What can you expect to earn?

1. Office Support

PA's, Administrators, Secretaries and Receptionists - The annual salaries for these positions may not match the monthly salaries of some Senior Executive Board Members, but there value to organisations are unquestionable. Following is a guide of typical salaries for some of the strategic roles played by support staff in organisations. As ever salary will be dependant on previous experience and the geographical location.

2. Personal Assistant: £18,000 - £25,000

The Capital City Edinburgh is catching up with London in terms of the salaries that can be commanded by these highly professional and sought after individuals. Often working on a one to one basis with Managing Directors and Chairperson's the PA is an essential gatekeeper for these busy people. Organisation and confidentiality are the key attributes for these roles, it is not so much about the secretarial and the "wpm" aspect but duties are often centred on diary management and the production of complex worldwide travel arrangements that would have Alan Whittaker confused. PA's work at the highest level and usually acts on behalf of management. An essential element in making this business partnership work is the chemistry between the PA and Manager.

3. Secretary: £12,000 - £16,000

Duties for the secretary vary from organisation to organisation, it is very much dependant on the industry sector. Working either with an individual or team of people, the secretary is the back- bone in providing administrative support. Dealing with all aspects of secretarial correspondence, typing reports, producing minuets, audio work, arranging meetings and filing are all part of the job description. The role of a secretary is busy, with demands coming from various team members about what really should take priority, with their need being more important than anyone else. 1st Class PC skills, attention to detail and the ability to think on your feet are essential for these challenging roles.

4. Receptionist: £9,000 - £14,000

Some argue this is the most important role in any organisation, with the receptionist being the 1st point of contact on a face-to-face and telephony basis. A receptionist will have responsibility for ensuring that they portray a positive and professional image for the company. Dealing with busy switchboards, transferring calls and answering queries are the main priorities for the receptionists as well as mail and some clerical duties. Many organisations have strict guidelines and reception protocols so this role often carries a lot of responsibility, with calls generally having to be answered within 3 rings.

5. Administrator: £9,000 - £13,000

Providing clerical and administrative support to organisations, duties can vary and are dependant on the nature of the department that the Administrator supports. These roles tend to be a mixture of data entry, filing and the management of paperwork generated by the department. Traditionally Administrators are often employed within the Public Sector where large amounts of paperwork need to be processed, this role is changing due to technology changes. Administrators have varied duties and responsibilities, but tend to be heavily governed by strict procedures.

These are just four roles that outline the importance of support functions, let us not forget about the Office Manager, Office Junior, Data Entry Clerk, Legal / Medical Secretaries, Telephonist, Project Administrator etc. etc. etc.

In addition to the basic salaries support roles customarily offer overtime payments, again this is dependent on the role and organisation and is not mandatory. Additional benefits such as Company Pensions, Private Health Care and Bonus Schemes may make up the overall Package.