and maintaining office systems.
Including these details shows that you have the practical skills necessary to keep an office organised and efficient. Illustrating your skills with quantified achievements helps employers see how you would manage daily operations and provide reliable support if given the job.
Example work experience section
Secretary
BarratDevelopments, London
June 20XX – Present
- Implemented a digital scheduling tool and automated reminders for senior partners, reducing scheduling conflicts and missed appointments, which improved overall scheduling efficiency by 20%
- Prepared and proofread legal documents, eradicating all errors
- Organised weekly team meetings, ensuring timely distribution of minutes and action points
- Reduced office supply costs by 15% through diligent stock management and supplier negotiation
- Assisted with client correspondence, handling sensitive information with discretion
Administrative Assistant
Lloyd’s of London, London
May 20XX – May 20XX
- Coordinated internal and external communications, streamlining email management for 10 team members
- Developed and maintained an organised filing system, reducing document retrieval time by 25%
- Scheduled travel and accommodation for senior staff, negotiating favourable rates with suppliers
4. Highlight your education and relevant qualifications
Employees may be more interested in your computer, telephone, and office skills than your formal qualifications, but you should still include your GCSEs if that’s your highest level of education. If you any relevant qualifications that demonstrate your ability to fulfil secretarial duties add them too.
Even if you don’t have a degree, certifications in office administration or secretarial courses will strengthen the education section of your CV.
Example education section
Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration
City & Guilds, London
Completed: June 20XXGCSEs
Greenfield Secondary School, Manchester
Completed: June 20XX
- 9 GCSEs including English Language, Mathematics, and ICT
Secretary job outlook in 2025 — things to know
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), secretaries in the UK earn an average annual salary of £21,340.
You can find information about the gender pay gap for secretaries on the ONS’ website.