Category: News

Junior Receptionist Job in London

Posted on by Silva

This will suit people from the Receptionist Course and the Receptionist Diploma

The Junior Receptionist/Runner position has become vacant as our current junior receptionist is moving over to work on account work full-time and start her PR career with us. She came to us on a temp basis last year and was offered a permanent role within days. Her predecessor came to us after finishing her A-levels in 2015. She was promoted onto full-time account work in just under a year of joining us, and has since been promoted again to an Account Executive. We are further developing their career in PR by paying for her to gain a level 4 Higher qualification in Public Relations, equivalent to the first year of a degree, through the PRCA, the PR consultancy industry’s trade body.

The above overview shows, how much of an excellent opportunity this job could be for an ambitious person. Please apply now. 

Junior Receptionist Job London

 

Junior Receptionist Job in London

 

 

Hours: 9am – 6pm

Salary: 19-21k depending on experience

Position type: Permanent

Start date: ASAP

Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

  • Ensuring all reception services run smoothly
  • Working closely with our Office Manager you’ll support the front of house / reception area
  • Assisting with the day-to-day running of the office
  • Booking meeting rooms in diaries
  • Answering, screening and forwarding telephone calls
  • Taking accurate messages where required
  • Greeting clients and external contractors
  • Organising and setting up meeting rooms (with the support of the Office Manager)
  • Administering security key fobs
  • Ordering breakfast/lunch for meetings as required
  • Preparing outgoing post (with the support of the Office Manager)
  • Ordering and arranging for taxis and couriers
  • Organising and keeping the front of house tidy (NB. including toilets checks)
  • Archiving working alongside PR account teams to identify documents/products that need archiving within the office or storing
  • Assisting in setup at social events
  • Photocopying and binding as and when required
  • Assisting with putting together mail-outs for media or clients
  • Managing newspapers for the office on a daily basis (distributing new copies, archiving old ones)
  • Ad-hoc support for client events / campaignsKey skills & competencies
  • Personable, friendly but professional approach
  • Highly organised with good multi-tasking skills
  • Proactive attitude
    • Excellent attention to detail
  • Strong written and verbal English communication skills
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a busy environment

How Can I Become a PA?

Posted on by Silva

Finding a PA Job is not an easy task as you need a wide range of skills and experience to be an effective PA. Therefore, we are giving you a brief guide on what you should be aiming to gain to become a PA.

PA Job Skills

PA Jobs can be divided into Technical skills and Interpersonal Skills, both are of equal importance. Remember that this is a people-facing career, so you need to focus on interpersonal skills.

Here are typical requirements for Interpersonal skills:

  • Communication (written, verbal)
  • Leadership
  • Influencing others
  • Adaptability
  • Persuasiveness
  • Problem-solving
  • Decision-making
  • Teamwork
  • Flexibility
  • Client care skills

As you can see there is quite a range of interpersonal skills that are needed to be a good PA. Therefore, when you are choosing a PA Course to become a PA it is important that the PA Course is delivered by a live tutor in a classroom environment. This method of training is essential to ensure that you gain practical discussions over the types of interpersonal skills that are needed to be a PA. Any form of online training is not going to be ideal for this part of the job but does work for the technical skills that are listed below.

Here are the typical requirements for Technical Skills:

  • Diarising
  • Prioritising
  • Organising
  • Microsoft Office Skills
  • Business Letter Writing
  • Emails
  • Telephone skills
  • Minute Taking
  • Travel Bookings
  • Coordination of Diaries and Travel on an international basis
  • Processing Invoices
  • Petty Cash Management

These are the most typical PA technical skills, but some jobs may require more specialised knowledge and skills. This array of skills can be developed on a PA Training Course and our Courses are ideally designed to meet the requirements of a PA job description. Finally, you should ensure that the Certificate or Diploma gained on a PA Course has a recognised accreditation. The IEAA Accreditation offered by Souters offers this advantage. You actually gain the recognition of attending an internationally respected PA Training College, in Souters, as well as gaining IEAA Accreditation.

