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How a secretary / administrative assistant can use AI, task by task

O*NET 43-6014.00: Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and ExecutiveMedian pay $47,540/year (BLS, May 2025)31 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Perform routine administrative functions such as drafting correspondence, scheduling appointments, organizing and maintaining paper and electronic files, or providing information to callers.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Administrative Assistant (Admin Assistant), Administrative Clerk, Administrative Secretary (Admin Secretary), Administrative Specialist (Admin Specialist), Administrative Support Assistant (ASA), Administrative Technician, Department Secretary, Office Assistant, Secretary, Staff Assistant.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 43%AI-assist 22%Stays human 35%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 12 AI-ready, 9 AI-assist and 10 human-led tasks out of 31. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.Handle the admin · Several times a day
  2. Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.Answer questions · Several times a day
  3. Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.Handle the admin · Daily

🔒 Many of these tasks involve people's information. Remove names and identifying details before using AI, or use only a tool your employer has approved.

AI can draft these 12

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.

Several times a day

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 93% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person. This label was updated from real usage data.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to use computers for various applications, such as database management or word processing.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
Equipment: [lab robot, AV, system]
Task: [describe]

Write a step-by-step operating guide and troubleshooting tips. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Computerized equipment workflow

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use computers.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Task] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow the guide on your next run and fix any wrong step.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate computers or computerized equipment..

Create, maintain, and enter information into databases.

Daily

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 83% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to create, maintain, and enter information into databases.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
Data: [sales, records]
System: [software]

Design an entry template and checks. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Data entry template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create, maintain, and enter information (today).
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [System] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Enter information into databases or software programs..

Set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to set up and manage paper or electronic filing systems, recording information, updating paperwork, or maintaining documents, such as attendance records, correspondence, or other material.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Changes: [leave, exemptions, transfers]
Rules: [policy]

Draft entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Employee record updates

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up (today).
Step 2Fill in [Changes] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record personnel information.. Also involves: Select resources needed to accomplish tasks..

Conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.

Daily

AI maps out the topic and options; confirm with real sources.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 72% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a fast research assistant. Ask it to map out a topic, compare options or list what to check. Use a tool with web search and ask for its sources.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to conduct searches to find needed information, using such sources as the Internet.

Context: We use IBM SPSS Statistics and SAS; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
What I need: [the specific information]
Where I can search: [files, databases, references]

Give me a search plan with terms and sources in order of likely success, and how to confirm the result. Flag where information may be outdated.

10-minute exercise: Search references for an answer

Step 1Pick something you need to look up this week.
Step 2Fill in [What I need] and [Where I can search].
Step 3Run the plan and check the result against a second source.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information..

Complete forms in accordance with company procedures.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 76% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to complete forms in accordance with company procedures.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint.
Transaction or account: [describe]
Requirements: [forms, regulations]

List documents needed and draft the correspondence. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Compliance paperwork

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you complete forms (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Transaction or account] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance..

Maintain scheduling and event calendars.

Daily

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 86% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to maintain scheduling and event calendars.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
Services: [types, durations]
Availability: [staff hours]

Design an appointment template with buffers and confirmation messages. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Appointment book template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain scheduling and event calendars (today).
Step 2Fill in [Services] and [Availability] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Set it up in your booking tool.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Schedule appointments..

Schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.

Daily

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 74% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to schedule and confirm appointments for clients, customers, or supervisors.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
Services: [types, durations]
Availability: [staff hours]

Design an appointment template with buffers and confirmation messages. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Appointment book template

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you schedule and confirm appointments (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Services] and [Availability] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Set it up in your booking tool.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Schedule appointments..

Locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.

Weekly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to locate and attach appropriate files to incoming correspondence requiring replies.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
Purpose: [case, vote count, report, file]
Materials: [paste or list]

Organize into a structured summary with sources and missing items. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Compile documentation

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you locate and attach appropriate files (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Purpose] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the structure for the next file.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Compile data or documentation..

Learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.

A few times a year

AI is a patient tutor for new rules and techniques.

Show prompt & steps

AI is a patient personal tutor. It explains new rules, techniques and technology at your level, quizzes you and builds a study plan.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to learn to operate new office technologies as they are developed and implemented.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Tool or topic: [software, method]
My level: [beginner, intermediate]

Teach me in 5 short lessons with exercises, then quiz me. Use examples from my line of work, quiz me with 5 questions one at a time, and list trustworthy sources.

10-minute exercise: Learn a new tool

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you learn to operate new office technologies.
Step 2Fill in [Tool or topic] and [My level] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use the tool on a real task.

AI's knowledge has a cutoff date. For new regulations and standards, always confirm against the official source.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain current knowledge related to work activities..

Prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations.

Monthly

AI turns complex material into plain-language handouts.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 46% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI is great at turning complicated material into plain-language guides, handouts, FAQs and how-tos for a specific audience. You check it's accurate.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to prepare conference or event materials, such as flyers or invitations.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Material: [manual, rate sheet, event materials]
Changes: [new rules, rates]

Draft the updated content and a change summary. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Reference material update

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare conference or event materials.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Changes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare informational or reference materials..

