Administrative Assistant's and Secretary's Handbook

by James Stroman, Kevin Wilson, Jennifer Wauson

"Being a professional administrative assistant requires an astonishing and varied range of skills involving interpersonal communication, written presentations, and organizational ability. Between coordinating meetings, making travel arrangements, and running the phone lines, administrative professionals are involved in nearly every aspect of the office.

Written in a down-to-earth style, "Administrative Assistant's and Secretary's Handbook " provides readers with information on subjects including record keeping, telephone usage, office machines, mail, business letters, and computer software skills. Now in its second edition, the book has been completely revised with over 10 new chapters covering topics such as Internet security, netiquette, office ergonomics, and mobile and wireless devices, as well as an enhanced grammar and language section.

Comprehensive and completely up-to-date, this is the book every administrative professional should own."

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Business, Professional Development, Communication

528 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 1995

About the author

James Stroman (Dallas, TX) has worked as an executive assistant to an army general, a governor, and the owner of an NFL football team.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to purchase this book, and that's saying a lot.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book when I began teaching a class on how to be an administrative assistant. I found it valuable in most aspects. If you are looking to start a career in this field, it's worth a read. I'd also read some other books on this subject, too. I'm an experienced AA, and while most books offer you the basics of the duties of the job, the job is really about people management. Psychology books on behavioural psychology, personality, and dealing with difficult people are more valuable for the position. Learning how to use IT for organization and time management is also important and this book gives some direction in that sense. It's an overall good, basic introduction to the role.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems a bit outdated, pretty basic advice. Also, lots and lots of unnessary chapters. I.e. Pronounciation!

[Phyllis Kisseh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

[NIZEYIMANA EMMANUEL]

I don't find the way to read the book

[Edythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are working in any industry as an Administrative Assistant or Secretary, you will find this handbook an asset to your office bookshelf covering all facets of organizing and refreshing your memory to the numerous components in daily office operations.

Section Five -Language Usage contains proper grammar, style, and common English usage problems that enhances writing everything from notes to formal letters and includes the differences of words used such as affect and effect. In Section Six-Financial Activities is where bookkeeping and accounting refreshers in Business Math are located and includes fractions, decimals, and percentages.

A very useful and informative part of this handbook is Section Three-Office Productivity Software for Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and One-Note that also includes using Apple Macintosh applications. There are other well-written sections involving email, web conferencing, and mobile computing including iPad, iPhone, and androids aiding in use of office equipment along with laptop and tablet computers. When you have perused the language, financial and software sections, you are ready to master the several mailing services section to dispatch your finished masterpiece to the intended recipient. There are other informative sections in this reference handbook to list but all areas discussed would take at least another full page.

I recommend this excellent reference handbook to all employed in positions that require an administrative assistant’s or secretarial staff responsibility as it is a supplement to any company organization.

I received this book free from AMA Publishers through the O’Reilly Reviewer Program for an unbiased opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

[Atiya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful handbook. It covers all the basic and intricate details of the administrative assistant profession. Purchase it if you are in this field, it is a necessary resource.