How Can I Become a PA?

All of the skills listed above can be gained on PA Training Courses, but you can continue to build them with work experience. You should never feel that once you have completed training and got a PA Job you do not need to continue to develop. All PAs must continually develop their skills to keep ahead of the competition and be able to move up to better jobs in the future. London is a competitive PA Job market, but it offers great opportunities for those who do well.

How Can I Become a PA

How Clarinda made a career change to become a Legal Secretary

Posted on by Silva

Enrol in a Legal Secretary course at Souters to assist you in getting into the legal field. For more information please CLICK HERE

Prior to your Souters Course, what was your employment situation?

I had just arrived in London after having decided to undergo a career change from being in the Beauty industry to wanting a more ‘serious’ role. I started by registering with agencies and doing as many temping assignments as I could to gain experience and references.

What is your current job?

I am a Legal EA to a Conveyancer and an assistant to his team.

Why did you decide to take a Souters’ course?

Having changed career paths and being able to show future employers that I was enrolled to do a PA Diploma and Legal Secretary Course confirmed I was taking the move seriously. Also, being new to the UK, I wanted to make sure my skills were ‘up to par’ for companies here.

What courses did you complete at Souters?

PA Diploma

Level 3 Legal Secretary

What did you enjoy about the courses?

Classes were small. The course content is interesting and very relevant. The tutors are very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the text processing during the Legal Secretary course – really useful and you use it daily in your work. The Legal Secretary Course also gives you very good background information on the UK legal system and how a law firm works as well as your role in it. I also enjoyed the fact that the Legal Secretary courses could be done from home and assignment submissions and feedback was done by email – which is helpful if you work full time.

In what ways do you feel that the course has benefited you?

I am much more confident in how I apply myself to my job and am much more willing to take on new tasks because they don’t daunt me.  For example, taking minutes and doing audio dictation was something I have never done before – you practice it so much that it’s second nature now.  My Microsoft Office skills have also improved which makes me much more efficient.

Were you able to get a job following your course?

Yes, I got a job whilst I was doing the course(s).

In particular, how has the course benefited your career?

It showed that I was serious and willing to invest in my career change. My employer thought it was great that I made the decision to change careers and study for something completely different and it showed I was dedicated.

What do you advise anyone who is considering taking the course?

I would say assess where or in what type of industry you would like to work and see what their requirements are for the job. Most law firms, for example, require a Legal Secretary certificate as a minimum, and so I did it.

What are your future aspirations in your career?

I am taking my legal studies further and who knows, perhaps become a solicitor one day.

Would you consider taking another course to further your career and skill set?

Yes, I would consider Office Management.

Receptionist Job in London reporting the PA to Headmaster

Posted on by Silva
POST TITLE:           Receptionist
STATUS:                 Permanent, Full Time
LINE MANAGER:   Office Manager/PA to Headmaster
Ideal for someone from the Receptionist Courses.
JOB DESCRIPTION
To undertake a range of clerical, administrative and receptionist duties which aid the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of the school. To act as initial point of contact for the school: greeting visitors, pupils, staff and parents, and receiving incoming telephone calls.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Undertake receptionist and front of house duties, such as answering the telephone, dealing with face-to-face enquiries and signing in visitors.
  • Have due regard for the welfare and safeguarding of pupils and staff by ensuring that all visitors to the school sign in, and are issued with the appropriate identification badges and notified of the school fire procedure, as per the school’s health & safety and safeguarding policies.
  • Receive visitors, students and staff for prospective tours and parents’ evenings, providing refreshments as necessary.
  • Assist the Office Manager with general administrative and clerical duties including printing, laminating, photocopying, scanning, filing and making labels.
  • Sort and distribute incoming mail in a timely manner; prepare all outgoing mail (including courier delivery).
  • Accurately update and maintain school and pupil records, both manually and electronically in the school’s management information system (currently SIMS), and notify school associations (DfE, Ofsted or similar) of any changes to key personnel.
  • Assist with the compiling of school reports, and email or post these to parents within the scheduled timeframe.
  • Manage the supply of office stationery under the direction of the Office Manager
  • Provide basic levels of administrative support for teaching staff and the Senior Management Team.
  • Ensure the reception/visitors’ area is kept tidy and presentable and replenish supplies of school marketing material.
  • Collect monies in relation to school activities.
  • Book school photographers, transport and other external agencies as advised by your line manager.
  • Provide administrative support to ensure a seamless transition in the induction of new staff (usually over the holidays): update pigeon holes, email distribution lists and school registers with the names of new starters.
  • Assist the Senior Management Team with administrative duties as and when required.
  • Identify reasons and suggest remedial measures to your line manager in respect of types of queries that are challenging to resolve, occur frequently and/or take up significant amounts of time.
  • Participate in relevant staff meetings and support staff training and development sessions.
  • Undertake first aid and/or fire marshal duties where required by the School.
  • Carry out such tasks as shall be deemed necessary by your line manager/Headmaster to ensure the smooth running of the school.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Education and Skills