Arrange conference, meeting, or travel reservations for office personnel.

Monthly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to arrange conference, meeting, or travel reservations for office personnel.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
Request: [hotel, tour, restaurant, taxi]
Details: [dates, preferences, budget]

Organize options, booking steps and a confirmation message. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Arrange reservations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you arrange conference. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Request] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Confirm each booking before telling the guest.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Make travel, accommodations, or entertainment arrangements for others.. Also involves: Schedule operational activities..

Prepare and mail checks.

Weekly

AI handles forms, records and routine paperwork for you to verify.

Show prompt & steps

Forms, records, data entry, scheduling and routine paperwork are where AI saves the most time. It drafts, sorts, extracts and reformats while you verify.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to prepare and mail checks.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
What to send: [notices, submissions]
Recipients: [describe]

Draft notices and a send checklist. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Sending notices or materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare and mail checks (this week).
Step 2Fill in [What to send] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Send information, materials or documentation.. Also involves: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

AI can help you prep these 9

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.

Several times a day

AI builds you an answer bank; exceptions and the human touch are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Build a personal answer bank with AI for the questions you get every day. In the moment, the human touch and the judgment about exceptions are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.

Context: We use Salesforce software; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Calls I get: [patients, customers, callers and what they usually need]
Rules: [what I can and can't say, who to transfer to]

Write a greeting, short answers to the 8 most common requests, and when to transfer or escalate.

10-minute exercise: Phone answers

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you answer telephones.
Step 2Fill in [Calls I get] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer against your policies, especially anything about health or privacy.

Don't paste customers' personal details into AI tools. Describe the situation instead.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information..

Provide services to customers, such as order placement or account information.

Daily

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to provide services to customers, such as order placement or account information.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
What I need: [parts, lab supplies, materials]
Stock and usage: [current levels, how fast we use them]
Suppliers: [who we buy from]

Make an order list with quantities, a reorder-point table and a requisition template. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Ordering supplies

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide services to customers (today). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [What I need], [Stock and usage] and [Suppliers] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check part numbers and approvals before placing the order. Recompute every total yourself.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Order materials, supplies, or equipment..

Review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.

Weekly

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 20% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to review work done by others to check for correct spelling and grammar, ensure that company format policies are followed, and recommend revisions.

Context: We use Adobe Acrobat and Microsoft SharePoint; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Document: [paste text]
What to check: [facts, figures, style, references]

List errors with corrections and anything to verify. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Proofread for accuracy

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you review work done (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Document] and [What to check] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Accept only the fixes you agree with.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Proofread documents, records, or other files to ensure accuracy..

Establish work procedures or schedules and keep track of the daily work of clerical staff.

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to establish work procedures or schedules and keep track of the daily work of clerical staff.

Context: We use Microsoft Project and Microsoft Teams; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Who I schedule: [staff, attorneys, team]
Fixed commitments: [meetings, deadlines, court dates, hours]

Draft a weekly schedule or calendar that avoids conflicts and leaves buffer time, and list anything that needs a decision.

10-minute exercise: Staff schedule and calendar

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you establish work procedures or schedules and keep track (today).
Step 2Fill in [Who I schedule] and [Fixed commitments] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against everyone's real availability before sending.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare employee work schedules.. Also involves: Develop organizational policies or programs..

Order and dispense supplies.

Monthly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to order and dispense supplies.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
What I need: [parts, lab supplies, materials]
Stock and usage: [current levels, how fast we use them]
Suppliers: [who we buy from]

Make an order list with quantities, a reorder-point table and a requisition template. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Ordering supplies

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you order and dispense supplies.
Step 2Fill in [What I need], [Stock and usage] and [Suppliers] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check part numbers and approvals before placing the order.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Order materials, supplies, or equipment.. Also involves: Distribute materials to employees or customers..

Train and assist staff with computer usage.

Monthly

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to train and assist staff with computer usage.

Context: We use Microsoft PowerPoint; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Topic: [tool, method]
Staff: [describe]

Plan the training session and practice tasks. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Staff training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train and assist staff.
Step 2Fill in [Topic] and [Staff] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train personnel..

Mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information.

Monthly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to mail newsletters, promotional material, or other information.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
What to send: [notices, submissions]
Recipients: [describe]

Draft notices and a send checklist. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Sending notices or materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mail newsletters and promotional material.
Step 2Fill in [What to send] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Send information, materials or documentation..

Perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to perform payroll functions, such as maintaining timekeeping information and processing and submitting payroll.

Context: We use Intuit QuickBooks and SAP Concur.
Transaction: [sale, lease, purchase]
Details: [describe]

Organize steps and documents. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Transaction processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform payroll functions (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Transaction] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both. Recompute every total yourself.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

Develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites.

Monthly

AI drafts scripts and configs; design and security are yours.

