At a Glance
- Tasks: Support our schools by managing correspondence, scheduling, and data compilation.
- Company: Join Alconbury Community Schools, serving military-connected students across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary with a 60% Post Allowance and potential remote work options.
- Other info: This role is perfect for those looking to gain valuable experience in an educational setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive community making a difference in students' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience with office software and strong typing skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Federal employees in Alconbury, UK are currently entitled to receive a 60% Post Allowance (COLA) in addition to the base salary. This percentage is subject to change. Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
- Current Competitive Service Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Civilian Employee
- Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
- Excepted Service Overseas Family Member Appointment
- Family Member Preference (FMP) for Overseas Employment
- Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
- Military Spouse Preference (MSP) for Overseas Employment
- Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
- Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
- Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
- Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998
In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.
Specialized Experience for GS-05: One year of specialized experience which includes utilizing office automation software to receive/compose routine correspondence from verbal or written instructions; scheduling appointments or meetings; and compiling data. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-04).
OR
Education: Four years of education above the high school level obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university.
OR
Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%. To compute the percentage of the requirements, divide your total months of experience by 12. Then divide your semester hours of education beyond two years (total semester hours minus 60) by 60. Add the two percentages.
Specialized Experience for GS-06: One year of specialized experience which includes: One year of specialized experience which includes utilizing office automation software to prepare a variety of correspondence; maintaining office records, such as: time and attendance, payroll and/or leave records; and compiling data, such as: school inventory, employee personnel information, and/or budget information. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-05).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this grade, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted for the GS-06 level.
Proficiency Required:This position requires a qualified typist. A qualified typist can type 40 words per minute based on a 5 minute sample with three or fewer errors.
You will be evaluated on the basis of your level of competency in the following areas:
- Attention to Detail
- Clerical
- Customer Service (Clerical/Technical)
- Manages and Organizes Information
Time in Grade Requirement for GS-06: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-05).
Time in Grade Requirement for GS-05: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) positions within the last 52 weeks may not be promoted more than 2 grades within the preceding 52 weeks. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Secretary (Office Automation) employer: DoDEA
The Alconbury Community Schools offer a supportive and dynamic work environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of military-connected students. With competitive benefits including a 60% Post Allowance, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative culture, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in this unique educational setting in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Secretary (Office Automation)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at DoDEA. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like DoDEA before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Secretary (Office Automation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to DoDEA:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at DoDEA specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at DoDEA!
How to prepare for a job interview at DoDEA
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