The candidate will:

  • Be educated to a good standard, including GCSE or equivalent in Maths and English.
  • Be proficient in the use of ICT applications and information management systems such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and SIMS (or similar)
  • Show a commitment to continued professional development.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Competencies for the Role

The candidate will:

 

  • Have excellent communication and customer service skills, including a confident telephone manner.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure and use one’s own initiative.
  • Be well presented, wearing suitable office-dress attire.
  • Deal with sensitive matters discretely and confidentially where applicable.
  • Be flexible with their time, and highly organised.
  • Show excellent attention to detail.
  • Have a competent and compassionate nature.

SAFEGUARDING

All employees of KPS must have due regard for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, ensuring compliance with school policy and DfE legislation: Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2016)

HEALTH AND SAFETY

All employees of KPS must have due regard for general Health and Safety, acting according to school policy and the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)

WORKING HOURS

The front desk must always be manned from Monday – Friday between the hours of 8.00am – 6.00pm. This is a full-time role for two receptionists, and the hours will be shared between both roles. This is an all year round post; the post holder is required to work throughout the year including school holiday periods.

HOLIDAYS

The receptionist is granted 20 working days’ holiday per year, plus Public Holidays and any discretionary stand-down period which may be granted over the Christmas/New year period. Holiday dates should be agreed in advance with your line manager and should be taken during the School’s main holidays. Holidays will be granted provided there is adequate reception cover.

It is the nature of school life that administrative staff need to have a high degree of flexibility. You must expect therefore from time to time to help where needed and to undertake tasks of a more general nature that are not specifically mentioned in this job description. This job description should be seen as a guideline and not a comprehensive list of duties.

Office Manager Jobs London

 

How I got a Promotion to a Legal PA in a London law firm.

Posted on by Silva

Find out more about taking the Executive PA Diploma by CLICKING HERE

Prior to your Souters course, what was your employment situation?

I was working as a filing administrator at a major law firm.

What is your current job?

I now undertake a Legal Administrator/ PA role at the same law firm.

Why did you decide to take a Souter’s Course?

I thought in order to progress my career I needed to undertake a course or go into further education, Souter’s PA course was ideal for me at the time and it fitted in well with my working life.

What course did you complete at Souters?

I undertook the Executive PA Diploma.

What did you enjoy about the Course?

I enjoyed all of the courses, from the classroom interaction to the online IT modules.

In what ways do you feel the course has benefited you?

It has benefited me massively on a personal level and professional level, On a personal level it has given me the confidence to undertake all challenges in a PA role. And on a professional level, companies see that I have done this course and are willing to give me a chance, a chance that they were not giving me beforehand.

Were you able to get a job following your course?

Yes, the course played a massive role in my gaining a promotion at my current firm, they indicated that if I did not have the course on my C.V. I would more than likely not have been considered.

In particular, how has the course benefited your career?