📊 Real AI use (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026): AI completed the task directly in 57% of those conversations; the rest were back-and-forth with the person.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft configurations, scripts and test cases and explain unfamiliar systems. Architecture and security decisions need your expertise.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites.

Context: We use Hypertext markup language HTML and Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP; the work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
App: [purpose, users]
Features: [list]
Stack: [tools]

Plan the structure and write starter code with tests. Propose the approach first, then the code with comments and tests, and point out security risks.

10-minute exercise: Build an app or site

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you develop or maintain internal or external company Web sites.
Step 2Fill in [App], [Features] and [Stack] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run the tests yourself and read every line before you'd use it.

Don't paste secrets, passwords or proprietary code into tools your employer hasn't approved.

Importance 3.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Develop computer or online applications..

These stay human 10

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Contact with others: constant contact with others · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Dealing with the public: very important · Impact of decisions: important results

Operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to operate office equipment, such as fax machines, copiers, or phone systems and arrange for repairs when equipment malfunctions.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Machines: [billing, mailing, copying]
Job: [describe]

List setup, run and check steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Office machine routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate office equipment (today).
Step 2Fill in [Machines] and [Job] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run a test batch before the full job.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate office equipment.. Also involves: Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel..

Greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Setting: [clinic, store, office]
What comes next: [check-in, finding items]

Write warm greetings and how to handle busy moments. Then play a visitor. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Greeting script

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries (today).
Step 2Fill in [Setting] and [What comes next] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3After the real conversation, write down what worked so you can reuse it.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.. Also involves: Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.; Refer customers to appropriate personnel..

Make copies of correspondence or other printed material.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to make copies of correspondence or other printed material.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Machines: [billing, mailing, copying]
Job: [describe]

List setup, run and check steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Office machine routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you make copies of correspondence or other printed material (today).
Step 2Fill in [Machines] and [Job] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Run a test batch before the full job.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate office equipment..

Operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to operate electronic mail systems and coordinate the flow of information, internally or with other organizations.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
System: [radio, switchboard, intercom]
Call types: [routine, emergency]

Write clear call scripts, radio procedure words, and how to stay calm on emergency calls. Then play a caller so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Radio and switchboard calls

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate electronic mail systems (today).
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Call types] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Practise one emergency call out loud and check the procedure words match your agency's.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate communications equipment or systems..

Open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials and answer routine letters.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Mail: [incoming]
Recipients: [describe]

Plan sorting and delivery. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mail distribution

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you open, read, route, and distribute incoming mail or other materials (today).
Step 2Fill in [Mail] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

📊 People already use AI around this task (Anthropic Economic Index, Apr 2026 to May 2026). The task itself stays human-led.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Distribute incoming mail.. Also involves: Route mail to correct destinations..

Compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence, or reports, such as presentations or expense, statistical, or monthly reports.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Materials: [newsletters, timecards]
Recipients: [describe]

Plan distribution. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Distributing materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compose, type, and distribute meeting notes, routine correspondence and reports (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Recipients] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Distribute materials to employees or customers.. Also involves: Record information from meetings or other formal proceedings.; Issue documentation or identification to customers or employees..

Collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to collect and deposit money into accounts, disburse funds from cash accounts to pay bills or invoices, keep records of collections and disbursements, and ensure accounts are balanced.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Payments: [fees, deposits]
Rules: [receipts, cash handling]

List collection and deposit steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Collecting payments

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collect and deposit money (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Payments] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Collect deposits, payments or fees.. Also involves: Execute sales or other financial transactions..

Manage projects or contribute to committee or team work.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to manage projects or contribute to committee or team work.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Office: [records, branch]
Issue: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Managing admin operations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you manage projects.
Step 2Fill in [Office] and [Issue] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.6/5 · O*NET work activity: Manage clerical or administrative activities..

Coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events, such as luncheons or graduation ceremonies.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to coordinate conferences, meetings, or special events, such as luncheons or graduation ceremonies.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Operation: [describe]
People: [describe]

Plan coordination and communication. Give me the key message in 2 sentences, how people might react, and how to respond to each.

10-minute exercise: Coordinating operations

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate conferences, meetings and special events.
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [People] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Coordinate operational activities..

Supervise other clerical staff and provide training and orientation to new staff.

Monthly

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a secretary / administrative assistant. Part of my job is to supervise other clerical staff and provide training and orientation to new staff.

Context: The work draws on administrative, computers and electronics and administration and management.
Team: [admin, customer service]
Issue or goal: [describe]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Supervising office staff

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you supervise other clerical staff and provide training.
Step 2Fill in [Team] and [Issue or goal] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Supervise clerical or administrative personnel..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Monitoringimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  • Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  • Active Learningimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Working with Computers
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Working with Computers
  • Writingimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
  • Active Listeningimportance 4.0/5
    Used in: Communicating with People Outside the Organization

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (50% of workers)

  • High school or less 50%
  • Certificate or some college 17%
  • Associate's 22%
  • Bachelor's 11%
  • On-the-job training: 1–3 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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