Some job descriptions have changed so much over the years they’re unrecognisable today.
Take that of a secretary, for example. The expectations placed upon these admin pros in the 1950s are wildly different than modern expectations.
When have you ever wandered into a workplace and seen the secretary fixing a whisky for the boss at 10am, just like Joan from Mad Men?
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Let’s take a look at some of the historical characteristics of the stalwart secretary and see how they match up with the modern version.
Appearance
Up until fairly recently secretaries, – and, in fact, most admin staff – have typically been women. Prim, proper and perfectly turned out, the historical secretary was expected to be fastidious in her personal grooming.
As ambassadors for the company, ‘looking the part’ was vital.
When it comes to the modern secretary, the rules on appearance are more sensible. A neat, well-turned-out look is important for both men and women but many companies don’t enforce strict dress codes.
Attitude
Polite, deferential, submissive . . . just a few of the adjectives used to describe the vintage secretary.
Of course, the modern secretary should be mannerly but also have an independent, positive outlook and never be robotic.
Charisma, self-belief and drive are all great traits for a modern PA or secretary.
Office duties
Back in the day, secretaries were expected to know their way around a typewriter, the filing system and phone.
Today’s secretaries have greater responsibilities when it comes to navigating systems. Computers, mobiles, the internet, software packages, digital accounting, scanners, printers – the inventory of office tech is endless.
While secretaries aren’t expected to be tech wizards, they are typically required to have a basic grounding in technology.
Job Titles
Way back when, a secretary was a secretary. Today a secretary can have many different guises. PA, executive assistant, office manager, administrator . . . these all come under the secretarial banner.
Crucially, men and women working in secretarial roles have much more in the way of potential for professional development.
Promotions or career changes are always possible.
Going above and beyond
Secretaries of the past were often charged with performing duties that had little to do with the company. Picking up dry-cleaning, arranging trips, buying birthday gifts for the boss’s family . . .
The modern secretary is their own boss but, in many respects, will still take on extra responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of the company.
If you’re looking for a thoroughly modern role check out the Admin, Secretarial and PA vacancies on s1jobs