How I Got a Promotion

How I got a Promotion

It has benefited my career massively, I now have a new job role and looking to progress even further in the near future, with the course on my C.V. as well as the experience to go with it I believe I can go further.

What do you advise anyone who is taking the course?

I strongly recommend to anyone thinking about taking the course to do it, it had been 10 years since I had been in a “classroom” environment and was nervous, but the tutors put me at ease straight away and that allowed me to grow in confidence and complete the course. I would say this explains a lot of how I got a promotion.

What are your future aspirations in your career?

For the moment, I just to keep progressing in the role I am doing and hopefully become a senior PA.

Would you consider taking another course to further your career and skill set?

Yes, I would consider taking another course, seeing the impact of doing the previous course has opened my eyes and I would like to take another course in the future to again better myself.

Sarah passes our PA Diploma to get a new PA Job to Finance Partner

Posted on by Silva

Prior to your Souters Course, what was your employment situation?

I had recently graduated from University with a BA (Hons) in Applied Languages (French and German). I had some PA and Administrative experience which I acquired whilst studying.

What is your Job now that you have finished the course?

PA to a Finance Partner

Get a new PA Job

Why did you decide to take a Souters Course?

I wanted to have training in Microsoft Office, Touch Typing and Audio. I knew that my degree would not be enough alone to get my dream job.

What courses did you complete at Souters?

Secretary PA Diploma

Executive PA Diploma

What did you enjoy about the courses most?

I enjoyed the variety of topics, the ability to work in the college and at home, and the support from the tutors.

How do you believe that the course has benefited you?

Firstly, I have been able to apply the things that I have learnt to my new job. Secondly, I have two new qualifications to my name, which all in all have given me far more confidence in my career.

Were you able to get a job following the course?

Yes, I am now PA to a Finance Partner

In particular, how has the course benefited your career?

I am better equipped to work for a variety of people and am better prepared for the diverse tasks which I could be given.

What do you advise anyone who is considering taking the course?

Start with the Secretary PA Course and see how that suits you. The Diplomas are ideal for my needs and upgrading to them could not be easier.

What are future career aspirations?

I aspired to become an EA in an international firm. I hope to be able to use my degree within the role.

Would you consider taking another course in the future to further your career and skill set?

Yes

Successful PA Career story

Our PA Qualifications

Numerous people have taken our PA Courses in order to get a new PA Job. We offer a range of PA and Executive PA qualifications and all of our training courses are now accredited by the CPD Standards or the IEAA.

How I got a PA Job following my PA Course

Posted on by Silva

Cristina Kyriakides managed to get a new job and develop her career whilst still completing her PA Course.

Prior to your Souters Course what was your employment situation?

I was a Receptionist and I took the Souters Course to improve my job options.

Why did you decide to take a Souters course?

I was keen to develop my career further from being a Receptionist. I knew that I needed to develop skills to get a higher-level job. I felt that an Accredited Qualification would build my CV and job opportunities.

New PA Diploma

What course did you complete?

The PA Diploma.

What is your new job?

I am now a PA / Admin Assistant. I was able to get the job as they were very impressed that I had taken my Souters Course in the job interview. They actually offered me the job because I had been on the course.

Were you able to get this job following your course?

Yes, with ease. I actually got the job during the last week of my PA course.

In particular, how has the course benefited your career?

I was able to get a better job and secure a position that has the scope for career development.

How have you improved your knowledge and confidence in the course?

I have a greater understanding of my new job and more skills to be a success in my new PA job. I also have the confidence to know and understand what is required in today’s office environment.

What do you advise anyone who is considering taking the course?

You should just go fit if you think you need to upgrade your career and gain confidence. The price of the course is an investment in your future and the difference in future salary will pay you back in multiples.

Would you consider taking another course in the future?

Yes, I would be interested in taking a Minute Taking Course so that I can be an advanced Minute Taker. This skill will help me develop my career.

How I Got a PA Job

What are your future career ambitions?

I would like to continue to develop my career and move up to higher levels and more senior Admin or PA jobs.

