High school office jobs: What should I expect?

I'm looking at getting my first job and have seen some openings for office positions. What kind of tasks do these jobs usually involve for students like me? Is prior experience required?

Typically, student office jobs at a high school involve a variety of administrative support tasks. You can expect activities such as filing, data entry, answering phones, making copies, running errands within the school, and even assisting school staff and teachers with equipment setup or special projects.

Although the specifics can vary depending on the school and the office you'd be working in (e.g., main office versus guidance counselor's office), these tasks are generally aimed to help the office run smoothly. In addition, you'll likely interact with a variety of people throughout your day, including staff, students, and occasionally parents or visitors. So, being comfortable with face-to-face interactions and having a friendly demeanor can be a bonus.

As for required previous experience, it largely depends on the individual school or office's needs and standards. Some schools might desire students with prior experience in administrative tasks or customer service, but many understand that a high school office job could indeed be a student's first foray into the working world. Therefore, they are more focused on traits like reliability, punctuality, and professionalism.

That being said, any relevant experiences you can highlight, such as leadership roles in clubs, involvement in organizing events or programs, or even skills like proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, can give you an edge when applying. However, don't fret if you don't have a lot of experience yet. The important thing is showing a willingness to learn and a dedication to perform your duties responsibly.