Resumes & Cover Letters

Tips on Writing the Most Effective Resume to Become a School Secretary

Have you decided that you want to become a school secretary? School secretaries play a significant role in the smooth operations of a school office. When it comes to writing a resume, you might be wondering where to start. This article will go over all of the main points to include in your resume in order to be the most effective in your job search journey.

1. Personal information

Regardless of what job you are applying for, every resume will need your name, mailing address, and phone number. Make sure this is clear and legible right in the top header of your resume.

2. Objective statement

Your objective statement should be short and sweet while effectively communicating your career goals and why you are applying for the position. Keep it 2 to 3 sentences long. A good resume objective includes the job title you’re applying for, two to three related key skills, and what you hope to achieve in the job.

3. Work Experience

This section of the resume shows the employer where you have gained your experience. You want to include the job title, time frame, and where you worked. Also, include a few bullet points that explain your job duties and accomplishments at that job. This is an essential part of your resume because it proves that you have the skills for the job. For a school secretary resume, be sure to include skills that you would use in this job, such as:

  • Managing files and databases
  • Maintaining attendance records
  • Confirm attendance information from parents and doctors and investigate any discrepancies
  • Ensure compliance with school policies and procedures
  • Other secretarial, clerical, and administrative duties

3. Education 

Adding your education to your resume is helpful for any job. Check with the school district you are applying for to ensure you have the education requirements. Some schools might require specific education for their school secretaries. It is common for a high school diploma at a minimum, but some college degrees or certificates might be needed.

4. Technical skills

In this section of your resume, you can add any skills you think might help show that you are qualified. Common school secretary skills include:

  • MS Word
  • Excel
  • Powerpoint
  • multi-line phone system
  • typing 70 wpm

It is essential to limit the number of skills you list to only the most important ones or ones that are not assumed with your prior work experience.

5. Core Competencies

Another section you can add to your resume is your core competencies, or what makes you most qualified for this job. Some examples of skills that would be helpful to have as a school secretary are:

  • excellent planning and organization skills
  • effective verbal and written communication
  • data collection and management

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