Business Services jobs

Jobs in business services can be challenging but rewarding, as you take on duties that allow your employer's company to thrive in prosperous times, and adapt to challenges as they arise. Whether you assist an individual or carry out tasks on behalf of a whole department, you are likely to become one of the most valued members of your team over time.

Expected job role tasks

Business services roles encompass a wide range of tasks, usually with a focus on admin and assisting others in performing their duties. You may be responsible for scheduling and keeping track of appointments, carrying out day-to-day office administration activities, and keeping up with correspondence on behalf of a manager or executive.

You will need strong organisational skills and attention to detail. It can also be useful if you have a good memory, so that you remember when an appointment or meeting is due to take place, whether or not you also keep a written calendar and electronic reminders.

Primary function

The primary function of jobs in business services is to provide secretarial duties and business support to one or more individuals in your organisation. This can range from dedicated roles such as typing, through to more general positions as a personal assistant to a senior executive, or an office administrator with a broad remit of daily duties.

Ultimately the job is to support others within the business to meet their own obligations, ranging from scheduled meetings, to correspondence, and generally maximising productivity for a person, team or department. This contribution can lead to business services assistants becoming a critical member of their organisation with significant control of appointment setting and outgoing communications.

Necessary hard/soft skills

Secretarial and business support roles can be demanding and you should be prepared to cope with possible stress when it arises. Tight schedules with lots of commitments need constant awareness of timekeeping, obligations and expectations. You should be adept at managing multiple tasks at the same time, prioritising those that are most important, and creating a schedule that ensures everything gets done.

There may be technical skills required to carry out a business services role. Computer literacy and ICT skills are beneficial. You may need to liaise with colleagues and third parties via email and telephone, as well as maintaining an electronic planner or online calendar of upcoming commitments. In some roles you may also have responsibility for budgets and finance, in which case you will need a good level of numeracy.

Qualifications required:

Entry-level secretarial roles usually do not require specific qualifications. However, you may be asked to demonstrate a minimum standard of literacy for roles with communications responsibilities, and numeracy for roles with financial duties. If you have higher-level qualifications such as a business studies A-level, any university degree or an equivalent certificate or diploma, these will all help strengthen your application.

Industry-specific qualifications can help you into a secretarial role within the relevant sector. For example, if you have a medical or healthcare background, you may find it easier to get a job with the NHS or with a private healthcare provider. Some public sector business support jobs may also need a criminal record background check, particularly if you will be working with vulnerable people or children.

If you would like further guidance or more information on a career with Michael Page, please submit your CV today.