Administrative Assistant duties and responsibilities
Administrative Assistants coordinate office activities and manage company information in a central location by completing a range of clerical tasks. They take care of basic customer service responsibilities, bookkeeping, and data reporting. On any day of the week they may perform the following tasks:
- Greeting visitors and answering phones
- Making adjustments to staff schedules and updating the master calendar
- Coordinating staff meetings
- Writing down minutes and meeting summaries
- Running errands
- Picking up supplies and office equipment
- Filing forms and documents
- Sending invoices and collecting receipts
Administrative Assistant skills and qualifications
Administrative Assistants candidates need to have a range of interpersonal skills, technical skills, and industry knowledge to perform their duties efficiently, share accurate information and help their team meet goals in a timely manner. Some of the key skills required include:
- Proficiency in word processing software
- Written and verbal communication
- Organization skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Flexibility
- Time management skills
- Attention to detail
- Resourcefulness
Administrative Assistant experience requirements
Some companies provide training for Administrative Assistants and do not require candidates to have prior administrative experience to qualify for entry-level positions. High-level Administrative Assistant positions that work with top executives or oversee large departments generally require several years of experience and proof that the candidate can meet deadlines and efficiently accomplish delegated tasks. Candidates with a background in customer service or other front-facing fields where they provide support to others often have the experience and skills to excel in an Administrative Assistant role.
Administrative Assistant education and training requirements
Administrative Assistants typically have at least a high school diploma, but this may vary from case to case. Administrative Assistants with post-secondary education often focus on office procedures, business management, and accounting. Community colleges and vocational schools often provide training courses in computers and general office administration. By completing a bachelor’s degree, Administrative Assistants show that they are well-rounded in writing, math, and computer skills. Professional certifications and a bachelor’s degree in business administration make candidates more competitive for top Administrative Assistant roles.
Administrative Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average pay for an administrative assistant is about $20.08 per hour, but can change based on location, company size and years of experience.
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