What does an Administrative Assistant do?
An Administrative Assistant typically works at the front desk of an organization to greet clients and employees or for an individual. The role of the Administrative Assistant is to help make an office run smoothly by taking care of miscellaneous office duties. An Administrative Assistant is typically responsible for filing and organizing company paperwork. When working for a company executive, an Administrative Assistant may also be responsible for keeping up the individual’s calendar and ensuring they are attending meetings on time.
Administrative Assistant skills and qualifications
A successful Administrative Assistant candidate possesses various prerequisite skills and qualifications for the duties of this job. Some of these may include:
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to complete a high volume of work within deadlines
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
- Good problem-solving skills
- Experience writing and delivering communications to other departments
- Ability to work with little supervision and the ability to take initiative
- Strong attention to detail
Administrative Assistant experience requirements
Most Administrative Assistant positions are entry-level and don’t require any prerequisite experience as on the job training can be provided. However, other positions may require one or two years of previous experience as an Administrative Assistant or another related role. For more senior roles, such as being the Administrative Assistant to an Executive, five or more years of experience in a related role is required. It is best to look for a candidate who has experience working in a similar sized company or similar industry to ensure an easy transition.
Administrative Assistant education and training requirements
When reviewing resumes for an Administrative Assistant, look for someone who has obtained at least a high school diploma. A good Administrative Assistant candidate may also have a four-year college diploma in secretarial studies, administrative assistance, or a related field. Some candidates may also have additional training in particular computer software programs related to the position such as Microsoft Office, JIRA, or other data entry programs.
Administrative Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Administrative Assistant in Canada is $20.45 per hour. The salary can vary depending on many factors including experience, location, or the company that is hiring.
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