An administrative assistant can be a valuable asset in any office.
More than someone who answers and directs phone calls, a skilled administrative assistant is also the first face office guests see, and the person responsible for organizing and managing schedules and certain communication.
This role requires a diverse set of specific skills.
Knowing what they are can set you apart from other candidates in a job search and help you succeed in the workplace.
Familiarity with Technology
In the modern age, one of the most important administrative assistant skills is being savvy with different kinds of common office technology. Beyond knowledge of software like Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook, in particular) being able to confidently use and sometimes troubleshoot printer or fax issues can also set you apart.
In addition, many offices have their own customer relationship management (CRM) software unique to their industry. Being able to adeptly learn and utilize this software is a crucial skill for any administrative assistant to have.
Good Communication & People Skills
As the first person, most guests or customers will see when they walk in, another hugely important administrative assistant skill is good communication. This includes being able to handle customer interactions in a friendly and professional way by listening to concerns and addressing them clearly and positively.
This extends not only to verbal communication, whether greeting a customer or speaking on the phone but also to writing. Administrative assistants are also responsible for writing memos, emails, and other content for their employer. Clear, accurate writing is crucial to your success as an administrative assistant.
Good Organization & Time Management
In a fast-paced office environment, staying organized is an important administrative skill. Between incoming and outgoing emails and other written material, scheduling and cancellations, events, and meetings, an administrative assistant may have a lot on their plate at any given time. Being organized will make sure that nothing slips through the cracks.
Additionally, making sure you can utilize your time in the most effective way possible is another great administrative assistant skill. When you’re spread thin, knowing how to prioritize can help make sure you get everything done in the best way possible.
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
Unexpected cancellations or other events can throw a wrench into even the most well-oiled office machine, and it’s an administrative assistant’s job to handle them. Along with good organization and time management, being able to solve problems and think strategically in emergencies or when unexpected changes occur is a critical administrative skill.
Detail-Oriented
Many administrative assistants may be exposed to confidential or sensitive information. Being detail-oriented and making sure that this information is properly handled is a good administrative skill to have. Beyond that, though, noticing, anticipating, and managing the little things all over the office can help make you an indispensable asset to the office team.
Interested in Becoming an Administrative Assistant?
Learning the skills necessary to start on your path towards an administrative assistant career has never been easier with the Administrative Assistance and Secretary distance learning course at Stratford Career Institute.
Enroll today to get started.
RATE THIS POST
Loading...Become an Administrative Assistant
Learning the skills necessary to start on your path to towards an administrative assistant career has never been easier with the Administrative Assistance and Secretary distance learning course offered by Stratford Career Institute.