Please see the course listings below for details on how you can invest in your future. You can book the PA Course or the PA Diploma. Both of the courses are Accredited.

How I Got a PA Job

At Souters we offer the Level 3 PA Certificate and PA Diploma from the IEAA. This means that you can also progress to the Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications for Executive PAs and Executive Assistants.

Secretary PA Job London

Posted on by Silva

Secretary PA Job in London

This is ideal for someone coming through the Secretary Courses or PA Courses. No prior experience in PA or Secretarial work is required.

I am looking for a secretary/pa/office manager.

Ideally a dynamic recent graduate with some technical facility (not afraid of computers) so I can teach her some powerpoint, excel, outlook type skills.

The role is to be personal assistant to the CEO/CIO (me) and support a team of 6 others as well as run/supervise a 1200 square foot office in Mayfair (Savile Row). My company is a hedge fund (financial services) just starting.

The starting salary is £25,000 initially but there is considerable room for upside as the firm grows and does well (which I expect). STARTING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Email CV to:

Karim@kamportman.com

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Training Courses

Posted on by Silva

Souters is now assisting young people and their parents in developing a skill for the DoE Award that will

One requirement is to gain a new skill which has been addressed by some well thought ideas by parents.

Many parents who have busy careers and have completed University degrees are all too aware that the school system does not always fully develop some key skills.

Typing Courses for the DoE Award

Touch Typing Courses for the DoE Award
Both at University and in the workplace the need to Touch Type accurately and quickly is a tremendous asset. Unfortunately, there is never a better time to gain this skill than as a teenager as young minds develop he skill very fast.

 

PowerPoint and Excel Courses for the DoE Award

 

Excel Courses for the DoE Award
Many parents who work with Excel know all about how this is vital to getting the correct job.Very rarely to University and School Leavers have the correct Excel skills that are needed to do a job with a lot of MS Excel.

PowerPoint Courses for the DOE Award
PowerPoint is great for University, A Levels and at work. It’s a programme that can be muddled through, but to use it correctly is not so easy. Getting advanced training in PowerPoint is ideal.

Other parents have also opted to take MS Word Training for their DoE. There is also another great option which is MS Access training which could give the grounding skill to get high paid IT and IT systems jobs.

All Courses are Accredited

All of the training courses are available with CPD Accreditation and a Certificate at the end. If in doubt of the suitability, you can ask our staff and they will make sure that the course meets the requirements of DoE. Call 0207 248 8987 or email admin@souters.org

Please see details of the mentioned courses below:

 

The Career of a successful Executive Assistant in London

Posted on by Silva

Neolia was working as a Receptionist at the time of taking our diploma program. Since completing the course she has attained some prestigious roles as an Executive Assistant in some of the major banks in London. Presently she has just attained a new role in an American Investment Bank. Please read below about her career. If you would like to find out about taking her course click here: PA Diploma

Executive Assistant Jobs London

What is your job title?

Personal Assistant

What courses did you complete at Souters?

PA Diploma

What did you enjoy about the courses?

It enabled me to work and attend the course at the same time so I considered it very flexible. The number of students in class is not too big which made it easier to learn.

In what ways do you feel that the course has benefited you?

Having no experience at all when I started the course, It gave me an overview of a PA role and responsibilities

In particular, how has it benefited your career?

It gave me the chance to be scheduled for interviews. When I was seeking my first PA role, all interviewers focused on the course I completed at Souters. Before I took the course at Souters, it was more difficult to be considered for interviews.

What do you advise anyone who is considering taking the course?

To absorb as much information as possible, to learn from Joan´s experiences and ask as many questions as possible

What are your future aspirations in your career?

I have currently secured another PA role so will focus on performing my role to the best of my abilities. Afterwards, I would like to keep my work experience in the PA world, which I enormously enjoy

Would you consider taking another course to further your career and skill set?

I would consider a further course which might enhance my current skills

If you would like to find out about taking her course click here: PA Diploma

The Career of a Successful Executive Assistant in London