Are you ready for an admin adventure?
Despite already having experience with several jobs, many working adults are unable to answer that age-old question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Our Job Spotlight monthly blog series is designed to help with that. In this series, we review all the basics of specific job types, from salary and duties to why people do the jobs they do.
Administrative Assistant
For this month’s Job Spotlight, we’ve chosen to focus on administrative assistants, since tomorrow is Administrative Professionals Day.
Administrative assistants do more than answer the phone. They keep the office running, act as gatekeepers, distribute mail, and master spreadsheets. A perpetually positive disposition and an organized mind are must-have qualities.
Many administrative assistants work with a variety of coworkers from different departments, from accounting and sales to marketing and more. Every day is different—you never know who might walk through the door or call on the phone.
Required Education
High school diploma or GED certificate.
Salary
Although it varies depending on a variety of factors (e.g. experience, industry, geographic area, etc.) administrative assistants can make as much as $40,000 per year.
What Administrative Assistants Do
Administrative assistants handle a variety of responsibilities, which may include:
- Managing the boss’s calendar.
- Processing and distributing mail.
- Data-entry and typing.
- Answering/screening phone calls.
- Interacting with clients or customers daily.
- Acting as the liaison between multiple departments.
- Preparing conference rooms for meetings.
- Taking minutes during meetings.
- And more, depending on the position in question.
What Companies Look for in Administrative Assistants
Although every position is different, a few key skills include:
- Two or more years of experience in an office setting.
- Basic understanding of Microsoft Office Suite.
- Type 30+ words per minute.
- Being a self-motivated multitasker.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- A friendly, outgoing demeanor.
- Organizational skills.
- The ability to solve problems skillfully and quickly.
Are you an administrative assistant? How do you feel about your position? Let us know in the comments below!
